Commercial trucks deliver over 30.8 million tons across the nation every day. Those deliveries include the raw materials that will go into manufacturing a product, which will then be delivered by truck. Around Columbus, you’ll encounter these trucks any time you head out to the Outerbelt, I-70, or along High Street or Broad Street. The trucking industry never slows down, and in some instances, that can be a problem for other motorists.
Under pressure to make deliveries, truck drivers find themselves exceeding speed limits or driving beyond mandated service hours. Those factors increase the risk of a commercial vehicle getting involved in an accident.
A truck collision isn’t as straightforward as a crash between two cars. Multiple parties may be found liable for the accident. That is when you need to retain the services of an experienced Columbus truck accident lawyer.
All aspects of the trucking industry are regulated, from how much time a trucker can drive in a single shift to how cargo should be secured. There are state and federal agencies responsible for these regulations, starting with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
=
When you are involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle, there are automatic investigation triggers. That evidence can be part of your personal injury claim. These are the federal rules that can impact your personal injury case:
When the results of a truck accident investigation indicate that the truck driver violated safety rules, it can be used to legally establish fault under the negligence per se doctrine.
This is considered an automatic breach of the duty of care. That is why it is so important to align the way the accident happened in accordance with federal regulations.
Unlike the average driver, a truck driver has to log every hour they spend behind the wheel or in their rig.
That information is collected by an Electronic Logging Device (ELD), and can act as crucial evidence, providing an unalterable timeline of the hours driven and the rest periods taken. It can also document the exact speed and braking habits that were happening just prior to the crash.
In addition to the federal regulations that require trucking companies to maintain rigorous maintenance documentation, they also require trucking companies to use strict driver qualification factors. If it can be demonstrated that a trucking company hired an unqualified or poorly trained driver, the company may be liable for the accident.
The same can be said if that company ignored overdue mechanical repairs, such as faulty brakes or worn tires.
The attorneys at Thomas Law Office have extensive knowledge of all the applicable state and federal regulations. That puts us in the strongest position to support our clients and help them prevail in these types of claims.
If a medical mistake harmed you or your newborn, we’ll investigate what went wrong and fight for funds for lifelong care. Start with a free case evaluation today.
A head injury can change everything. We pursue negligent drivers, companies, and providers to seek compensation for treatment, lost income, and long-term needs. Get a free case evaluation now.
Exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune (1953–1987)? This page explains what happened and potential harms—note the firm is no longer taking these cases. Explore the details and see other options.
From fender-benders to serious crashes, we help you pursue the money you need for medical bills, repairs, and time off work. Don’t face insurers alone—request a free case evaluation.
Hurt on a jobsite? We’ll identify who’s responsible beyond workers’ comp and pursue the recovery you deserve for pain, lost wages, and medical costs. Talk to us for a free case evaluation.
When care goes wrong, you deserve answers and accountability. We review records, build strong claims, and pursue compensation for the harm you suffered. Schedule a free case evaluation.
Motorcyclists are vulnerable—and insurers know it. We fight for riders injured by careless drivers and push for full compensation for medical care and recovery. Request a free case evaluation.
If your premature baby developed NEC after cow’s milk-based formula, your family may have legal options. We’re representing families seeking justice and compensation—act now for a free case evaluation.
Attacked because a property lacked basic security? We investigate owners’ failures—lighting, locks, cameras, staffing—and pursue compensation for your injuries. Start with a free case evaluation.
If a loved one was neglected or harmed in a facility, we’ll help you hold the home accountable and pursue compensation. Take action today—get a free case evaluation.
Injured because someone else was careless? We’ll handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing and getting life back on track. Start with a free case evaluation.
Used a recalled Philips CPAP/BiPAP or ventilator? We help people harmed by defective devices pursue claims tied to the recall and alleged foam exposure. Get a free case evaluation.
Hurt on someone else’s property? We pinpoint unsafe conditions, prove negligence, and pursue damages for medical bills and lost time. Don’t wait—get a free case evaluation.
Defective products shouldn’t cost you your health. We pursue manufacturers and sellers when unsafe designs or warnings lead to injury. Find out if you have a claim—free case evaluation.
Survivors deserve support and accountability. We help you understand your rights and pursue civil action against abusers and enablers. When you’re ready, request a free case evaluation.
A fall can mean ER visits, missed work, and lasting pain. If poor maintenance or hazards caused your injury, we’ll help you pursue compensation. Get a free case evaluation today.
Benefits can be hard to win alone. If a condition keeps you from working, we’ll guide you through the SSA process and strengthen your claim. Start with a free case evaluation.
Spinal trauma can bring lifelong care needs and huge costs. We fight for compensation that reflects the full impact on your mobility, work, and future. Request a free case evaluation.
Crashes with semis are complex and high-stakes. We investigate drivers and trucking companies and pursue the recovery you need after serious injuries. Get a free case evaluation now.
Injured at work in Kentucky? We help Louisville workers fight delays, denials, and lowball benefits so you can get medical care and wage support. Request a free consultation.
When negligence takes a life, accountability matters. We help families pursue a wrongful death claim and seek financial stability during an impossible time. Start with a free case evaluation.
