Truck accidents can be some of the most catastrophic and devastating accidents on the road. Due to their size and weight, commercial trucks can cause severe injuries and extensive property damage in the event of an accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Dayton, you may be facing a long road to recovery and significant financial burdens.
In these situations, it is important to have an experienced Dayton truck accident attorney on your side who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. At Babin Law, LLC, we are dedicated to representing truck accident victims and their families and helping them obtain the justice and compensation they deserve. Our Dayton truck accident attorneys are dedicated to getting you the best outcome. Call us today for your free consultation.
What are the Leading Causes of Dayton Truck Accidents?
- Driver fatigue – Truck drivers often work long hours and may not take enough breaks, which can lead to driver fatigue and decreased alertness on the road.
- Distracted driving – Just like with car accidents, distracted driving can also be a leading cause of truck accidents. This can include texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving.
- Impaired driving – Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair a driver’s judgment, vision, and reaction time, leading to accidents.
- Poor truck maintenance – If a truck is not properly maintained, it can lead to equipment failure, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, which can cause accidents.
- Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks – Overloading or improperly loading a truck can make it more difficult for a driver to control, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Poor weather or road conditions – Trucks are more difficult to control in poor weather or on poorly maintained roads, increasing the risk of accidents.
Types of Truck Accidents
- Rear-end collisions: When a truck collides with a vehicle in front of it, this is called a rear-end collision. These types of accidents can occur if the truck driver is following too closely or if they fail to brake in time to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of them.
- Jackknife accidents: This occurs when the truck’s cab and trailer fold in on each other, creating an angle that resembles a folding jackknife. These types of accidents can be caused by sudden braking or turning.
- Rollover accidents: When a truck tips over onto its side, this is called a rollover accident. These accidents can be caused by excessive speed, turning too sharply, or an unbalanced load.
- Underride accidents: These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the back of a truck and becomes lodged underneath the truck. This can happen if the truck driver stops suddenly or if the smaller vehicle is following too closely.
- Wide turn accidents: Large trucks require more room to turn, and if the driver fails to take this into account, they can collide with other vehicles or objects. These types of accidents can be particularly dangerous in urban areas with narrow streets.
- Lost load accidents: If a truck’s cargo is not properly secured, it can fall off the vehicle and cause an accident. This can happen if the load shifts during transport or if it was not loaded properly in the first place.
What to Know About Dayton Truck Accidents
- Ohio has a high number of truck accidents: According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were more than 20,000 crashes involving commercial vehicles in Ohio in 2019, resulting in more than 6,000 injuries and 148 deaths.
- Ohio has laws specific to truck accidents: Ohio has several laws that govern truck accidents, including regulations for commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), weight and size restrictions for commercial vehicles, and hours of service regulations for truck drivers.
- Liability Laws: In Ohio, if you are involved in a truck accident and are found to be at fault, you may be held liable for damages. Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, but your recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
- Statute of Limitations: If you are involved in a truck accident in Ohio, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. The Ohio statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident.
- Insurance Requirements: Ohio requires all drivers, including truck drivers, to carry liability insurance to cover damages in the event of an accident. Commercial trucks may also be required to carry additional insurance depending on their cargo and the weight of the vehicle.
Contact Our Dayton Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Dayton, it’s important to seek the help of experienced truck accident lawyers. At Babin Law, LLC, our team of Dayton personal injury attorneys has the knowledge and skills to help you navigate the complex legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand the devastating impact that truck accidents can have on your life, and we are committed to helping you get back on your feet. Our Dayton truck accident attorneys will work tirelessly to investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
