Trucking accidents in and around Toledo, Ohio, typically happen when truck drivers or the trucking companies that employ them are negligent in some way. At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we can swiftly investigate your truck accident circumstances, determine your options, and pursue the compensation you deserve for the injuries you suffered.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Toledo truck accident attorney, please call us at (567) 803-0069 or contact us online today.
When it comes to maximizing your compensation in a Toledo trucking accident claim or lawsuit, you want a knowledgeable team of attorneys advocating for your interests at all times. At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for our injured clients, and we understand the tactics and tricks that insurance companies regularly use to deny and undervalue claims. We will use this knowledge to your advantage and work hard to maximize your total settlement award or litigation result.
You can see our most recent client reviews and case testimonials on this site. Our office is conveniently located at 405 Madison Avenue, #1440, Toledo, OH 43604.
How Much Is My Toledo Truck Accident Case Worth?
If you’ve suffered an injury in a truck accident in Toledo, Ohio, determining the value of your case involves several factors. The amount of compensation you can recover depends on the extent of your injuries, the effect on your life, and the specifics of the accident.
Factors Affecting Case Value
Severity of Injuries: The more severe your injuries, the higher the potential value of your case. Injuries like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries can lead to significant medical expenses, ongoing treatment, and long-term disability. If your injuries are permanent, that can increase your compensation amount.
Medical Costs: The costs of medical treatment, including emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any future medical needs, will be a key factor in your case’s value. If your injuries require long-term care, this can be factored into the settlement or award.
Lost income and Earning Capacity: If you can’t work because of your injuries, the lost income you experience will be part of your claim. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to work in the future, this will be taken into account as well.
Pain and Suffering: This category includes the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident and your injuries. The severity and duration of your pain, as well as the psychological impact, like anxiety or depression, will influence how much you can recover for your pain and suffering.
Liability: Determining who is at fault for the truck accident also plays a significant role. If the truck driver, trucking company, or another party (such as a manufacturer of faulty truck parts) was negligent, you can hold them responsible for your injuries.
Types of Damages
Economic Damages: These include medical bills, lost income, and any future financial losses related to your injuries.
Non-Economic Damages: These include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment.
Punitive Damages: In cases where the at-fault party’s (defendant’s) actions were particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from similar behavior.
Most Common Locations for Trucking Accidents in Toledo
In Toledo, Ohio, trucking accidents can occur in various locations, but certain areas and traffic conditions make accidents more likely:
Highways and Interstates: The busiest roads in Toledo for trucking accidents are the highways and interstates that pass through the city. Interstate 75 (I-75) is one of the most traveled highways in the U.S. and runs directly through Toledo. Because of the heavy traffic, high speeds, and frequent merging, accidents involving trucks are common, especially near Interstate 475, which connects with I-75 and bypasses the northern part of Toledo. Accidents on these highways often occur near on-ramps, off-ramps, or areas where lanes merge due to drivers changing lanes quickly or not leaving enough space.
Interstate 80/90 (The Ohio Turnpike): This busy route has multiple exits and entrance ramps, which can be dangerous if truck drivers fail to slow down when approaching ramps or if they’re not paying attention to merging traffic.
Urban Areas and Busy Intersections: In Toledo’s more urban areas, trucking accidents often occur at busy intersections where trucks must navigate through tight spaces. Detroit Avenue, Sylvania Avenue, and Reynolds Road are major streets that see a lot of truck traffic. These roads have many intersections and can become congested with both cars and trucks, leading to accidents – especially when truck drivers make turns or try to navigate through narrow streets.
Downtown Toledo, especially around Summit Street and Jefferson Avenue: In this area, truck drivers have to maneuver through crowded city streets and may struggle to make turns or stop quickly when there is heavy traffic. Additionally, road construction or poorly marked lanes can contribute to accidents in these areas.
Parking Lots and Loading Docks: Another common location for trucking accidents is in commercial parking lots or around loading docks. Truck drivers often have to back into narrow spaces or navigate tight corners to deliver goods. Accidents can occur when drivers are reckless or fail to pay attention.
Types of Toledo Truck Accidents
Toledo trucking accidents resulting from driver or company negligence can take several forms, each with its own dangers. The most common types include:
Rear-End Collisions: When a truck driver follows too closely or fails to react in time to slowed or stopped traffic, it can lead to a rear-end crash. These accidents often result fromdistracted driving, speeding, or inadequate braking.
Jackknife Accidents: This occurs when the truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming an acute angle with the cab, typically due to sudden braking. Jackknifing is often linked to improper load distribution or braking failure.
Rollover Accidents: Trucks, especially those carrying unbalanced or improperly secured loads, are at risk of tipping over. These accidents are often due to sharp turns, excessive speed, or driver error.
Wide Turn Accidents: Truck drivers making wide or unsafe turns can strike other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles. This type of crash often results from a lack of attention or failure to signal.
Head-On Collisions: When a truck crosses into the opposite lane due to driver fatigue, distraction, or impaired driving, it can result in deadly head-on crashes.
Negligence in any of these areas can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
Most Common Injuries in Toledo Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Toledo, Ohio, can result in a wide range of injuries due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Victims of these accidents may suffer serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment. The most frequent types of injuries and the treatments they may need include:
Whiplash and Neck Injuries: One of the most common injuries in truck accidents is whiplash, resulting from the sudden movement of the accident victim’s head and neck in a collision. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. More severe injuries can involve damaged ligaments, muscles, or even vertebrae in the neck. Treatment typically involves rest, physical therapy, pain medications, and sometimes neck braces or even surgery in severe cases.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries are another frequent result of truck accidents. These injuries can range from mild back pain to paralysis. Damage to the spinal cord may require long-term treatment, including surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. In severe cases, victims may need assistive devices like wheelchairs or home modifications to improve mobility and quality of life.
Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are also common in truck accidents, especially when victims are thrown from their vehicles or hit their heads during the crash. A concussion, skull fracture, or more severe TBI can lead to symptoms like confusion, memory loss, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Treatment varies depending on the severity, ranging from rest and medication to surgeries, rehabilitation, and cognitive therapy.
Broken Bones and Fractures: Broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs, are common in high-impact truck collisions. These fractures may require casting, splints, or in more severe cases, surgical intervention with pins, plates, or screws to realign the bones. Physical therapy is often needed afterward to regain strength and mobility.
Internal Injuries: The force of a truck crash can cause internal injuries, including damage to organs like the spleen, lungs, or liver. These injuries may require emergency surgery, hospitalization, and follow-up care to monitor recovery.
Lacerations and Burns: Victims may suffer deep lacerations or burns from broken glass, metal, or fire after a truck accident. Treatment involves cleaning and stitching wounds, and in some cases, skin grafts or plastic surgery may be needed.
Recovery from truck accident injuries can be a long process, and the medical treatment needed can vary widely depending on the severity of the injuries. Proper and timely care is essential to ensure the best possible outcome.
Fighting the Insurance Company after a Toledo Truck Crash
Fighting an insurance company after a truck accident in Toledo, Ohio, can be challenging, but at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we are here to help you navigate the process. Insurance companies often try to minimize the amount they pay out by offering low settlements or denying claims altogether. Here’s how we can fight for you:
Complete Investigation: First, we’ll conduct a detailed investigation into the accident. This includes gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and data from the truck’s black box (if available). We’ll also look into the truck driver’s driving history and the trucking company’s safety record. The more evidence we gather, the stronger your case will be.
Expert Analysis: We may bring in expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, to support your claim. Their testimony can demonstrate the full extent of your injuries, how the accident occurred, and who was at fault. This helps strengthen your position when negotiating with the insurance company.
Negotiation: We will handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry about them trying to pressure you into accepting a low offer. We will negotiate for a fair settlement that covers medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Litigation if Needed: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. We will file a lawsuit and present your case to a judge and jury if needed, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way.
Let us fight the insurance company for you and work to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages after a truck accident.
Most Important Steps to Take after a Truck Accident in Toledo
After a trucking accident in Toledo, Ohio, taking the correct steps is important for your claim or lawsuit. Here are the most important actions to take:
Complete Your Medical Treatment Regimen: Be sure to follow through with all recommended medical treatments. Completing your medical care regimen is important not only for your recovery but also for documenting the full extent of your accident-related injuries.
Document Everything: Gather as much information as possible from the scene of the trucking accident. Keep photos of the vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries, as well as contact details for witnesses. Additionally, keep copies of all medical records, bills, and any documents related to the accident.
Speak with a Skilled Truck Accident Attorney in Toledo: Truck accident claims can be complicated, involving multiple parties – including trucking companies and insurers. It’s important to consult with a skilled Toledo truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we can thoroughly investigate the cause of the crash, gather necessary evidence, and guide you through the legal process.
Taking these steps after the accident can protect your rights and improve your chances of a successful claim or lawsuit.
Contact an Experienced Toledo Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Is Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys The Right Law Firm For Me? / Why Should I Trust Your Firm With My Case?
Choosing a law firm to represent you and your case is one of the most important decisions you can make. We understand that your case is important to you and choosing the right firm and attorneys to represent you could make the difference for your case. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is known nationwide for providing outstanding legal advice and excellent representation. We have recovered over hundreds of millions of dollars in lawsuits involving 18 wheeler trucking litigation, wrongful death litigation, commercial vehicle litigation, motorcycle litigation, catastrophic litigation, and mass torts involving medical devices and bad drug litigation. Our prowess in the legal arena comes from our combined years of trial and complex litigation experience.
What Types Of Cases Does Your Law Firm Handle?
We handle claims at all levels of litigation. Our areas of practice include Business Law, Employment and Labor Law, trucking accidents, and much more.
Yes. Each state has laws that provide time limits to formally file a lawsuit or claim. These laws, called the “statute of limitations”, will prevent an otherwise viable claim from being considered if it is not filed on time. Therefore, it is important to contact us, or any lawyer, as soon as possible after you have been harmed.
Do You Charge For Consultations?
We want to ensure that our clients are well informed on their legal rights. Therefore, we offer free consultations to our clients and potential clients.
What Types Of Cases Are Considered Personal Injury?
Personal injury cases are incidents in which injuries or deaths have occurred as a result of another’s carelessness, recklessness or intentional wrongdoing. The other person’s negligence may be the result of a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall or many other possible events.
How Long Will My Case Take?
The length of a case, from the initial free consultation through to the resolution of the case by settlement or jury verdict, depends on several variables, so it is not possible to say exactly how long a case may take. The duration of a case is often dictated by the individual court in which the case is filed. Some courts designate a time period for discovery of evidence by each party that may be a year or longer. Other courts have a backlog of cases and therefore, the oldest cases in a county will be considered before a more recently filed case. Though some cases do settle before going to court, a settlement would not usually occur until just before the scheduled trial.
Three Easy Steps to Compensation After an Accident
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