The Role of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) in Ohio Truck Accident Cases

Columbus Construction Truck Accident Lawyers

Experienced representation when construction trucks cause deaths and injuries

There’s constant construction along the highways and local roads in Columbus. Trucks and machines are constantly entering and exiting construction sites. Cranes, bulldozers, and other construction vehicles work at the sites, while dump trucks regularly take dirt and debris to local landfills. At Soroka & Associates, we hold construction companies and truck drivers accountable when their negligence causes deaths and serious injuries. Our Columbus construction accident lawyers have earned the respect of former clients, insurance companies, and the legal community for our strong record of verdicts and settlements.

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Columbus Truck Accident Lawyers

What are the different types of construction trucks?

According to Constructionplacements.com, there are many different types of construction trucks, including the following:

  • Dump trucks. These trucks have an open-box bed that can “be hydraulically lifted onto the ground to dump materials, such as sand, gravel, or demolition waste.” They can transport soil, sand, debris, and aggregates.
  • Cement mixers. These trucks combine water, cement, and aggregates to create concrete.
  • Flatbed trucks. Flatbeds don’t have sides or a roof, which makes it easy to load materials (but also easy for the cargo to spill onto the road).
  • Cranes. These construction trucks lift and move heavy materials.
  • Excavator trucks. Construction companies use these trucks to “dig trenches, foundations, and other earthwork.”
  • Bulldozer trucks. These trucks have a large blade in front to push earth, debris, and materials at the construction site.

Other construction trucks include electric/hybrid trucks, autonomous trucks, “smart” construction trucks, compactors, road graders, and front-end loaders.

What regulations govern construction trucks in Columbus?

Construction trucks require regular inspections and maintenance. Truck drivers should have the proper certifications and training. Construction trucks should also have warning lights, backup cameras, seat belts, and fire extinguishers.

Most construction trucks are “commercial” trucks. This means that drivers must have a commercial driver’s license. Drivers must comply with the FMCSA hours of service rules and other FMCSA rules.

The following agencies have rules and regulations that govern the trucks themselves, the loading of any cargo, and the truck drivers:

Ohio also has specific truck safety rules (that apply to construction trucks), such as rules that regulate the maximum weight, height, and dimensions of trucks.

Why are construction trucks dangerous?

Construction truck accidents are dangerous for many reasons, including:

  • Construction trucks are heavier, taller, wider, and longer than cars, which causes more forceful impacts
  • The cargo from the truck can spill onto a driver, cause a driver to drive over the cargo, or cause an accident when the driver tries to avoid the cargo
  • The cargo may contain dangerous chemicals

Why do construction truck accidents happen in Columbus?

Construction truck drivers are the cause of many accidents. Some risk factors associated with drivers include:

  • Not having the proper commercial driver’s license (CDL) credentials
  • Not being properly trained on how to use their specific type of truck
  • Failing to be aware of cars and pedestrians that are nearby
  • Operating their construction truck while distracted
  • Failing to navigate blind spots

The construction site and other companies can be held liable for negligence, which might include:

  • Failing to properly notify drivers of detours, lane changes, the need to slow down, and other safety measures when construction work is occurring
  • Failing to conduct background checks of their workers
  • Not marking off the areas where drivers can and cannot drive
  • Not regularly inspecting their construction trucks
  • Not loading the truck safely and securely

Construction accidents may also happen because a truck/truck part is defective. Examples include defective steering mechanisms, hydraulic systems, brakes, and tires.

What types of injuries do construction trucks cause in Central Ohio?

Construction trucks can injure drivers, passengers, and nearby pedestrians and bicyclists. The size, weight, and force of construction truck accidents means that many accidents are fatal.

Our Columbus personal injury lawyers handle all types of catastrophic, permanent, chronic, and serious injuries, including the following:

Who is liable for a construction truck accident in Columbus?

At Soroka & Associates, we thoroughly question everyone who has information about your accident. We also work with the police, our investigators, construction industry professionals, and other experts to determine who is responsible for your accident. The responsible parties for construction truck accidents may include:

  • The construction truck driver
  • The employer of the construction truck driver
  • The owner of the construction truck
  • The construction company
  • Manufacturers of defective construction truck parts
  • The Ohio Department of Transportation or other entities/agencies responsible for construction work safety

How much is my Columbus construction accident claim worth?

At Soroka & Associates, we review the full scope and severity of your injuries with your doctors (and our own network of doctors when necessary). We review all your financial damages with your employer and financial experts when necessary. Our lawyers also consult with life planners, vehicle mechanics, vehicle appraisers, and other experts.

We demand compensation for all your damages so far and all the damages you will reasonably have for the rest of your life. These damages include:

  • Your medical bills, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, doctor visits, rehabilitative care, assistive devices/technology, medications, and psychological counseling.
  • Your lost income and benefits, including lost wages, business income, overtime, and long-term disability compensation.
  • Your physical pain and emotional suffering, including all your aches, itches, moments of distress, anxiety, and depression.
  • The damage to your vehicle.
  • Any scarring or disfigurement.
  • The loss of any bodily function.
  • The loss of life’s pleasure.
  • Loss of consortium (enjoyment and comfort of your spouse).

If a construction truck accident is fatal, we file a wrongful death action on behalf of the family members.

Do you have a Columbus construction truck accident lawyer near me?

Yes. We meet clients at our Columbus, Ohio, office located at 503 South Front Street, Suite 205. Our lawyers also discuss cases by phone and through online video platforms, such as FaceTime and Zoom. If you cannot travel because of your injuries, we can make alternate arrangements to meet with you.

Our lawyers are here to explain and prepare you for each stage of your claim.

Get help from our experienced Columbus construction truck accident lawyers now

Construction accident injuries can be life-changing. Many accident victims need to be treated by many different doctors and rehabilitative specialists. At Soroka & Associates, we anticipate the arguments that insurance companies and defense lawyers are likely to assert to deny or limit your claim. We’re here to fight aggressively to restore your health and your future. Please call us or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle construction accident claims on a contingency fee basis. Our financial success depends on your financial success.