Truck accident
Truck Accident Attorneys in Columbus, Ohio
The firms in this guide
- The Donahey Law Firm Call The Donahey Law Firm: (614) 224-8166
- GB Law (Geiser Bowman) Call GB Law (Geiser Bowman): (614) 222-4444
- Kisling, Nestico & Redick, LLC (KNR) Call Kisling, Nestico & Redick, LLC (KNR): (614) 487-8669
- Oliver Law Office Call Oliver Law Office: (614) 220-9100
- Bressman Law Call Bressman Law: (614) 538-1116
1. The Donahey Law Firm
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, tractor-trailer collisions, semi-truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, catastrophic injury litigation, wrongful death from trucking collisions, automobile accidents, train accidents, plane accidents, medical malpractice, and premises injuries.
Case Types Handled: Jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, underride and override accidents, wide turn accidents, blind spot accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, brake failure accidents, tire blowout accidents, driver fatigue accidents, cargo shift accidents, and multi-vehicle truck pileups.
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) compliance investigation, trucking company emergency response team analysis, electronic logging device (ELD) data preservation and analysis, black box data retrieval, in-cab camera footage collection, telematics data analysis, driver qualification file review, hours of service violation investigation, driver log analysis, maintenance record investigation, truck inspection record review, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, and catastrophic injury claims.
Background: The Donahey Law Firm has over 50 years of combined experience handling complex trucking cases throughout Ohio. The firm’s attorneys have previously led litigation teams defending trucking companies and insurers against accident claims, providing insider knowledge of defense strategies. Attorneys have served on 24-hour emergency response teams for major trucking accidents. The firm is a member of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA). Lead attorney Richard S. Donahey has 56 years of experience with truck and automobile accident cases. Attorney Mark Defossez has handled trucking cases since 1984. Attorney Danny Newman has 20 years of defense experience and previously served on emergency response teams. Attorney Gordon Evans focuses on corporate responsibility and federal regulation compliance.
Location: 471 E Broad St, Suite 1520, Columbus, OH 43215
Contact: (614) 224-8166 | Toll-Free: (855) 366-2439 | https://www.donaheylaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation offered. Contingency fee basis with no upfront costs. All expert testimony and case evaluation expenses covered by the firm until case resolution.
2. GB Law (Geiser Bowman)
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, semi-truck collisions, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial motor vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, workers’ compensation, and personal injury litigation throughout Ohio.
Case Types Handled: 18-wheeler accidents, dump truck accidents, tanker truck accidents, flatbed truck accidents, blindspot accidents, driving under the influence crashes, head-on collisions, jackknife accidents, rear-end accidents, rollover accidents, tire blowouts, underride and override accidents, unsecured cargo accidents, and wide-turn crashes.
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulation compliance investigation, evidence preservation through spoliation letters, driver logbook retrieval and analysis, electronic recording GPS device data collection, black box data preservation, freight bill and bill of lading analysis, driver medical records investigation, driver violation record review, cargo loading compliance review, hours of service investigation, truck maintenance record analysis, accident reconstruction with engineering experts, commercial vehicle safety expert testimony, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, and settlement negotiations.
Background: GB Law has been representing clients in truck accident cases for more than 35 years. The firm has recovered more than $200 million in verdicts and settlements for clients. Founded in 1990, the firm has gained respect from multiple clients and the legal community. Lead attorney J. Scott Bowman handles truck accident cases and provides guidance on federal regulations. The firm works with accident reconstruction engineers and commercial vehicle safety experts to establish liability. GB Law is a BBB Accredited Business.
Location: 471 E. Broad Street, Suite 1600, Columbus, OH 43215
Contact: (614) 222-4444 | Toll-Free: (877) 706-6446 | https://protectingohio.com
Consultation: Free case review offered. Available 24/7. Contingency fee basis with no fees unless compensation is recovered for the client.
3. Kisling, Nestico & Redick, LLC (KNR)
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, dog bites, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, wrongful death, and personal injury litigation throughout all 88 Ohio counties.
Case Types Handled: Rear-end truck accidents, head-on truck accidents, underride and override accidents, sideswipe truck accidents, T-bone truck collisions, jackknife accidents, runaway truck accidents, brake failure accidents, blown tire truck accidents, rollover accidents, and multi-vehicle truck crashes.
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance analysis, black box data preservation and analysis, driver log review, electronic logging device (ELD) data collection, maintenance record investigation, driver qualification file review, hours of service violation investigation, accident reconstruction expert consultation, trucking safety expert testimony, insurance negotiations, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, survival actions, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost income claims, and pain and suffering claims.
Background: Kisling, Nestico & Redick has more than 500 years of combined legal experience across 30 attorneys and 12 Ohio locations. The firm has been in practice for over 20 years and has recovered millions for injury victims across Ohio, including numerous truck accident victims. KNR attorneys are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The firm has been recognized by Super Lawyers, National Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. The firm has received the Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers recognition and U.S. News Tier 1 ranking.
Location: 1105 Schrock Road, Suite 600, Columbus, OH 43229 (also at 88 E Broad St, Suite 1410, Columbus, OH 43215)
Contact: (614) 487-8669 | Toll-Free: (800) 487-8669 | https://www.knrlegal.com
Consultation: Free consultation offered. Available 24/7. No recovery, no fee arrangement. All cases handled on contingency basis.
