Cincinnati Semi Truck Accident Lawyer

Large commercial vehicles are not an uncommon sight in and around Cincinnati. Whether truckers are passing through the city to get to their destination or are making deliveries in the area, you likely drive side by side with tractor-trailers every day. In the event of an accident with such a large vehicle, you’ll benefit from working with a Cincinnati semi truck accident lawyer.

While you have the option of handling the insurance claim on your own, know that it can be challenging to pursue full compensation without the guidance of an attorney who knows the applicable laws and will be able to value your claim—especially when you’re dealing with physical injuries and emotional trauma. To get an idea of what it’s like to handle the aftermath of a semi truck accident, let’s start by taking a look at how crashes affect Cincinnati.

What Is a Semi Truck?

A semi-trailer truck, commonly referred to as a semi, is the combination of a tractor unit and one or more semi-trailers. They are used to carry freight. The trailer attaches to the tractor with a fifth-wheel coupling known as a hitch. Both the tractor and semi-trailer have a distinctly different design different from that of a rigid truck and trailer.

In general, there are four types of semi truck styles, including a flat roof sleeper, mid-roof sleeper, raised roof sleeper, and day cab. As their names suggest, the first three styles contain compartments that the truckers can use to rest. A day cab, however, is used only for short trips that happen within the same day.

A semi truck without a trailer weighs between 10,000 and 25,000 pounds, while a semi with a trailer weighs between 35,000 and 80,000 pounds. With weight like that, a semi can do some major damage in the event of an accident.

Managing Physical Injuries After a Semi Accident

Because of the sheer size and weight difference between a semi truck and a standard passenger vehicle, those in the smaller car are at a greater risk of injury in an accident. Immediately following a wreck, it’s important to seek medical attention. You could be in a state of shock and may not be aware of just how severe your injuries are.

Some of the most common injuries we see clients come away with after a semi crash include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, head trauma, and burns. While some injuries can be treated relatively quickly, others require hospitalization, surgeries, and physical therapy. Regardless of the extent of your injuries, it’s likely you’ll be looking at weeks or even months of recovery.

In order to maximize your chances of healing and getting back to your old routine as much as possible, it’s important to listen to your doctor’s medical advice. Refrain from returning to work too early, as you’ll increase the risk of reinjuring yourself or worsening your injuries. Remember to attend your doctor’s appointments and rest as needed. It can be challenging to do so when you’re an active, hardworking person, but remember that you’ll only be able to return to your previous state of activity if you take the time your body needs to heal.

The Benefits of Working With a Truck Accident Attorney 

No matter the severity of your semi accident or the extent of your injuries, it’s important to have an experienced, resourceful legal representative by your side. The benefits of having a lawyer include the following:

• Building evidence. While not every semi truck accident claim goes to court, it’s still important to have your claim supported by a myriad of evidence. Your lawyer will gather your medical records, the police report, witness accounts, and any other applicable evidence that proves your accident should never have happened.
• Establishing fault. With the evidence they collect, your lawyer will be able to establish fault on behalf of the truck driver, trucking company, or semi manufacturer. By determining and proving liability, you’ll be on your way to receiving the compensation you need.
• Valuing your claim. Your claim is worth more than just the financial expenses you’re incurred. Your lawyer will take your pain and suffering and potential costs into consideration as well to ensure that once you receive your settlement, you have the means you need to move forward from the accident.
• Handling the insurance company. While insurance company adjusters are typically polite, it’s important to remember that their job is to keep settlement offers low for the benefit of their employer. When you have your attorney manage insurance conversations, you won’t have to worry about potentially jeopardizing your claim.

Overall, your lawyer is going to work to ensure your rights are upheld and you receive the compensation you need to manage the accident-related expenses.

Contact Thomas Law Offices

Every accident is different, which is why we provide our clients with personalized legal representation. If you’ve been injured by a negligent trucker, you deserve to have a Cincinnati semi truck accident lawyer by your side.

When you seek representation and legal guidance from Thomas Law Offices, we’ll be sure to fight on your behalf and do what it takes to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover as fully as possible. To learn more about filing a claim or to get started on yours today, schedule a case evaluation with our attorneys.