Due to the angle of collision, side-impact motor vehicle accidents often cause particularly serious harm to passengers. When a T-bone accident involves a fully loaded tractor-trailer striking a smaller vehicle, the resulting injuries can be life-altering or even fatal.
If an injured victim can effectively prove that the truck driver, their employer, or some third party was negligent in a way that directly caused the crash, they could have grounds for civil litigation. A qualified truck accident lawyer could lend their experience in cases involving side-impact truck accidents in Cincinnati and work on your behalf toward compensation. If you recently experienced this type of traffic crash, seek legal help to improve your odds of success in any civil action.
Common Causes and Effects of T-Bone Truck Wrecks
Like many other types of traffic collisions, side-impact truck wrecks in Cincinnati usually happen at intersections. These crashes are often due to a tractor-trailer driver or other motorists failing to obey
right-of-way laws. However, there are many other potentially negligent behaviors by a semi-truck operator that could cause this kind of accident, including:
- Not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign or traffic light
- Failing to check blind spots before proceeding into an intersection
- Ignoring weather conditions that affect road traction, such as rain or ice
- Driving while intoxicated or fatigued
- Driving while distracted
Unfortunately, these common negligent behaviors can have unforgiving consequences when a careless or reckless trucker loses control of their large vehicle. When fully loaded with cargo, tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. A direct impact against the side panel or door of a comparatively tiny commuter car can cause
severe injuries to the driver’s
head,
spine, and limbs, and sometimes even impart
fatal damage.
Pursuing Compensation for Cincinnati Tractor-Trailer Crashes
The above behaviors may constitute negligence by an individual truck operator, as they represent a violation of the duty of all drivers to keep other people on the road reasonably safe from harm. If a side-impact truck crash victim can demonstrate through a preponderance of evidence that a trucker’s actions directly caused their compensable losses, they would have a
valid claim for civil damages.
Naming Other Parties in a Side-Impact Truck Accident Claim
However, naming a truck driver as the sole defendant in such a claim may not always be the best course of action. For one, the legal doctrine of respondeat superior often allows trucking companies to bear liability for negligence by their employees while on the job, allowing for more comprehensive financial recovery by the plaintiff.
Furthermore, there are some cases where trucking companies are directly responsible for side-impact crashes. For example, if a company attempts to save money by forcing their commercial drivers to violate federal driving time regulations, an accident due to unreasonable fatigue of the truck operator could be the fault of their employer.
Side-impact wrecks can also sometimes stem from brake failures, steering failures, and other
mechanical defects for which a mechanic or third-party manufacturer might be primarily liable. Because multiple parties could be named in a potential personal injury claim, cases involving T-bone truck collisions can be complex, so it is important to seek advice from a skilled local attorney who can help determine the most effective course of action toward recovery.
Talk to a Cincinnati Attorney About Side-Impact Truck Crash Claims
T-bone truck collisions can have devastating effects long after the initial impact. Victims may continue to suffer from physical pain and financial burdens for their medical costs and rehabilitation. However, if you were injured in a side-impact truck accident in Cincinnati, you may be able to hold someone else liable for your losses with the right legal guidance.
A seasoned truck accident lawyer could go over your legal options and point you toward the path to recovery during an initial consultation.
Get in touch today to schedule a conversation.
