During 2014 alone, more than 430,000 large trucks and commercial vehicles were involved in traffic accidents nationwide. Roughly 88,000 people suffered serious injuries and more than 3,700 people died.
Annually, some 4,000 truck accidents are reported in Ohio and many of these crashes involve passenger cars. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles like concrete mixers, dump trucks and 18-wheelers, the damage sustained to passenger vehicles can be devastating and even deadly.
If you or someone you love is the victim of a truck accident, the questions and circumstances surrounding the crash are often much more complex than those related to a typical traffic accident.
Who Is Responsible In A Trucking Accident?
Depending on the specific circumstances of a case, a number of entities may be liable for a victim’s injuries including:
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- The truck driver
- The owner of the truck or trailer
- The person or company that leased the truck or trailer from the owner
- The manufacturer of the vehicle, truck tires or other parts
- The shipper or loader of the truck’s cargo
Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?
There are many factors that can contribute to truck accidents including:
- Prescription drug use
- Speeding
- Unfamiliarity with roadway
- Over-the-counter drug use
- Inadequate surveillance
- Fatigue
- Illegal maneuver
- Exterior distraction
- Failure to avoid a preventable collision
- Aggressive driving behavior
Pinpointing what went wrong and who is at fault requires extensive knowledge of the trucking industry, accident investigation and the legal system. At Rothchild Law Office, we can help you sort out the complexities of a truck accident case as you work to get your life back on track.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck driver error is the cause of roughly 55 percent of commercial truck accidents.
We know how devastating the impact of a semi-truck crash can be and we will fight to get the maximum compensation possible in your case. Call attorney Barry Rothchild at our Cincinnati office at 513-579-8900 or contact us online.
