Truck Accident Lawyer: Cleveland

For more than 40 Years, I have successfully represented Cleveland accident victims. When someone has been involved in a bad truck accident, it is important to know if the driver involved in the accident was driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). 

As an experienced truck accident lawyer in Cleveland, Ohio, I have handled many accident cases involving Commercial Motor Vehicles.

A Commercial Motor Vehicle is as a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property.

1. Has a gross combination gross combination weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is larger, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds, whichever is greater; or

2. Has a gross vehicle weight of 6,001 or more pounds, whichever is greater; or

3. Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or

4. Is used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous, regardless of size.

Accidents involving Commercial Motor Vehicles are far more complex than automobile accidents because CMV’s are held to greater regulatory safety standards. If you or a loved one were involved in an accident with a Commercial Motor Vehicle, call me right away to discuss your injury claim. As always, you will not pay a single penny unless we win your case.

Truck Accidents

As one of the top truck accident attorneys in Ohio, I have found that truck accidents, in particular, often affect more than just the driver of the car involved. Additional individuals, besides the driver of the car, may also become victims of a truck accident, for instance:

Passengers of the Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV):

Passengers in a CMV can be injured in a truck crash due to truck driver negligence, such as distracted driving or fatigue. In such cases, passengers are at risk of injury or death because the CMV collides with other vehicles, barriers, or objects on the road.

Passengers of the Other Vehicle Involved:

Individuals in another vehicle can also become victims in an accident with a CMV. The truck driver makes an unsafe maneuver, such as running a red light, fails to yield, or changes lanes without signaling. The impact of a collision between a CMV and a smaller vehicle can result in catastrophic severe injuries to the passengers.

Trucking Company Employees:

Employees of the trucking company, such as mechanics or dispatchers, can be involved in accidents while performing duties related to the CMV. For instance, a mechanic working on the roadside may be struck by a passing vehicle that veers off the road and into the work area.

Pedestrians:

Pedestrians can be victims when they are hit by a CMV while walking near a road or crossing the street. Inattentive or distracted truck drivers may fail to notice pedestrians, resulting in accidents with catastrophic consequences.

Bicyclists:

Bicyclists sharing the road with CMVs are at risk when truck drivers fail to provide adequate space or visibility. A CMV making a right turn without checking his/her blind spot can collide with a cyclist in the adjacent lane. Cyclists can be hit and even worse, can be run over and killed instantly.

Motorcyclists:

Motorcyclists are very vulnerable to accidents involving CMVs, particularly in situations where the truck driver fails to see the motorcycle or misjudges its speed. Sudden lane changes or turns can result in collisions with motorcyclists, resulting in significant harm.

Emergency Responders and Good Samaritans:

Police, paramedics, or firefighters, can be at risk when they arrive at the scene of a truck crash. Debris or secondary car accidents may occur, potentially causing harm to those providing assistance.

Road Construction and Maintenance Workers:

Workers on road construction crews are exposed to danger when CMVs enter work zones. Work areas are often narrow and inattentive truck drivers can collide with construction equipment or workers, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.

While most motor vehicle accidents are caused by one driver’s negligence, truck accidents can have a number of different causes, Some have nothing to do with negligence, but rather are a result of dangerous company truck driving policies.

Accidents with commercial trucks are extremely dangerous and often catastrophic. I am here to help you and your family. Call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Causes of Accidents With Commercial Vehicles

As a truck accident attorney, I’ve represented truck accident victims who were injured due to a host of issues including:

Negligent Driving

Negligent driving, such as reckless behavior or driving under the influence, can lead to devastating truck accidents. These accidents often result in lawsuits filed by victims seeking compensation for their injuries and other damages.

Failure to Properly Maintain the CMV

When a truck accident occurs due to the failure to properly maintain the commercial vehicle, the trucking company must be held accountable and liable. The best way to do so is to file a truck accident claim against the trucking company. Furthermore, trucking companies are obligated to make sure they set high standards for their drivers.

Hours of Service Violations

Violations of Hours of Service (HOS) regulations can be a factor in truck collisions. Victims injured in such accidents may pursue truck accident claims to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. The regulations are clearly outlined for the driver’s safety, and the safety of others on the road. It is unacceptable for regulations not to be strictly followed.

Poor Driver Fitness

If a truck accident is attributed to poor driver fitness, victims may file truck accident lawsuits to recover damages. These lawsuits can target both the truck driver and the trucking company responsible for ensuring the fitness of their drivers.

Inadequate Training

Inadequate training of truck drivers leads to many accidents. Any company who employs truck drivers should have a set of standards met before putting the driver behind the wheel. Any accident resulting from the negligence of a poorly trained driver should result in a personal injury claim against the trucking company. Victims may seek compensation for their injuries and other damages caused by the lack of proper driver training.

Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo

Truck accidents caused by overloaded or improperly loaded cargo should never happen. Trucking is a business, and unfortunately, businesses may cut corners on the rules. This puts other drivers at risk. Victims may sue both the trucking company and the insurance company for damages resulting from the truck collision.

