What to Do After a Truck Accident

January 16, 2025 | By O'Connor Acciani & Levy
What to Do After a Truck Accident

A truck accident can be one of the most traumatic experiences in a person's life. After being involved in a catastrophic wreck, you might be feeling overwhelmed, struggling with pain, and unsure of what steps to take next. The first thing you should consider is talking to an experienced truck accident lawyer

At O'Connor Acciani & Levy, we understand how hard it is to cope with the physical, emotional, and financial burden that follows a serious crash. Our team sees the real impact these accidents have on victims and their families every day, and we know how much you’re hurting. Our personal injury lawyers are here to take that weight off your shoulders. 

We have the resources and experience needed to tackle every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurers and even taking your case to court if necessary. You deserve to focus on your recovery while we handle the rest. Our commitment is to fight for your future, protect your rights, and be your advocate every step of the way.

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Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Truck Accident

The steps you take after a truck accident can influence your ability to recover fair compensation for your injuries. However, it's important to remember that it's never too late to get help. 

Whether you’re fresh from the hospital or a few weeks into recovery, reaching out to a lawyer can be a significant step toward securing your future. Let’s explore the steps you should take following a truck accident in Ohio or Kentucky.

Seek Medical Attention and Follow Medical Advice

The first thing anyone should do after a truck accident is to see a doctor. Truck accidents often cause severe injuries, and getting immediate medical care is critical for your well-being. This is true even if you don’t feel injured at first. 

Adrenaline can mask pain, and injuries like concussions or internal bleeding might not be immediately apparent. Follow your doctor’s advice, attend all follow-up appointments, and keep records of all medical care you receive.

Report the Accident

Make sure the accident is reported to the police. In Ohio and Kentucky, law enforcement will typically create an official report of any serious truck accident. A police report can play an important role in determining fault and proving your claims to insurance companies or in court.

Document Everything You Can

If you’re able, try to gather as much evidence as possible. This might include taking photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, injuries, and anything else that seems relevant. Truck accidents can be chaotic, but even the smallest details may prove valuable later. If you can’t gather information immediately, don’t worry—your lawyer can help fill in the gaps.

Contacting O'Connor Acciani & Levy: What to Expect

Many truck accident victims wonder whether they really need a lawyer and what hiring one would involve. At O'Connor Acciani & Levy, we aim to simplify this process as much as possible. 

Our law firm offers free consultation and case evaluation. You will be able to talk to an experienced truck accident attorney who can walk you through what to expect if you decide to hire a lawyer and how our team can work to protect your rights and advocate for your future.

The Initial Consultation: We’re Here to Listen

When you contact us for a consultation, we start by listening to your story. We’ll ask about the accident, your injuries, and any medical treatment you have received so far. It's normal to feel overwhelmed by these questions, but our goal is to understand your situation so that we can best help you. There’s no need to worry if you don’t have all the details—our job is to investigate and find the answers for you.

Materials to Bring to Your Consultation

You might be wondering what to bring to your consultation. If you have access to the following items, they can be very helpful:

  • Medical records and bills
  • Police reports
  • Photos of the accident scene or injuries
  • Insurance information (both yours and the truck driver's, and that of any other motorists involved in the collision)
  • Any communications with insurance companies
  • Witness contact information, if available 

If you don't have everything on this list, that's okay. Our team will work to gather the information needed, and we’ll handle the heavy lifting for you.

What Happens After You Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

If you decide to work with O'Connor Acciani & Levy, our team will immediately get to work on your behalf. From the moment we begin representing you, we’ll take charge of communications with insurance companies, opposing lawyers, and anyone else involved in your case. Here’s what you can expect:

A Thorough Investigation

Truck accidents are often far more complex than car accidents due to the number of parties involved and the amount of evidence required. Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, including:

  • Reviewing the Accident Report: Police reports are often crucial pieces of evidence.
  • Speaking to Witnesses: We will track down and speak to any witnesses to the crash.
  • Consulting Experts: We may consult accident reconstruction specialists and other experts to build a strong case. 

Our goal is to identify all potentially liable parties, whether it be the truck driver, the trucking company, a manufacturer, or even another vehicle involved in the crash.

Using Technology to Help Determine Liability

Truck accidents often involve technology that isn’t present in standard car accidents. For example, most commercial trucks have an event data recorder, or “black box,” that records critical information like speed, braking, and hours of service leading up to the crash. 

Many trucks also have dash cams, which may capture footage leading up to the crash. GPS tracking can also play a crucial role, offering detailed information on the truck's route, speed, and any sudden stops or deviations from the planned course. 

