TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS IN LEBANON
SERVING ALL OF SOUTHWESTERN OHIO

Commercial trucks, semi-trucks, and 18-wheelers are a crucial part of Ohio's economy. In general, Ohio is a trucker-friendly state. However, due to their huge sizes and heavy weights, large trucks are usually difficult to handle and can be a menace on highways and roadways across the state. If you or someone close to you were injured in a truck accident caused by a negligent party, you're within your rights to pursue financial compensation. 

With over 28 years of extensive experience, our attorneys have devoted their careers to helping personal injury and truck accident victims pursue maximum compensation. As your legal counsel, we can review all of the facts of your personal situation, determine the magnitude of your injuries, and help file your claim. In addition, our Ohio personal injury attorney can fight for your rights and help you seek the financial justice you truly deserve. 

Diehl & Hubbell, LLC proudly serves clients across Southwestern Ohio and throughout the surrounding areas of Warren County, Clinton County, Highland County, Clermont County, and Butler County. 

Laws Affecting Truck Drivers in Ohio 

Here are some rules and regulations affecting trucking and truck drivers in Ohio: 

• Truck drivers must demonstrate their fitness and knowledge to drive at both the federal and state levels. 

• Truck drivers can only drive for a maximum of 11 hours and must stop for at least 10 consecutive hours of off-duty rest. 

• The trucking company must conduct routine and systematic inspection, maintenance, and repair of all trucks. 

• Loads or cargoes of trucks must be properly secured to ensure safety and avoid road hazards and risks. 

• All commercial trucks must have liability insurance with minimum liability limits of $750,000 for bodily injury or death per accident and $750,000 for property damage per accident. 

• The maximum width of commercial trucks in the state is 8 feet, 6 inches, or 102 inches. 

• The weight limit on large trucks across the state is 20,000 pounds for a single axle and 80,000 pounds for a long quad-axle. 

Statute of Limitations 

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Ohio, including truck accidents, is two years from the date of the incident. Under state laws, the plaintiff must bring a civil action to seek financial compensation for their injuries within two years from the date of the truck accident or injury. 

Assessing Liability 

However, liability in truck accident cases is not usually as straightforward as in motor vehicle accidents. In traffic accidents involving trucks, different parties or entities may be held liable for the crash based on the circumstances or events leading to the truck collision. These include: 

• The driver of the truck. 

• The trucking company. 

• Equipment and parts manufacturers 

• The manufacturer of the truck 

• Cargo loaders 

• Maintenance company or personnel 

• The loading company 

• Government agencies that neglected or failed to repair damaged roadways. 

A trusted lawyer can help file your claims, identify the responsible party or parties, seek to establish liability, and recover the maximum available damages. 

Filing a Personal Injury Claim  

Ohio is an "at-fault" state for auto accidents. Under the state's fault rules, the truck driver or any other at-fault party will be held civilly and financially liable for medical expenses, property damages, and other accident-related losses suffered by the victims.  

If You're the Victim 

If you're the victim of a truck accident in Ohio, you may pursue damages by: 

• Filing a first-party injury claim with your own insurance provider. 

• Filing a third-party claim against the insurance carrier of the at-fault party. 

• Filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the liable party. 

If You're Representing an Incapacitated Loved One 

Furthermore, if you're representing an incapacitated family member, the first step is to establish guardianship. After you've been appointed as the incapacitated person's legal guardian, you may file a personal injury claim to seek financial compensation on behalf of the victim. 

If You're Representing a Deceased Loved One 

However, if the injured person died from the truck accident or resulting injuries, the "personal representative" or executor of the decedent's estate may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. Damages recovered through the wrongful death suit will be for the benefit of the decedent's surviving loved ones, including the spouse, children, and parents. 

Work With Knowledgeable Personal Injury Attorneys 

A truck accident can be devastating and might result in serious injuries, hospitalization, incapacitation, reduced productivity, or sometimes death. However, you don't have to face the financial liability and pain all by yourself. When involved in a truck collision, retaining a knowledgeable personal injury attorney is imperative. 

At Diehl & Hubbell, LLC, our attorneys are ready to help you hold those responsible for your injuries and damages accountable. As your legal counsel, we can investigate your case details, gather necessary evidence and documentation, and help prove fault. In addition, we will advocate for your best interests and help recover fair financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, future medical treatments, pain and suffering, and other available damages.