The Stakes Are Higher in Truck Accidents

A crash involving a commercial truck or 18-wheeler is rarely a routine accident. The size and weight of these vehicles mean collision forces are far greater, and injuries are often catastrophic. Victims may face surgeries, extended rehabilitation, lost income, and permanent physical limitations. Families are often forced to make urgent medical and financial decisions while still processing shock and uncertainty.

Truck accident claims also bring a different kind of pressure. Trucking companies and their insurers typically respond immediately. Evidence may be controlled by the company. Recorded statements may be requested within days. Early settlement offers are common, even when long-term needs are unknown. Working with experienced truck accident lawyers in Cleveland, OH can help preserve critical evidence and ensure your claim is built around what recovery will truly require, not what the insurer wants to pay.

The Stuckey Firm works with you, not just for you. We take time to understand your injuries, your goals, and your future needs, and we pursue outcomes that protect your long-term stability. Hiring a lawyer can remove the stress of dealing with insurance companies and legal deadlines while you focus on healing.

What Is a Truck Accident Claim?

A truck accident claim is a personal injury claim seeking compensation when a commercial truck driver or trucking company causes a crash through negligence. These claims may include compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term impairment. In fatal cases, they may involve wrongful death.

Truck accident cases frequently involve multiple responsible parties. Liability may extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, a freight broker, a trailer owner, or a maintenance provider. Federal trucking regulations often play a major role, including rules governing driver hours, inspections, maintenance, and cargo loading.

These regulations are overseen by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and can become critical evidence when safety violations contribute to a crash. Ohio negligence laws also shape how fault and compensation are evaluated. The Ohio Revised Code provides the legal framework used in many truck injury cases.

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Cases Won Real Outcomes for Real People

$3.6 Million

Retained by a family who were in disbelief of the news reports...

Retained by a family who were in disbelief of the news reports that characterized their elderly father as a reckless motorcyclist. After a complex accident reconstruction identified the negligence of multiple parties, the case was settled during a second private mediation.

Motorcycle Accident | Marysville, Ohio

$1.6 Million

The primary harm in this case was residual scarring and deformity as...

The primary harm in this case was residual scarring and deformity as a result of the injury. Unfortunately, Ohio has a cap of $250,000 for non-economic damages, with no exceptions, for cases against political subdivisions. Through a comprehensive case work up and well versed arguments presenting a real threat to challenging the constitutionality of caps on damages, we were able to negotiate a higher settlement than what was provided under the law.

Pedestrian Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$1.3 Million

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to...

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left, causing a serious collision with three young adult siblings.  TSF was engaged to serve as local counsel to assist with the litigation, mediation, and resolution of the case.

Truck Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$600,000

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to...

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left and turned in front of a motorcyclist, causing serious injury. An accident reconstructionist was retained to disprove inflammatory witness accounts of speed, as motorcyclists are commonly accused of speeding due to the sound of their bike. 

Motorcycle Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$500,000

Inexperienced driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic...

Inexperienced driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left, causing a serious collision with an oncoming motorist. Client sustained serious injuries requring extensive hospitalization and rehab.  He and his wife heavily relied upon counsel to guide them through the maze of medical bills and insurance claims so they could focus on healing and recovery.  Settlement was further maximized through negotiations with multiple lienholders.

Car Accident | Galion, Ohio

$135,000

Dog bit nose of adult visitor to home.  Retained plastic surgery expert...

Dog bit nose of adult visitor to home.  Retained plastic surgery expert to demonstrate permanency of scarring to enhance case value

Dog Bite | Marysville, Ohio

$100,000

At-fault driver failed to yield on a left hand turn, causing crash...

At-fault driver failed to yield on a left hand turn, causing crash and injury to college aged passenger. Policy limits settlement offer obtained despite minimal medical treatment options and $5,000 in medical bills. Client was unsure how to protect her concern for permanent injury and retained counsel to help her obtain expert testimony to document permanent injury to justify the policy limits settlement.

Car Accident | Mentor, Ohio
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The Benefits of Working With Truck Accident Attorneys

  • Early Evidence Preservation: Truck accident evidence can disappear quickly. Driver logs, inspection reports, black box data, and maintenance records may be lost or overwritten. A truck wreck lawyer in Cleveland can act early to preserve what proves fault.
  • Accountability Beyond the Driver: Truck crashes often involve layered insurance and multiple companies. Truck accident attorneys investigate carriers, contractors, brokers, and maintenance providers to identify every responsible party.
  • A Claim Built for Serious Injury: Truck wreck injuries frequently involve permanent disability, future medical care, and lost earning capacity. A truck injury attorney ensures the claim reflects long-term medical needs and life impact, not just immediate bills.
  • Trial-Ready Leverage for Fair Value: Commercial insurers often resist full compensation. Trial-ready preparation from truck crash lawyers strengthens negotiations and protects your right to litigate when necessary.

We prepare every case with trial-level attention, even though many claims settle before trial. The goal is always the best outcome, not unnecessary court time.

Does My Situation Require a Truck Accident Lawyer?

You may need legal guidance if you were injured in a collision with a semi truck, 18-wheeler, box truck, dump truck, or other commercial vehicle. Early representation is especially important when injuries require surgery, hospitalization, extended therapy, or prevent you from working.

