Union County Truck Accident Attorney
Representing Clients throughout Ohio Since 1982
It comes as no surprise that truck accidents are among the most deadly and injurious vehicle accidents in America. Due to their large size and heavy loads, trucks become weapons of mass destruction when not driven or maintained properly. If you have been injured in a truck accident, enlist the help of an experienced attorney to determine who is at fault and if you are eligible to pursue compensation.
At Bridges, Jillisky, Weller & Gullifer, LLC, we are proud to have been providing quality representation to clients throughout Union County and all of Ohio since 1982. Our Union County truck accident lawyers have decades of collective experience and can capably handle a wide variety of personal injury cases. We take the time to get to know each and every client and devote the time and resources necessary to investigate and prepare their cases. As a result of our extensive case preparation and individual client attention, we have obtained satisfactory results for numerous clients throughout the years.
Our Union County truck accident lawyers can help you pursue just compensation. Call (937) 403-9033 for more information or a free case evaluation!
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Ohio
Determining liability in a truck accident can be tricky. Not only do trucking companies often have teams of legal experts to defend themselves, there are often multiple variables in truck accidents that make it difficult to place fault with one particular party. For this reason, investigation is of utmost importance.
Truck accidents are commonly caused by the following:
- Drunk Driving
- Distracted Driving
- Drowsy Driving
- Defective Vehicle Parts
- Defective Vehicle Maintenance
If you were injured in a truck accident, don't hesitate to call our firm. We can actively investigate the circumstances of your injuries and pursue compensation on your behalf.
What Makes Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
Truck accidents are a significant concern on our roadways, posing unique and heightened dangers when compared to typical car accidents. These accidents often result in severe consequences due to a combination of factors that make them exceptionally dangerous. Understanding these factors can shed light on the gravity of the situation and highlight the need for improved safety measures.
- Size and Weight Disparity: One of the primary reasons truck accidents are so perilous is the vast size and weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles. A standard passenger car is no match for a fully-loaded tractor-trailer, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When these two types of vehicles collide, the consequences are often catastrophic. The sheer mass of a truck can crush smaller vehicles, leading to severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants.
- Longer Stopping Distances: Trucks require significantly longer distances to come to a complete stop compared to passenger cars. This crucial factor is often attributed to the added weight, limited braking capacity, and longer braking distances. When unexpected obstacles or emergencies arise on the road, the extended stopping distance becomes a significant hazard, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions or accidents that involve multiple vehicles.
- Inherent Stability Challenges: Trucks, particularly those hauling heavy or irregularly shaped cargo, have inherent stability challenges. Their high center of gravity makes them more susceptible to tipping over, especially when navigating sharp turns, adverse weather conditions, or uneven road surfaces. When a truck loses stability and topples, it can block multiple lanes or collide with other vehicles, causing extensive damage and posing a grave risk to anyone nearby.
- Reduced Visibility: Limited visibility is another critical factor contributing to the danger of truck accidents. Large trucks have numerous blind spots around their vehicle, often referred to as "no-zones." These areas make it challenging for truck drivers to see smaller vehicles, making lane changes and merging on highways potentially hazardous. In some cases, passenger cars may unknowingly enter these blind spots, leading to collisions.
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often spend extended hours on the road to meet tight delivery schedules. The demands of long-haul trucking can result in driver fatigue, which is a significant risk factor for accidents. Fatigued drivers may experience decreased reaction times, impaired judgment, and even nod off behind the wheel. The consequences of a tired truck driver can be disastrous, not only for the driver but also for other road users.
- Cargo-Related Hazards: Cargo-related issues can add an extra layer of danger to truck accidents. Improperly secured cargo can shift or spill, leading to accidents as well as road hazards for other vehicles. Cargo containing hazardous materials can result in environmental and health risks when accidents occur.
Bridges, Jillisky, Weller & Gullifer, LLC offers free case evaluations. Contact us today to pursue just compensation with our Union County truck accident attorneys.
