With so many 18-wheelers carrying heavy cargo loads to various destinations, accidents involving semi-trucks are inevitable. When big rigs collide with smaller passenger vehicles, these crashes may cause devastating injuries or even fatalities.

If you or a member of your family recently suffered an injury due to a commercial truck collision, you might be eligible for financial relief. An experienced Cleveland truck accident lawyer could help you determine whether filing a personal injury lawsuit is a good decision for you and your family.

Common Causes of Truck Wrecks in the Cleveland Area

Incidents involving 18-wheelers could happen for many different reasons. As with passenger vehicle accidents, the most common cause of trucking collisions is driver error. For example, tractor-trailer accidents often happen when the driver is inexperienced or engages in distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, or reckless driving.

Otherwise, when there are mechanical problems with the truck itself (i.e., brake failure), a vehicle or part manufacturer or even a mechanic could be held liable for a person’s subsequent damages. Additionally, unstable cargo can cause a truck to roll over, and unsecured goods could fall from the trailer and create a hazard in the road. Inclement weather, poor visibility, and poor road conditions may also contribute to commercial vehicle wrecks.

Furthermore, truck drivers are frequently under pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines, making them prone to driving longer than they should. Excessive hours on the road causes fatigue, which may impair a trucker’s reaction time, motor skills, and judgment. A semi-truck collision that occurs under these circumstances could create civil liability for the driver’s employer.

Seasoned lawyers in the area have helped survivors of all different types of semi-truck accidents and know how to comb through the evidence and investigate the incident to determine liability. Anyone injured in a trucking accident should connect with a local attorney as soon as possible to ensure important evidence is promptly collected and compiled to strengthen a subsequent civil claim.

Determining Liability for a Truck Crash

After determining the cause of a commercial vehicle crash, a skilled legal representative looks to see which parties bear civil liability. The following parties may contribute to semi-truck wrecks:

  • Truck drivers
  • Trucking companies that fail to train their drivers adequately or service and inspect their vehicles
  • Third-party drivers
  • Vehicle manufacturers
  • Mechanics
  • Loading companies
  • Government agencies in charge of maintaining the roads

More than one party may play a role in a tractor-trailer crash and share the blame. A brilliant attorney with a keen eye could help a trucking accident survivor pursue maximum compensation from all involved parties whose negligence, recklessness, or other wrongful actions contributed to the crash.

Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in Cleveland Today

If you are struggling after a semi-truck collision, you may want to reach out to a resourceful Cleveland truck accident lawyer. Let our dedicated team apply their knowledge and experience to your legal case, allowing you the time and energy to focus on your physical and emotional recovery. Make an appointment today to discuss your legal options with a professional.