You have enough on your plate. Get a free case evaluation and clear answers from our experienced attorneys today — we’ll take it from here.
In the aftermath of a trucking accident, there will be a lot of evidence to gather. Much of that will come from the truck’s Digital Data Record (DDR) or vehicle black box. The skilled attorneys at Thomas Law Offices will take immediate action by sending a spoliation letter that will “lock down” the evidence.
These are the details we’ll request:
Trucking companies and their insurance carriers know that federal regulations will be heavily scrutinized. That is why we need to act quickly to preserve the evidence.
When you initially pursue a personal injury claim after a truck accident, the first party you will investigate when identifying fault is the truck driver. Some of the most common reasons for truck accidents include the following:
In a truck accident, there may be parties beyond the truck driver who can be held accountable. When your financial future is at stake, all options should be on the table.
These are the other potentially liable parties we might add to your personal injury claim:
The legal doctrine respondeat superior holds employers generally liable for their employees’ actions. That means a trucking company can be held accountable for its driver’s reckless driving. If it can be established that the trucking company engaged in negligent hiring practices or failed to enforce safety regulations by imposing unrealistic delivery schedules, those could also be grounds for holding them liable.
If an accident is caused by cargo shifting, overloading, or spilling, the company responsible for loading the trailer can be held accountable. Often, these are third-party contractors who must comply with strict FMCSA weight limits and securement regulations. Failure to do so can be actionable.
A trucking company needs to properly maintain its fleet. They will either have an in-house mechanic team or contract with third-party mechanics. If those mechanics fail to properly service the vehicle, and that leads to an accident, they can be held liable for the crash.
If a defective truck part is found to be a factor in the accident, there could be an issue with the part manufacturer. This would then make part of the accident a product liability claim.
An additional crucial element of preparing your truck accident claim is calculating the full extent of your damages. Every truck accident is unique. However, certain factors are common to all accidents. We work closely with our clients to understand all the damages they can claim.
These are the issues we’ll consider:
In addition to your tangible expenses, we will also examine the level of pain and suffering you’ve endured as a result of the accident. How has it impacted your ability to enjoy life?
That is also a major consideration when calculating your damages.
Yes, poor weather may bring about a collision. However, truck drivers and trucking companies are still expected to adjust for the weather and operate safely. If evidence proves that a driver was speeding, following too closely, or failing to adjust to hazardous road conditions, the driver can be held liable for the accident.
You should be cautious when speaking with insurance representatives, especially if they ask to record the conversation. Any statement you make can be turned against you to minimize your claim. Before providing a recorded statement or accepting a settlement offer, you should speak with an experienced attorney who can provide you with a full assessment of your claim.
A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice sent to a trucking company demanding that they preserve all evidence related to a crash, including black box data and driver logs. Without this letter, companies may legally destroy or overwrite digital records after a certain period, losing vital proof of negligence.
Yes, you can often still hold the trucking company liable under the ‘Logo Liability’ rule or through federal regulations that treat contractors as statutory employees. Our attorneys investigate the specific contracts and federal filings to ensure all responsible entities are named in your lawsuit.
A thorough investigation can take several months as it involves downloading ECM data, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing thousands of pages of maintenance records. TLO begins this process immediately to ensure no evidence is lost and to build a comprehensive case for maximum compensation.
The actions taken immediately in the aftermath of a truck accident can have a major impact on the outcome of your claim. Trucking companies and their insurers will begin investigating right away. Their goal is to protect their interests and limit their financial exposure. This is why you need to speak with the attorneys at Thomas Law Offices as soon as possible.
Our attorneys understand the difficulties of filing a truck accident claim. We move quickly to safeguard necessary evidence.
We also conduct a thorough, independent investigation to identify all liable parties.
Whether your case involves a fatigued driver, improperly maintained equipment, overloaded cargo, or violations of federal trucking regulations, our team knows where to look for evidence and how to use it in support of your claim. We understand that injuries from truck accidents often result in substantial medical expenses. They can affect your ability to earn a living and cause lasting physical and emotional challenges.
At Thomas Law Offices, we work to pursue the full compensation you deserve while handling the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. Contact Thomas Law Offices today for a free case evaluation.
Our experienced legal team is standing by to hear what happened and help you understand your legal options for pursuing fair compensation.
Having insurance is supposed to bring peace of mind. You know that if you get into a car accident, you’ll be covered for any financial loss. At least, that is the theory. In practice, insurance companies will do whatever they can to minimize your injury claim. These tactics often involve the three Ds: Delay Deny...
It’s often difficult for family members to decide to send their elderly loved ones to a nursing home. For many, it’s especially difficult to trust that nursing home professionals will truly take care of their elderly loved ones. That is why it’s so disheartening when people find out that their loved ones in nursing homes...
Medical negligence can cause cerebral palsy in some situations, particularly when mistakes during labor or delivery deprive a baby’s brain of oxygen and lead to birth injuries. That’s the connection many families spend years trying to understand. Cerebral palsy isn’t always caused by malpractice, but certain cases are directly tied to preventable medical errors during...
Have You Been Injured? We're Ready to Fight for You.
