Sawan & Sawan - Local Family-Owned Perrysburg Law Firm
Our team of personal injury lawyers represents the victims of semi-truck accident injuries in Perrysburg, Ohio. After an accident with a semi-truck, there are many questions the victims have. If you have questions about your case, the best way to contact us is by phone at 419-900-0955 or via the contact form below. Here’s some of the most common questions we are asked as injury lawyers:
Semi-Truck Accident Statistics
According to Forbes Advisor who analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Department of Transportation, and other resources found that in 2021 in the US, there were about 523,796 accidents involving trucks while in 2020, that number was 415,444. That was an increase of 26% in one year. These statistics mainly involve semi-trailer trucks which are more likely to be involved in fatal collisions due to their size and uncontrollability. In Ohio, the number fluctuates from year to year with about 3,967 to 5,503 in a given year.
What Should I Do After a Semi-Truck Accident?
If involved in a truck accident, check for injuries and move to a safe zone. Call 911 and report the accident as well as request medical assistance. Exchange insurance information with the truck driver and any other involved parties and gather information from any witnesses to the extent you can do so safely. Take photos of the area, of all vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Note the time and date of the accident and observe the weather conditions. File a police report and notify your insurance company. If necessary, seek medical attention. Contact an experienced truck accident attorney to assist you in this complicated process. They can assist you in navigating through the legal process and insure fair compensation.
Should I File a Semi-Truck Accident Lawsuit After a Crash?
In Ohio, a person generally has two years to settle a truck accident case before filing a lawsuit. Most trucking companies carry substantial insurance policies to cover all liability to a person as a result of an accident. Holding off on the immediate filing of the lawsuit gives a person the ability to collect all the damages resulting from the accident by way of a settlement. To do this, a person must seek medical attention and obtain all medical records and bills, report the accident to the police, gather evidence from the accident scene, then notify the trucking company insurance adjuster for resolution. If unable to resolve the case, then the filing of the complaint would be appropriate. The law gives a person two years to attempt resolution of their case. It is significantly less expensive pre-suit as once filed, the costs of litigation significantly increase. While a person does not have to immediately file a lawsuit, it is imperative to talk to an experienced truck accident lawyer who will start the process of recovery and protect their rights in the case.
What is the Average Settlement for a Semi-Truck Accident?
Semi-truck accident compensation is a complex topic and depends on the scope of the injuries involved and the insurance policy in place that covers the accident. Every personal injury case is different when it comes to calculating damages. For those involved in a semi-truck accident with serious bodily injury, the average settlement would be much higher than those who are fortunate enough not to have significant injuries. Part of the average settlement for a semi-truck accident will be based on medical bills incurred, wage loss from being unable to work, permanent disability or disfigurement, and pain and suffering endured. This is one of the reasons you should always speak with an injury attorney so they can properly evaluate your damages and help recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Dennis P. Sawan