4. Oliver Law Office
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, semi-truck collisions, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, delivery driver negligence, FedEx truck accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury cases including spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
Case Types Handled: Side impact collisions with trucks, tractor-trailer jackknife accidents, delivery truck accidents, rollover accidents, rear-end truck collisions, head-on collisions, underride accidents, cargo spill accidents, and accidents caused by negligent truck maintenance, drowsy driving, and drunk driving.
Legal Services: Trucking company liability investigation, driver negligence claims, employer negligence investigation, truck maintenance company liability assessment, cargo loader liability analysis, truck manufacturer defect investigation, FMCSA compliance review, electronic data recorder analysis, driver logbook review, employment record investigation, truck maintenance record analysis, forensic analysis, witness statement collection, accident scene investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, and settlement negotiations.
Background: Oliver Law Office was founded in 2000 by Jami S. Oliver. The firm has nearly 25 years of experience representing clients in truck accident and personal injury cases throughout Ohio. Jami S. Oliver was named 2024 Lawyer of the Year in Columbus, Ohio, for Product Liability and has been named to the Best Lawyers list in multiple practice areas. The firm handles cases on a contingency basis and emphasizes individualized client attention. Oliver Law Office maintains offices in Dublin and Columbus.
Location: 140 E Town St., Suite 1100, Columbus, OH 43215 (also at 7240 Muirfield Dr., Suite 120, Dublin, OH 43017)
Contact: (614) 220-9100 | https://jamioliver.com
Consultation: Free injury case evaluation offered. Contingency fee basis with no upfront or out-of-pocket costs. The firm advances all costs necessary to pursue claims.
5. Bressman Law
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, trucking accident litigation, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, bicycle accidents, traumatic brain injury cases, wrongful death, product liability, toxic torts, and personal injury cases throughout all 88 Ohio counties.
Case Types Handled: Tractor-trailer accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial truck accidents, delivery truck accidents, cargo truck accidents, rear-end truck collisions, head-on truck collisions, jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, and accidents caused by unsecured cargo, brake failure, and driver fatigue.
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations analysis, trucking company compliance investigation, driver qualification review, hours of service violation investigation, electronic logging device data analysis, black box data retrieval, maintenance record investigation, cargo securing regulation compliance review, accident scene evidence collection, witness interview, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, and pain and suffering claims.
Background: Bressman Law has over 40 years of combined courtroom experience. Attorney David Bressman is a member of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, the Ohio Association for Justice, and the American Association for Justice. David Bressman graduated from The Ohio State University College of Law and has been rated as a Top Lawyer by ColumbusCEO Magazine with a Superb rating on Avvo. Attorney Jedidiah Bressman also practices at the firm and graduated from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. The firm has recovered verdicts including $1.45 million, $415,576, and $180,000 in cases where insurance companies initially offered nothing.
Location: 2727 Tuller Pkwy, Suite 100, Dublin, OH 43017 (also at 255A E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43215)
Contact: (614) 538-1116 | https://www.bressmanlaw.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation offered. No fee guarantee with contingency arrangement. Available 24/7. The firm travels to clients who cannot come to the office.
Truck Maintenance, Hazardous Loads and Government Truck Claims in Columbus Truck Crash Cases
Federal maintenance, hazardous-load coverage and alcohol rules apply to the carrier in a Columbus truck crash. When the truck belongs to a city or the State, or a road defect is involved, Ohio law sets separate liability rules and filing steps.
Maintenance and Inspection
Under 49 CFR 396.3, every motor carrier must systematically inspect, repair and maintain each vehicle subject to its control, keep maintenance records for 1 year where the vehicle is housed or maintained, and keep them for 6 months after the vehicle leaves its control. Under 396.17, each commercial motor vehicle, including each unit of a combination, must have passed a periodic inspection within the preceding 12 months.
Hazardous Loads and Alcohol
Under 49 CFR 387.9, listed oil and hazardous materials not covered by the higher rows require $1,000,000 in public liability coverage, and bulk hazardous substances and listed explosive, poison and radioactive categories require $5,000,000. Under 382.201, a driver subject to the federal testing rules may not report for or remain on safety-sensitive duty with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater.
A City Truck or a City Road
Under Ohio Revised Code 2744.02(B)(1), subject to 2744.03 and 2744.05, a political subdivision is liable for injury caused by an employee’s negligent operation of a motor vehicle within the scope of employment, with full defenses, under listed conditions, for police, fire and emergency medical drivers responding to emergencies. Under (B)(3), it is also liable for negligent failure to keep public roads in repair and to remove obstructions from them, and under 2744.05 punitive damages are not awarded.
A State Truck
Under Ohio Revised Code 2743.16(A), civil actions against the State permitted by sections 2743.01 to 2743.20 must be commenced within two years after accrual or any shorter period that applies to similar suits between private parties. Under (B), for an injury covered by sections 9.821 to 9.83, the claimant must first try to have the claim compromised by the office of risk management or satisfied by the State’s liability insurance before filing in the court of claims.
Columbus Truck Accident Questions
How long do I have to sue the carrier?
Two years after the cause of action accrues for bodily injury or injury to personal property under Ohio Revised Code 2305.10(A), and two years after the death for wrongful death under 2125.02(F)(1), subject to the listed exceptions in each section.
Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes, if your fault was not greater than the combined tortious conduct of all other persons, under Ohio Revised Code 2315.33. For example, imagine $300,000 in damages and 45 percent of the responsibility on the injured driver: the recovery would be $165,000.
Does Ohio require uninsured motorist coverage?
No. Under Ohio Revised Code 3937.18(A), a motor vehicle liability policy may, but is not required to, include uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage or both.