Negligent Hiring and Supervision

Negligent hiring or supervision practices by truck companies can lead to accidents and subsequent truck accident claims. Only qualified truck drivers should be on the road – period!

Failure to Comply with Regulations

Failure to comply with industry regulations, some already mentioned, can result in accidents. Victims injured in such accidents may file accident claims against the trucking company for not adhering to safety regulations.

Lack of Adequate Insurance Coverage

In the event of a truck accident, the lack of adequate insurance coverage by the trucking company can complicate matters for victims seeking compensation. Another unacceptable practice by trucking companies for which they need to be held accountable. You need to call me!

Unsafe Equipment and Defective Parts

Accidents caused by unsafe equipment or defective parts in commercial trucks can be cause for accident lawsuits. Too often, companies will focus on moving goods before ensuring the safety of their vehicles, drivers and general public.

Environmental Hazards and Hazardous Materials

Truck accidents involving hazardous materials can result in environmental hazards. Victims may file legal claims to address environmental concerns and to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. When moving hazardous materials, the utmost caution must to be taken.

It is so important for companies to make sure their drivers and trucks are safe on the road. I want to make sure that all drivers feel safe. This is why, if you’ve been involved in an accident with a CMV, you need to call me. I will hold drivers and their employers accountable! One of the most important parts of my job, and why I decided to become a personal injury lawyer, is to make Cleveland a safer place. Call me, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

My Goals as a Truck Accident Lawyer

My goals in representing victims of commercial motor vehicle accidents are two-fold:

First and foremost, I want to help you obtain fair and just compensation for your injuries. Secondly, if the accident was caused by a dangerous truck driving practice, I want to change policy, so that the tragedy that happened to you or your family member won’t happen to anyone else.

With my vast experience and resources, I am able to take on large trucking companies who will try to outspend and outlast people bringing claims against them. If I am your truck accident lawyer, I can match them dollar for dollar, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Financial Awards

Medical Expenses

Compensation for all past and future medical bills related to your truck accident injury. This award helps victims recover from their injuries, by ensuring they have the financial means to cover necessary medical treatments, surgeries, therapy, medication, and rehabilitation.

Pain and Suffering

This monetary award covers the physical and emotional distress endured as a result of the trucking accident. It helps the injured recover by acknowledging the non-economic suffering they’ve endured due to injuries and the impact on their quality of life.

Lost Wages

Compensation for income lost due to missed work for recovery should be covered by the truck insurance company or trucking company. This will provide financial stability while claimants are unable to work and manage household expenses.

Loss of Earning Capacity

If your ability to earn a living in the future is diminished due to an accident with a large commercial truck, this award covers the difference in potential income. It helps victims recover by ensuring they have financial security despite a reduced earning capacity.

Property Damage

This monetary award is to reimburse for repairs or replacement vehicles and personal property damaged in truck crashes . Property damage is usually awarded in car accident claims

Loss of Consortium

Compensation for the impact the injuries have on relationships with a spouse or family may be included as part of your truck accident settlement. This award addresses the strain on your personal relationships and the loss of companionship.

Emotional Distress

Damages for emotional distress are awarded for psychological trauma, anxiety, and other emotional suffering resulting from the truck accident. Damage for emotional distress is very important. It is meant to aid recovery by acknowledging and addressing the mental and emotional toll of the incident.

Punitive Damages

In a truck accident settlement, punitive damages are awarded in cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct by the defendant. Punitive damages aim to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

Funeral and Burial Expenses

If the trucking accident results in a wrongful death, the expenses are covered to help the surviving family members cope with the financial burden of arranging a funeral and burial.

Rehabilitation Costs

Compensation for specialized therapies and rehabilitation programs required for recovery from your truck accident injury. This award helps recovery by ensuring injured victims have access to the necessary services to regain physical and cognitive abilities.

Home Modifications and Assistive Devices

Reimbursement for modifications to the victim’s home, or for the cost of assistive devices such as wheelchairs or mobility aids.

Future Medical Expenses

Coverage for anticipated medical treatments, and long-term care for ongoing injuries or disabilities resulting from the trucking accident. I work with a team of experts who help to determine the potential cost of your future medical care.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Compensation for the loss of the ability to participate in activities and hobbies that brought you joy and fulfillment before the trucking accident. You deserve to maintain your quality of life!

Obviously, getting into an accident is a traumatic event, and your life may need to be repaired as a result. I want to help make you whole again. With more than 40 years of experience as a personal injury lawyer, I’ll Make Them Pay!®

What to Expect from Me as Your Cleveland Truck Accident Lawyer

If I take your case, I am happy to meet with you at a time and place that is most convenient for you. I will give you my direct dial cell phone number, so you will have complete access to me. I do this because I understand that, often, my clients’ needs do not fit neatly into a 9-5, Monday through Friday work schedule.

My fee is on a contingency basis which means it is a percentage of your total monetary recovery. You will not pay one cent unless your case is successful. I also pay any and all costs associated with your lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Cleveland, you need to call me immediately at 800-556-4769.

As your Cleveland truck accident lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®