Truck accidents are categorically different from car accidents. An 80,000-pound semi can demolish a passenger vehicle — and the injuries are often catastrophic or fatal. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and investigators on-site within hours of a serious crash. Gregory S. Young Co., LPA has the resources and experience to go toe-to-toe with major carriers, their insurers, and defense counsel. We investigate the trucking company's driver logs, inspection records, and safety violations so nothing gets buried.
How We Help You
- Rapid investigation — preserving electronic logging device (ELD) data before it's overwritten
- Identifying all liable parties: driver, trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance contractor
- Analyzing FMCSA hours-of-service violations, drug/alcohol testing records, and inspection history
- Partnering with accident reconstruction experts to establish cause and fault
- Pursuing compensation from multiple insurance policies — commercial liability often runs $1M+
- Handling wrongful death claims when a truck crash takes a family member
What To Do After Your Injury
- Call 911 and Get Medical Help
Truck crashes often cause serious trauma. Emergency medical care is your first priority — and your medical records are your most important evidence.
- Preserve Evidence Immediately
Federal law requires trucking companies to retain data for certain periods — but this window is short. An attorney letter can trigger an evidence preservation hold immediately.
- Do Not Negotiate Directly With the Carrier
Trucking companies have professional claims adjusters trained to minimize payouts. Anything you say can be used to undercut your claim.
- Call Us Right Away
The sooner we get involved, the more evidence we can preserve. Free consultation — no upfront fees ever.
Injured? Talk to a Truck & Commercial Vehicle Attorneys Today
Free consultations are available around the clock. No upfront costs — we only get paid when you do.
- No fee unless we win
- Free consultations 24/7
- Serving Ohio & Kentucky since 1958
Frequently Asked Questions
How are truck accidents different from car accidents?
Truck accidents are far more complex. Commercial trucking is governed by extensive federal FMCSA regulations covering driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. Multiple parties — the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the vehicle owner, and maintenance contractors — may all share liability. Truck companies also have professional crash-response teams that begin protecting the company's interests immediately after an accident. You need an attorney experienced in federal trucking law to level the playing field.
What are the most common causes of truck accidents in Ohio?
The most common hazards include driver fatigue (violating FMCSA hours-of-service rules), distracted driving, improper cargo loading or overloaded trailers, inadequate vehicle maintenance (especially brake and tire failures), speeding or aggressive driving, and impaired driving. Weather conditions on Ohio highways also play a role, particularly in winter. Our investigators look at all of these factors — and the electronic logging device (ELD) data that modern trucks are required to keep.
Can multiple parties be held liable for a truck accident?
Yes — and often are. The truck driver may be personally negligent, while the trucking company may be vicariously liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior. If improper cargo loading caused the crash, the shipper or loading company may share liability. If a brake failure caused it, the maintenance company may be at fault. We investigate every party in the chain to maximize your recovery.
What types of injuries are most common in truck accidents?
Because of the massive size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, injuries tend to be catastrophic: traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries and paralysis, severe burns, amputations, multiple fractures, and internal organ damage. Fatalities are also tragically common. These injuries often require lifelong medical care, which must be factored into any settlement or verdict.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Ohio?
Ohio's statute of limitations for personal injury is two years from the date of the accident (O.R.C. § 2305.10). However, truck cases require an extensive early investigation — black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible so we can send an evidence preservation letter to the trucking company.
What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?
Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule (O.R.C. § 2315.33). If you were partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault — but only if you are less than 51% at fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages are $500,000, you would still recover $400,000. Insurance company adjusters often try to exaggerate your share of fault to reduce their payout. An experienced attorney can counter these tactics.
How should I deal with the trucking company's insurance company?
Do not give recorded statements or sign any releases before consulting an attorney. Trucking companies carry large commercial insurance policies, and their adjusters are skilled at minimizing claims. They may contact you quickly after the accident with a settlement offer — this is typically far below what your case is worth. Let our attorneys handle all communications with the insurer on your behalf.
What federal regulations apply to truck drivers and trucking companies?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules for commercial trucking: hours-of-service limits (drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty), mandatory electronic logging devices (ELDs), drug and alcohol testing requirements, vehicle inspection and maintenance standards, and minimum insurance requirements ($750,000 for most freight carriers). Violations of these rules are powerful evidence of negligence that can significantly strengthen your claim.