Additionally, electronic logging devices (ELDs) are required in most commercial trucks to track the driver's hours of service, ensuring compliance with federal regulations designed to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Our team will secure and analyze this data to determine liability. We also look into the driver's logbooks and maintenance records to identify any possible violations of federal safety regulations.

Navigating Negligence Laws

Ohio and Kentucky follow a comparative negligence system. This means that your compensation could be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. However, you can still recover damages if you are not more than 50% at fault in Ohio or 51% in Kentucky. We will work tirelessly to gather evidence and establish a strong case for you, minimizing any blame placed on you by insurance companies.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Truck accidents usually involve several types of insurance policies, which makes navigating claims a complex process. These policies can include the truck driver's individual insurance, the trucking company's commercial insurance, and possibly underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. 

Working with an attorney who understands which policies apply and how to file claims gives you an advantage, especially when insurers try to minimize payouts. Commercial policies often have higher limits, but they also come with experienced adjusters who work to protect the trucking company's interests. 

By having an experienced lawyer from O'Connor Acciani & Levy on your side, you’ll have someone who knows the tactics insurers use to underpay claims. Our goal is to advocate for the maximum compensation available to cover medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other damages.

When Negotiations Aren’t Enough: Taking Your Case to Court

Most truck accident claims settle before trial, but a fair resolution sometimes requires taking a case to court. If a fair settlement cannot be reached because the insurer refuses to budge, we are ready to present your case before a judge and jury. 

Our attorneys are seasoned litigators who aren’t afraid to fight for you in court. When you hire us, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which often strengthens our hand during negotiations.

You might be wondering what you can do to help strengthen your case. While our team will handle most of the heavy lifting, there are a few actions you can take that may support your claim:

  • Keep a Journal: Document your injuries, pain levels, and the ways in which the accident has impacted your life. This can be an important piece of evidence when describing non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
  • Save All Relevant Documents: Keep copies of medical bills, prescription receipts, and any correspondence related to the accident. The more documentation we have, the stronger your case will be. 

You might be concerned about how involved you will need to be after hiring a lawyer. We understand that you need time to heal, and our goal is to handle as much of the burden as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Regular Updates: We will keep you informed about major developments in your case. You'll always know what's happening, whether it’s a new settlement offer or an upcoming court date.
  • Providing Information When Needed: There may be times when we need your input or additional information, such as details about how your injuries have impacted your daily life. Your insights are important, and we’ll guide you through what is needed and why.

Fighting for Fair Compensation

A truck accident can leave you facing significant medical bills, lost income, physical pain, and emotional trauma. Our team at O'Connor Acciani & Levy will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive full compensation for all these damages. This includes:

  • Medical Expenses: Past, current, and future costs related to the accident.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work.
  • Pain and Suffering: We understand that the impact of an accident is more than just financial. 
  • Property Damage: Costs related to repairing or replacing your vehicle.
  • Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for losses that are harder to quantify, such as loss of companionship, emotional distress, and mental anguish. These damages recognize an accident's real impact on your quality of life and relationships. They help compensate for the emotional and psychological trauma of a truck crash.

Statute of Limitations in Ohio and Kentucky

In Ohio, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations in Kentucky is also two years, but it can vary based on whether the claim involves a wrongful death or other specific factors. 

This is why it’s important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. You must act before the statute of limitations expires, or you may lose your right to seek compensation.

Why O'Connor Acciani & Levy?

Truck accidents are different from typical car accidents. They involve federal regulations, commercial entities, and sometimes multiple vehicles or responsible parties. Choosing the right legal representation makes a difference in how your case is handled and the outcome you receive. 

At O'Connor Acciani & Levy, we have the resources and experience necessary to take on large trucking companies and their insurance carriers. Our team knows how to investigate complex accidents, negotiate aggressively, and, when needed, bring a case to trial.

Take the Next Step: Contact Us Today

The most important thing you can do after a truck accident is reach out for legal help. The sooner you have an experienced lawyer on your side, the sooner you can focus on healing while we handle the rest. At O'Connor Acciani & Levy, our team is ready to listen, investigate, and fight for your future.

We have the resources, knowledge, and commitment to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, so you will owe us no legal fees unless we secure a settlement or verdict for you. 

Call us today for a free consultation. Our attorneys serve clients in central Ohio and Northern Kentucky, with offices in Cincinnati and Columbus, OH, and Covington and Florence, KY. Call our main office in Cincinnati at 513-224-5461, or contact us online to get started.

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