Akron Truck Accident Lawyers

Why Are Truck Collisions Are So Dangerous?

Truck accidents in Akron and across Ohio frequently result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, far exceeding the risks posed by collisions involving passenger vehicles. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we understand the unique dangers associated with truck crashes and why they tend to cause such serious harm.

Sheer Size and Weight Disparity

Commercial trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a typical passenger vehicle. This immense weight amplifies the force of a collision, leading to greater damage to vehicles and more severe trauma to occupants.

Hazardous Cargo

Many trucks carry dangerous materials, such as flammable liquids, toxic chemicals, or oversized loads. In the event of an accident, these cargoes can create secondary hazards, increasing the likelihood of serious injuries.

Extended Stopping Distances

A fully loaded truck traveling at highway speeds requires nearly twice the stopping distance of a passenger car. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a truck moving at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—creating significant challenges in avoiding collisions.

Underride Risks

Due to their high ground clearance, trucks pose a risk of passenger vehicles being pushed or pulled under the trailer during a collision. These underride accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities.

High Center of Gravity

Large trucks are prone to rollovers because of their high center of gravity, especially when navigating sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. These rollovers can cause widespread damage and devastating injuries to nearby vehicles.

Massive Blind Spots

Big rigs have extensive blind spots on all sides, increasing the likelihood of side-swipe accidents or rear-end collisions. Drivers in these blind spots are often unaware of the truck’s movements until it’s too late.

Truck accidents often lead to life-altering injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal organ damage, and fractures. Tragically, many fatalities involve occupants of smaller vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.

At KNR, we know how to uncover the factors contributing to a truck accident and hold the responsible parties accountable. If you or a loved one were injured in a truck crash, let our experienced Akron truck accident lawyers help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

At KNR, we like to ask, ‘what more can we do?

• 30+ Attorneys
• 12 Ohio Offices
• 100+ Staff
• 100,000 + People Helped & Millions Recovered
• Zero Risk

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Akron, Ohio

Whether it happened on I-77, Route 8, or while navigating heavy traffic on West Market Street, an Akron truck accident can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of your next steps. The aftermath of a truck crash is overwhelming, but taking the right actions can protect your health and your legal rights.

Here’s what to do after a truck accident in Akron:

• Call 911 or the Akron Police – Contact emergency services immediately to report the accident. The Akron Police Department will help control traffic, conduct an initial investigation, and file an official accident report. This report is vital for any future insurance claims or legal action.
• Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, visit an emergency room as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. Akron has several top-notch medical facilities, such as Summa Health, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, or Western Reserve Hospital, where you can receive thorough care.
• Exchange Information with the Truck Driver – Gather the truck driver’s name, contact information, employer, and insurance details. This information is critical for pursuing compensation later.
• Document the Scene – If you are able, take photos and videos of the crash site. Capture the damage to all vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and any injuries. Make note of witnesses and their contact information, as their testimony could be helpful.
• Call an Experienced Akron Truck Accident Lawyer – Once you’re safe and have addressed your medical needs, reach out to a trusted truck accident attorney. The Akron truck accident lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick can help protect your rights, handle communication with the trucking company, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Akron Truck Accident Hot Spots

Several areas in Akron are prone to frequent truck accidents due to high traffic volumes and challenging driving conditions. According to local crash data, the following locations see a high number of truck-related collisions:

• I-76 at the Central Interchange
• Route 8 near Tallmadge Avenue
• I-77 through Downtown Akron
• East Market Street and Canton Road
• Arlington Street and Waterloo Road

Summit County: Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents in Akron and throughout Summit County often occur on busy highways and streets, particularly during peak traffic hours. The combination of high traffic volumes, large vehicles, and other factors leads to the following common causes of truck accidents in the area:

• Speeding Semis – Truck drivers on highways like I-76, I-77, and Route 8 often exceed speed limits to meet tight delivery schedules. This increases the likelihood of severe crashes, especially in congested areas.
• Distracted Truckers – Commercial drivers using phones, GPS devices, or other distractions contribute to accidents, particularly near high-traffic zones like Main Street and Arlington Street.
• Driver Fatigue – Fatigued truck drivers are a major concern in Summit County, especially on routes with long stretches, such as I-77. Exhaustion can lead to slower reaction times or falling asleep behind the wheel.
• Improper Cargo Loading – Poorly secured or overloaded cargo can shift or fall, causing truck rollovers or debris-related accidents on Akron’s highways and major roads.
• Mechanical Failures – Brake issues, tire blowouts, and other mechanical failures are common causes of truck crashes, particularly on steep inclines like those on Route 8.
• Weather Conditions – Akron’s winters bring snow and ice, creating hazardous conditions on highways and interstates. Trucks are especially vulnerable due to their size and weight.
• Failure to Yield – Truck drivers may fail to yield at intersections, causing collisions in high-traffic areas like East Market Street and Arlington Road.
• Blind Spots – Large trucks have significant blind spots, increasing the risk of sideswipe accidents on highways and busy routes like West Market Street.
• Improper Turns – Sharp or wide turns by semi-trucks often result in crashes, especially at intersections like Tallmadge Avenue and Canton Road.
• Aggressive Driving – Tailgating, sudden lane changes, and reckless maneuvers by truck drivers on highways such as I-76 contribute to severe accidents.

