The Stakes Are Higher in Truck Accidents

A collision with a commercial truck or 18-wheeler is rarely a routine accident. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles mean the force of impact is far greater than in a typical car crash. Victims often suffer catastrophic injuries that require surgery, extended rehabilitation, and long-term medical care. Lost income, permanent limitations, and uncertainty about the future are common realities after a serious truck crash.

Truck accident claims also present unique challenges. Trucking companies and their insurers often move quickly after a crash to control the narrative and limit exposure. Critical evidence may be in the company’s possession, and early settlement pressure is common, even before the full scope of injuries is understood. Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer can help preserve evidence, slow the process down, and ensure your claim reflects what true recovery will require.

The Stuckey Firm works with you, not just for you. Our truck accident attorneys in Columbus take the time to understand your injuries, your goals, and what accountability means for your life moving forward. The claims process can feel overwhelming when you are dealing with pain, appointments, and financial uncertainty. A lawyer can step in and manage the pressure so you can focus on getting your life back.

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 involve medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent impairment, and future care needs. In fatal cases, they may also involve wrongful death claims on behalf of surviving family members. Truck accident cases often involve multiple responsible parties. Liability may extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, a freight broker, a trailer owner, a maintenance provider, or another entity involved in the operation of the truck. Federal trucking regulations frequently play a central role, including rules related to driver hours, inspections, maintenance, and cargo loading. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides public information on these safety standards and regulations. Ohio negligence law also shapes how fault and compensation are evaluated. The Ohio Revised Code provides the legal framework governing civil liability and personal injury claims in the state.

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The Benefits of Working With a Truck Accident Lawyer

  • 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 injury lawyer in Columbus can act quickly to preserve critical proof.
  • Accountability Beyond the Driver - Truck crashes often involve layered responsibility. Truck accident attorneys can identify whether the carrier, contractor, broker, or another company shares fault and insurance responsibility.
  • A Claim Built for Serious Injury - Truck wreck injuries frequently involve long-term medical care, permanent disability, and reduced earning capacity. A truck injury attorney builds a claim that reflects the full medical and personal impact of the crash.
  • Trial-Ready Leverage for Fair Value - Commercial insurers often fight aggressively to limit payouts. Trial-ready preparation by truck crash attorneys strengthens negotiation and protects your right to pursue full compensation if litigation becomes necessary.
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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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Does My Situation Require a Truck Accident Attorney?

You may need legal guidance if you were injured in a collision with a semi truck, box truck, delivery truck, dump truck, or other commercial vehicle. Representation is especially important when injuries require hospitalization, surgery, extended rehabilitation, or prevent you from returning to work. It is also critical to speak with a truck wreck lawyer in Columbus, 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 recognize how much is at stake. The right legal strategy can protect you from costly mistakes and help ensure the claim reflects the full cost of recovery.

The Truck Accident Case Process What to Expect

Step One: Immediate Case Guidance

We begin by listening to what happened, reviewing your injuries, and discussing how the crash has affected your daily life. We provide early guidance about insurance communications and steps that help protect your claim.

Step Two: Investigation and Evidence Collection

Truck accident cases require deeper investigation than standard car crashes. We gather crash reports, witness statements, photographs, medical records, and proof of lost income. When applicable, we pursue trucking records, vehicle data, and safety documentation to establish fault.

Step Three: Claim Development and Demand

Once damages are clearer, we build a claim reflecting medical expenses, lost wages, future care needs, and long-term impact. We present a demand supported by evidence and a strategy aligned with your goals.

Step Four: Negotiation or Litigation

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

Even when pursuing litigation, many cases settle after filing without ever reaching a courtroom.

Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different

Truck accidents differ from typical motor vehicle accidents because they involve professional drivers, commercial insurance policies, and strict federal safety regulations. Commercial trucks have longer stopping distances, larger blind spots, and higher rollover risks, especially when drivers are fatigued or cargo is improperly loaded.

Violations of safety rules related to hours-of-service limits, driver qualifications, maintenance failures, or unsafe dispatch practices can become critical evidence. The National Transportation Safety Board provides public information on transportation safety and crash investigations that highlights why these standards exist.

Truck accident claims also tend to involve higher policy limits, which often means stronger resistance from insurers. A skilled Columbus 18 wheeler accident attorney focuses on building a detailed, well-documented case that is difficult to dismiss or undervalue.

“He stepped in and handled every detail from start to finish. His expertise and willingness to answer all my questions were exactly what I needed.”

—K.V.

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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
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Why Choose The Stuckey Firm?

 A Client-First Firm That Works With You

Truck accident cases demand trust, communication, and collaboration. We work with you, not just for you, and our attorneys remain directly involved in your case from start to finish.

Trial-Ready Preparation for High-Stakes Claims

Truck crash cases require thorough investigation and strategic planning. We preserve evidence early, work with qualified experts, and prepare each 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.

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Truck Accidents Frequently Asked Questions

What makes truck accident cases more complex than car accidents?

Truck cases often involve multiple responsible parties, commercial insurance policies, and federal safety rules. Evidence such as driver logs and vehicle data may not be preserved without early action.

What if the trucking company claims I caused the crash?

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

Should I accept a quick settlement offer after a truck crash?

Quick offers often come before the full impact of injuries is known. Speaking with a truck accident lawyer before accepting helps protect your right to fair compensation.

Who can be held responsible in a truck accident?

Liability may involve the driver, the trucking company, a broker, a trailer owner, or a maintenance provider. A lawyer can investigate and identify all responsible parties.

How long does a truck accident claim take?

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

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Get Answers After a Truck Accident

If you were injured in a truck accident and are unsure what to do next, you do not have to face the pressure alone. Contact The Stuckey Firm to meet with the best truck accident attorneys in Columbus and get clear guidance from a team 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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