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Cincinnati 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

The Cochran Firm In Cincinnati, Ohio

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Hire an Experienced 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney in Ohio

Crashes involving 18-wheelers and other large trucks can cause serious or catastrophic injuries because of the size and weight of these vehicles. The 18-wheeler accident lawyers at The Cochran Firm Cincinnati understand how difficult it can be to recover physically, financially, and emotionally after one of these collisions. If you or someone you love was injured in an 18-wheeler accident caused by a negligent driver, trucking company, or improperly maintained truck, you may have the right to pursue compensation from those responsible. Because important evidence can be lost over time, it is important to speak with an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney in Cincinnati as early as possible.

The Cochran Firm Cincinnati represents victims of 18-wheeler and commercial truck accidents throughout Hamilton County and the greater Cincinnati area, including crashes along I-75, a major commercial trucking corridor through the Cincinnati area. Heavy truck traffic is a routine part of daily travel on this route. If you or a loved one was hurt in a collision with a semi, tractor-trailer, or other large truck in Cincinnati, a Cincinnati 18-wheeler accident lawyer at our firm can start protecting your case today.

At The Cochran Firm, our 18-wheeler accident lawyers work every day to provide all of our clients with a level of service that honors the high standard of excellence established by our founder, Johnnie Cochran. If you’ve been injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler, you can be assured that our personal injury lawyers will be with you every step of the way to make certain you are fairly and fully compensated for your injuries. To learn more about all of the ways The Cochran Firm can help you and your family get your lives back on track after your 18-wheeler accident, please contact us for a free, no obligation legal evaluation of your case today.

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18-Wheeler Accident Lawsuits

Every year, large trucks like 18 wheelers cause some of the most horrific accidents on our nation’s roads and highways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,472 people were killed and an estimated 153,452 people were injured in crashes involving large trucks in 2023. About 82% of the people killed were not occupants of the large truck. They were people in other vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and others outside the truck. (Source: NHTSA, Large Trucks: 2023 Data)

Catastrophic 18 wheeler accidents often occur because of negligence on the part of the operator or the trucking company. Common causes of 18 wheeler collisions include:

  • Driving drowsy
  • Excessive speeding
  • Driving too fast for the conditions
  • Aggressive driving
  • Improper Maintenance
  • Improperly Secured Load/Spilled Loads

Types of Large Trucks and Crashes We Handle

Not every commercial truck accident looks the same, and the vehicle type and crash often shape how we investigate. Our attorneys handle claims involving:

  • Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers
  • Tanker trucks carrying hazardous or flammable cargo
  • Dump trucks and construction vehicles
  • Flatbed and oversized load carriers
  • Box trucks and delivery vehicles
  • Jackknife accidents
  • Underride and override collisions
  • Rollover accidents
  • Tire blowouts and mechanical failure crashes

If you or a loved one was hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Cincinnati, speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer early can help protect your interests. Important evidence, such as electronic logging device data, driver logs, maintenance records, and camera footage, can be lost or overwritten if it is not preserved promptly. At The Cochran Firm Cincinnati, our 18-wheeler accident lawyers work to preserve evidence, investigate how the crash happened, and identify the parties who may be responsible, including the driver, the trucking company, and others involved in operating or maintaining the truck.

Our attorneys also document your damages, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. If the claim cannot be resolved through negotiation, our 18-wheeler accident lawyers are prepared to take your case to trial when necessary.

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Get A Free Consultation With Our Lawyers In Cincinnati

Legal Help For Victims Of Highway Accidents

At The Cochran Firm Cincinnati, all of our highly-experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing quality legal representation to injured people, their families, and the ordinary citizen, just as Johnnie Cochran envisioned when he founded the firm over 40 years ago. If you or a loved one are seeking personal, dedicated and aggressive legal representation in the wake of an 18 wheeler accident, please contact The Cochran Firm today by filling out our online form, or call (513) 381-HURT.

Eighteen Wheeler Accident Lawsuit Questions & Answers

Who Can Be Held Liable for an 18-Wheeler Accident?

Unlike a typical car wreck, multiple parties can be held responsible for a commercial truck crash. Depending on the details of the accident, a claim can be brought against:

  • The truck driver was negligent (e.g., speeding, fatigue).
  • The trucking company for negligent hiring, poor maintenance, or encouraging drivers to violate safety rules.
  • The cargo company if an improperly loaded or secured load caused the accident.
  • The truck manufacturer is liable if a defective part, such as faulty brakes or tires, contributed to the crash.

What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident with a Large Truck?

The moments right after a truck crash can be chaotic, but taking the right steps can help you protect your health and your legal rights:

  1. Call 911: Report the accident and request emergency medical assistance immediately.
  2. Seek Medical Care: Get evaluated by a doctor even if you feel okay. Some serious injuries are not immediately apparent.
  3. Document the Scene: If possible, take photos and videos of the vehicles, debris, road conditions, and your injuries.
  4. Get Witness Information: Ask any witnesses for their names and phone numbers.
  5. Do Not Speak to Insurers: Do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company's insurance adjuster. Contact an attorney first.

What Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?

There is no "average" amount. The value of a truck accident claim depends on factors such as liability, the severity of your injuries, your damages, the available insurance coverage, and the evidence in your case. Damages may include the cost of past and future medical care, lost wages and diminished future earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney in Cincinnati?

At The Cochran Firm, we handle 18-wheeler and commercial truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay attorney’s fees upfront. Instead, our attorney’s fees are a percentage of any settlement or verdict recovered in your case. Litigation costs and case expenses are separate from attorney’s fees, and how they are handled is explained in your written fee agreement. We will review the fee arrangement with you during your free consultation.

Why Are Truck Accident Cases More Complex Than Car Accidents?

Trucking cases involve a level of complexity far exceeding that of a typical car wreck. They are governed by a dense set of federal laws (the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations) and Ohio state laws that don't apply to passenger cars. These cases often involve multiple defendants, aggressive corporate insurance companies, and electronic data from the truck's "black box" that must be preserved and analyzed immediately.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Ohio?

In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. This deadline is set by Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10(A). While that may seem like a long time, it is crucial to act quickly. Necessary evidence like driver logs and truck maintenance records can be lost or destroyed if you don't have an attorney take immediate steps to preserve it. If a government entity is involved or if the injured party is a minor, different rules or timelines may apply, so it’s important to consult an attorney promptly. Contact the Cochran Firm In Cincinnati for your truck accident case today.

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