Types of Akron Truck Accidents

Our Akron truck accident lawyers have extensive experience handling various types of truck accidents, including:

• Jackknife Accidents – Common on highways like I-77, jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out, creating a dangerous obstruction for other vehicles.
• Underride Collisions – These deadly accidents happen when smaller vehicles slide under a truck’s trailer, often on Route 8 or I-76 during sudden stops.
• Truck Rollovers – Trucks with a high center of gravity are prone to rolling over, especially on sharp curves and ramps, such as those on Route 8.
• Rear-End Crashes – Heavy trucks failing to stop in time frequently rear-end smaller vehicles, causing severe injuries, especially in stop-and-go traffic on I-77.
• Tire Blowouts – Blown tires can cause truck drivers to lose control, leading to accidents on Summit County highways.
• Wide Turn Accidents – Improperly executed wide turns at busy intersections, like those on East Market Street, can result in collisions with smaller vehicles.
• Lost Cargo Accidents – Improperly secured loads can spill onto the road, causing multi-vehicle crashes on highways like I-76.
• Sideswipe Accidents – Lane-changing errors by truck drivers frequently cause sideswipe accidents, particularly on crowded stretches of Route 8.
• Impaired Truck Driver Accidents – Collisions caused by impaired truck drivers—whether due to alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications—are especially dangerous. These crashes often occur where high speeds and heavy traffic amplify the risks.

Severe Injuries from Akron Truck Accidents

Unlike car accidents, truck crashes frequently involve significant forces that cause life-altering harm or even fatalities. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we understand the profound impact of these injuries and have the skill and experience to navigate the medical and legal complexities involved in securing compensation for victims and their families.

At KNR, our legal team partners with leading medical experts to evaluate the full scope of your injuries, ensuring no detail is overlooked. We have the resources and experience needed to build a compelling case and secure maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, let KNR guide you.

Set Up Your Free Consult

Truck Accident Liability in Akron, OH

Determining liability in an Akron truck accident is a complex process that often involves multiple parties. The responsible party—or parties—must compensate you for your injuries, property damage, and other losses. Truck accident liability frequently extends beyond just the truck driver, involving companies, contractors, and other entities.

The Importance of Proving Negligence for a Truck Crash

To establish liability in a truck accident case, you must prove that the responsible party acted negligently, breached their duty of care, and caused your injuries. The experienced Akron truck accident lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify all liable parties to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Akron Truck Accident Claims Have Time Limits

In Ohio, you generally have two years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Acting quickly is essential to preserve critical evidence, secure witness testimony, and build a strong case. Exceptions, such as cases involving minors or wrongful death, may alter this timeframe. Missing the deadline could result in losing your right to compensation. To protect your claim and navigate these complex timelines, contact the experienced Akron truck accident lawyers at KNR.

Set Up Your Free Consult

Compensation You Can Pursue after a Truck Crash

You may be entitled to both economic and non-economic truck accident damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Past and future costs of treatment, surgery, therapy, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to time off work or diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scars or visible injuries.
• Mental Anguish: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the crash.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship and relationships.

Punitive Damages in Truck Injury Cases

Punitive damages are not always available after a large truck accident. First, you must establish that the at-fault party was either grossly negligent or acted intentionally. If you can prove recklessness, malice, or intentional misconduct, you may receive additional compensation that is intended to punish the at-fault party.

Fatal Akron Truck Accidents

If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident anywhere in the Akron area, we can help you file a wrongful death claim for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance

Challenges with Trucking Companies & Insurers

Trucking companies and their insurers often use aggressive tactics to reduce or deny claims. Common obstacles include:

• Denials of Liability: Insurers may dispute who is at fault. KNR investigates thoroughly to prove negligence.
• Low Settlement Offers: Trucking insurers often undervalue claims. We negotiate assertively to recover full damages.
• Bad Faith Practices: Delays, wrongful denials, or failure to investigate claims are common. We hold insurers accountable for unfair practices.

Our Approach to Your Akron Truck Accident Case

At KNR, we partner with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and other specialists to build a strong case. We ensure every detail is documented, every liable party is identified, and no avenue for compensation is overlooked.

Set Up Your Free Consult

Federal Trucking Guidelines & Violations in Akron Truck Accidents

Truckers and trucking companies must comply with strict regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Ohio law. These rules cover critical aspects like weight limits, driver hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and hazardous material handling. Violations of these guidelines—such as falsified driver logs, inadequate inspections, or overloading—are not just illegal but dangerous.

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we meticulously analyze accident evidence for regulatory violations. Proving such infractions allows us to establish negligence and link unsafe practices directly to the crash, holding trucking companies and drivers accountable for their carelessness.

Trucking Industry Tactics to Avoid Accountability

Trucking companies and their insurers often deploy aggressive tactics to reduce payouts. Insurers may scrutinize your medical history, attempting to blame pre-existing conditions for your injuries. They may also allege you contributed to the crash to reduce your compensation under Ohio’s comparative negligence laws.

KNR fights back by limiting unnecessary access to your medical records, proving the extent of your injuries, and demonstrating the trucking company’s responsibility. We know the tricks trucking companies use and leverage our experience to counteract them, ensuring you’re treated fairly and receive the compensation you deserve.

Trial-Ready Advocacy for Akron Truck Accident Victims

At KNR, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, demonstrating to insurers that we won’t settle for less than you deserve. Our team collects comprehensive evidence, from crash scene photos and police reports to truck maintenance records and black box data. We collaborate with top experts—such as accident reconstructionists and medical specialists—to strengthen your claim.

By preparing witnesses and building a compelling case, we level the playing field against the trucking industry’s vast resources. Whether through negotiation or litigation, KNR is dedicated to securing maximum compensation for Akron truck accident victims. For instance, we recently settled a case for $125,000 after a negligent truck driver struck our client.

Akron Truck Crash FAQs

Contact an Akron Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Akron, the team at Kisling, Nestico & Redick is ready to help. We proudly serve Akron and the surrounding areas, providing compassionate and experienced legal representation. Call us today at (330) 869-9007 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let KNR fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.