Truck accidents can change lives within seconds, adding medical concerns, insurance troubles, and legal complexities that need attention. Understanding what to do after a truck accident is essential to preserving your rights, avoiding potential pitfalls, and ensuring you receive the compensation you are entitled to under Ohio law.
Evidence collection, representation by counsel, and liability often significantly affect the outcomes of cases. The experienced attorneys at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz provide valuable strategic counseling to guide victims through the necessary steps to enhance their claims for a fair settlement.
The steps you take immediately following a truck accident affect your safety and ability to fight for justice. These are the crucial steps to follow:
If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and avoid additional harm.
Under Section 4549.02, Ohio law mandates that drivers involved in accidents resulting in injuries, fatalities, or property damage must report the incident to the appropriate authorities. Failing to do so can result in serious legal consequences, including fines and penalties. The resulting police report serves as an official record of the accident, capturing key details such as the parties involved, the circumstances of the collision, and evidence collected at the scene. Always ensure you meet your legal responsibilities following an accident to protect your rights and comply with the law.
Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not present symptoms right away, even if you feel fine. A medical evaluation safeguards your health and creates a vital medical record for future claims.
Collect as much evidence as you can to strengthen your case. Be sure to take clear photos of the following:
Contact information must also be gathered from the truck driver, witnesses, and responding officers. The more thorough your documentation, the stronger your case will be.
Stay calm and maintain a professional demeanor when speaking with the truck driver. Collect their insurance information, employer details, and vehicle registration. Avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be used against you.
Knowing what to do after a truck accident requires careful documentation and strategic action. Here’s how to protect your legal rights:
These steps will help safeguard your claim and strengthen your position should legal action become necessary.
One of the most important things to do after a truck accident is knowing when to seek legal assistance. The legal team at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz has extensive experience handling truck accident claims and can guide you through this complex process.
You should contact a truck accident lawyer if:
We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and help you understand your legal options.
Determining fault in a truck accident claim can be one of the process’s most complex and challenging aspects. Ohio adheres to the comparative negligence rule, as Section 2315.33 of the Ohio Revised Code outlines. Under this rule, responsibility for an accident can be shared among multiple parties, including:
An experienced Dayton truck accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
Truck accident settlements vary depending on the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. In Ohio, your compensation may include:
Each case is unique; consulting with a Dayton truck accident lawyer is the most effective way to secure a fair settlement.
Settlements for truck accidents can vary widely, ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. The final settlement value depends on a few significant factors, such as the seriousness of the injuries, the amount of property damage involved, and the degree of liability present in the case, among many other considerations. Other sources of damages, including medical expenses, loss of income, long-term disabilities, and psychological trauma, can also contribute to the total settlement figure. Each case is different from another, which necessitates examining and ascertaining the various aspects required to determine a just and accurate settlement figure.
Not necessarily. Liability in accidents often extends across multiple parties, including trucking companies, manufacturers, and third-party contractors. For instance, a trucking company may be held accountable for employing unqualified drivers, while a manufacturer could bear responsibility for faulty vehicle parts. Additionally, third-party contractors involved in maintenance or logistics might contribute to the issue.
Determining fault involves evaluating several key factors, such as police reports that detail the incident and witness statements offering firsthand accounts. In some cases, accident reconstruction experts are brought in to analyze the scene and uncover how the crash occurred. Ohio’s comparative negligence laws also play a crucial role, assigning fault to each party based on their degree of responsibility for the accident.
The aftermath of a truck accident can take its toll on you, but with the proper help, you can move forward. The Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz team specializes in truck accident claims and has recovered over $3 billion for injured clients.
Knowing what to do after a truck accident can make all the difference in your recovery and financial future. Call 1.937.222.2222 today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
Keep up to Date with Our Newest Firm Updates
A truck accident in Dayton, Ohio can turn your life upside down in seconds. The physical pain, emotional shock, and financial fallout can feel overwhelming. In the aftermath, understanding truck […]
Dog bites are not only a painful experience but also a serious public health issue, especially when they go unreported. Which states require doctors to report dog bites is one […]
Neck pain after a car accident isn’t just common—it’s one of the most alarming symptoms people report in the hours or days following a crash. The discomfort can range from […]
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 1.937.222.2222
