Anyone who has ever been hit in an accident with a commercial vehicle may agree with the fact that the moments that follow are often filled with shock and confusion. Learning what to do after a truck accident in Ohio with a step-by-step guide is critical for protecting your physical health and your future legal rights.
The massive weight of 18-wheelers is why these collisions often cause catastrophic damage. Taking the correct steps at the scene and in the days following can make the difference between a denied claim and receiving the full settlement you deserve for your recovery.
Immediate Steps to Take at the Scene of the Collision
Safety is the absolute priority, especially when you consider that 18-wheelers are often between 20 and 30 times the weight of a standard passenger car and take up considerable space on the road. If you’re able, take the following actions:
- Move your vehicle to the shoulder of the road
- Turn off the engine
- Activate your hazard lights
The Buckeye State requires you to stop and remain at the scene of any accident resulting in injury or significant property damage. Call 911 immediately to notify emergency medical services and law enforcement to go to the scene.
The truck driver is supposed to stay at the scene of the accident, too. So, while waiting for help to arrive, interact with the truck driver if you’re able to and exchange information with them. Get their full name, contact details, driver’s license number, insurance information, trucking company, and their truck’s USDOT number. If there are witnesses nearby, try to collect their names and phone numbers before they leave the scene, too.
Documenting Evidence and Seeking Medical Care
Your cell phone can be a great tool for keeping evidence. Take photos and videos of the scene from multiple angles. Document the damage to all vehicles involved, any visible skid marks on the pavement, and the positions of the vehicles relative to traffic signs or signals.
Such details can help accident reconstruction experts determine how the accident happened. Also, pictures and videos can tell experts if environmental factors, like weather conditions or road construction, played a role in your crash.
Even if you don’t think your injuries are a big deal, you should get medical attention right away. In Ohio, there are several esteemed places to receive high-quality care. There’s the Cleveland Clinic, with a campus on East Washington Street in Medina, and UH Parma Medical Center on Powers Boulevard in Parma.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
Dealing with the aftermath of a crash with a semi-truck often involves facing powerful corporate legal teams. When you hire a truck accident lawyer, you level the playing field.
An experienced attorney understands how to handle the federal motor safety regulations and truck accident laws that govern the trucking industry. Professional legal representation well-versed in personal injury claim procedures, like the team at The Czack Hobbs Law Firm, can help you get a settlement that covers the full scope of your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We are dedicated to making our clients and their loved ones our priority and putting our knowledge and experience in personal injury claims to use on your behalf. Even though previous outcomes don’t guarantee future results, our work, dedication, and attention to detail allowed us to secure millions of dollars in compensation for our past clients.
FAQs
What Happens If You Don’t Report an Accident Within 24 Hours in Ohio?
If you don’t report an accident within 24 hours in Ohio, you may be hit with penalties like a driver’s license suspension. Under Ohio law, it’s generally your responsibility to report a crash, especially if the crash results in injury, death, or major property damage. When you report the crash as soon as possible, you’re better able to keep a timely, official record of it for insurance purposes.
What Should You Not Say to Your Insurance Company After an Accident?
After an accident, you should not say things to your insurance company that speculate about the cause of the accident or about the extent of your injuries before you’ve been fully evaluated by a doctor. Additionally, never give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without your lawyer present. They may try to find inconsistencies in your story or use your words against you to put the blame on you.
Why Should You Never Admit Fault for a Collision With a Truck in Ohio?
You should never admit fault for a collision with a truck in Ohio because determining the cause is a complex process. It involves looking at maintenance logs, witness statements, and other evidence. Even if you feel you may have contributed to the crash, admitting fault at the scene is a mistake. In Ohio, admitting fault prematurely can permanently keep you from recovering damages.
What Are the Four Proofs of Negligence Required in a Truck Accident Case?
The four proofs of negligence required in a truck accident case are duty, breach, causation, and damages. You must prove that the truck driver owed you a legal duty of care.
You must show, for example, that a driver who sped or drove while fatigued didn’t meet their duty. Also, you have to prove that their breach of duty caused the accident and your injuries and that you suffered actual damages, such as medical bills or lost income.
Your Path to Recovery Starts Now
The hours and days after a truck accident can be a race against time, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Hire a truck accident attorney from The Czack Hobbs Law Firm and begin working with an ally dedicated to helping you get fair compensation for your injuries and future needs.
Our team handles the investigations and insurance negotiations. When you allow us to manage these aspects of your ordeal, we help take some stress off your plate, which allows you to focus on your health, which matters most. Contact our firm today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us protect your rights and help you regain stability after a traumatic event.