You should also consider speaking with a truck accident attorney in Cleveland, OH if the trucking company disputes fault, multiple vehicles were involved, or the insurer is pressuring you for a recorded statement or quick settlement. Many people search for the best truck accident lawyer because they understand what is at stake. Early mistakes can significantly affect the outcome of a high-value claim.

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The Truck Accident Case Process What to Expect

Step One: Immediate Case Guidance

We begin by listening to what happened and reviewing how the injuries affect your daily life. We provide early guidance about insurance communications and steps that protect your claim while you focus on treatment.

Step Two: Investigation and Evidence Collection

Truck cases require deeper investigation. We gather crash reports, witness statements, photographs, medical records, wage loss documentation, and pursue trucking company records and vehicle data needed to establish fault.

Step Three: Claim Development and Demand

Once damages are clearer, we build a demand that reflects medical costs, lost income, long-term care needs, and the lasting personal impact of the crash. The claim is supported by evidence and shaped around your goals.

Step Four: Negotiation or Litigation

Some truck accident cases resolve through negotiation. Others require litigation because insurers refuse fair value. We prepare every case with trial readiness so you are protected regardless of how the case proceeds.

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Available 24/7 (216) 425-0336
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Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different

Truck accident claims are fundamentally different from standard car accident cases. They involve professional drivers, commercial insurance policies, and strict federal safety rules. Commercial trucks have longer stopping distances, larger blind spots, and increased rollover risk, especially when drivers are fatigued or cargo is improperly loaded. Violations involving hours-of-service limits, driver qualifications, maintenance failures, or unsafe dispatch pressure can become critical evidence. The trucking industry is federally regulated for a reason, and violations often explain why serious crashes occur. Truck claims also typically involve higher policy limits, which means insurers fight harder. An experienced truck wreck lawyer builds a case that is thoroughly documented and prepared for serious evaluation from the start.

Meet Your Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys

Proven Leaders in Ohio Personal Injury Law

Our team of local attorneys were hand-selected for their experience and leadership in client service, top legal organizations, and our communities.

Founder

Nathan J. Stuckey

  • Immediate Past President of Ohio Association for Justice
  • The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
Read Nathan's Bio

Partner

Sydney S. McLafferty

  • Past President, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Active Member, American Association of Justice
  • National Women’s Trial Lawyers, Top 25
Read Sydney's Bio

Partner

J. Michael Vervoort

  • Board Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, American Association for Justice
  • Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys
Read Michael's Bio

Attorney

Paul (PJ) Jacob Ratcliffe

  • Member, West Virginia Association for Justice
  • Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, American Association for Justice
Read Paul's Bio

Attorney

Christian W. Sorg

  • Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, Clark County Bar Association
  • Founding Board Member, Recon & Sniper Foundation
Read Christian's Bio

Attorney

James E. Heath

  • Past President, Clark County Bar Association
  • Board Member, Clark County Sportsman’s Club
  • Former Captian, U.S. Army JAG Corps
Read James's Bio

Of Counsel

Christian R. Patno

  • Of Counsel
  • President, American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
Read Christian's Bio

“Mike Vervoort is an excellent attorney and did an amazing job with my case. He handled everything from start to finish and gave me confidence during a very difficult time.”

—K.V.

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Why Choose The Stuckey Firm?

A Client-First Firm That Works With You

Truck accident cases are high-stakes and personal. We work with you, not just for you, and our attorneys remain directly involved at every stage. You are never treated like a file number.

Trial-Ready, Thorough Preparation

Truck injury claims demand detailed investigation and strategic preparation. We preserve evidence early, work with qualified experts when needed, and prepare every case as if it may go to trial.

Credibility That Strengthens Your Case

Our attorneys are respected statewide and known for bringing well-prepared, meritorious claims. That credibility matters when trucking companies and insurers attempt to minimize injuries or deny responsibility.

Truck Accidents Frequently Asked Questions

What makes truck accident cases more complex than car accidents?

They often involve multiple responsible parties, commercial insurance, and federal safety regulations. Evidence like driver logs and vehicle data may not be preserved without early legal action.

What if the trucking company says I caused the crash?

Blame shifting is common. A strong case relies on evidence, crash analysis, safety compliance, and consistent medical documentation to challenge unfair fault claims.

Should I accept a quick settlement after a truck crash?

Quick offers often come before the full impact of injuries is known. Speaking with a truck accident attorney before accepting helps protect your long-term recovery.

Who can be held responsible in a truck accident?

Liability may involve the driver, trucking company, broker, trailer owner, or maintenance provider. A lawyer investigates all relationships and insurance coverage.

How long does a truck accident claim take?

The timeline depends on injury severity, evidence complexity, and whether litigation is required. Serious injury cases often take longer to pursue full value properly.

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Get Answers From Truck Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in a truck accident and are unsure what comes next, you do not have to face the pressure alone. Contact The Stuckey Firm to schedule a confidential consultation with an 18 wheeler accident attorneys in Cleveland and get clear guidance focused on protecting your recovery and your future.

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If you’re unsure what to do next, we’re here to listen and help you understand your options

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