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 Accident Laws and Regulations in Ohio
Statute of Limitations: Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10(A) provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from truck accidents. The deadline runs from the date of the accident. Property damage claims have a four-year statute of limitations. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of death under Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02(F)(1).
Fault System: Ohio is an at-fault state, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for damages.
Comparative Negligence: Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.33. An injured party can recover damages as long as their share of fault does not exceed 50%. If the claimant is found to be 51% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages. Compensation is reduced by the claimant’s percentage of fault.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Ohio requires liability insurance with minimum limits of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25).
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations require minimum insurance coverage of $750,000 for general freight trucks. Higher limits apply based on vehicle weight and cargo type. Trucks carrying hazardous materials require coverage of $1 million to $5 million depending on the type of hazardous cargo.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Ohio does not require uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, but insurers must offer it to policyholders.
Damage Caps: Ohio does not impose caps on economic damages in personal injury cases. Non-economic damages are capped at the greater of $250,000 or three times economic damages, with a maximum cap of $350,000 per plaintiff or $500,000 per occurrence for non-catastrophic injuries under Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.18. These caps do not apply to catastrophic injuries such as permanent and substantial physical deformity, loss of use of a limb, or loss of a bodily organ.
Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are capped at two times the amount of compensatory damages. Smaller defendants (those with net worth under $100 million) face a cap of $350,000 or 10% of net worth, whichever is greater. Punitive damages are available when the defendant acted with actual malice.
Vicarious Liability: Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for the negligent acts of their employee drivers acting within the scope of employment. Ohio courts also recognize direct negligence claims against trucking companies for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and retention of drivers.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: FMCSA regulations apply in Ohio courts and govern commercial truck operations, including driver qualifications, hours of service limits (11 hours of driving within a 14-hour window after 10 consecutive hours off duty), electronic logging device requirements, drug testing, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement.
Evidence Preservation: Trucking companies may destroy driver logbooks within six months of a wreck under federal regulations. Ohio courts recognize spoliation claims when evidence is destroyed after litigation is reasonably anticipated. Attorneys typically send preservation letters immediately after accepting cases to prevent destruction of evidence.
Government Claims: Claims against government entities or employees in Ohio require notice within 180 days of the incident under certain circumstances. Different procedural requirements may apply to claims involving state, county, or municipal vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for filing a truck accident lawsuit in Ohio?
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10(A), the statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from truck accidents is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this two-year period, the court will likely dismiss your case and you will lose your right to pursue compensation. Property damage claims have a longer four-year statute of limitations. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of death. Certain exceptions may apply, such as when the injured party is a minor (the clock starts when they turn 18) or when the defendant leaves Ohio or goes into hiding. Given that critical evidence such as driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records can be lost or destroyed quickly, contacting an attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident is essential for preserving evidence and protecting your claim.
How does Ohio’s comparative negligence law affect my truck accident case?
Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.33. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, but only if your share of responsibility is 50% or less. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 in damages but finds you were 20% responsible for the accident, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any damages. Insurance companies and trucking company defense teams often try to shift blame to accident victims to reduce or eliminate liability, which is why having experienced legal representation is important to minimize your apportionment of fault.
Who can be held liable in an Ohio truck accident case?
Ohio truck accident cases often involve multiple potentially liable parties beyond just the truck driver. The trucking company can be held vicariously liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior for driver negligence committed within the scope of employment, and directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or retention of drivers. The truck owner (if different from the driver or carrier) may be liable for improper maintenance. Cargo loading companies can be liable if improperly loaded or unsecured cargo contributed to the accident. Truck manufacturers and parts manufacturers may be liable under product liability theories if defective brakes, tires, steering mechanisms, or other components caused the crash. Maintenance providers may be liable for negligent repairs or inspections. Identifying all responsible parties is essential because it increases the available insurance coverage and improves your chances of full compensation.
What types of damages can I recover after a truck accident in Columbus?
Ohio truck accident victims may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include past and future medical expenses (hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, rehabilitation), lost wages from missed work, loss of future earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to previous employment, property damage, out-of-pocket expenses, and costs of necessary equipment like wheelchairs. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of consortium. In wrongful death cases, surviving family members can recover funeral and burial expenses, loss of the decedent’s financial support, loss of services, and loss of companionship. Punitive damages may also be available when the defendant acted with actual malice, though these are capped at two times compensatory damages in most cases.
Why are federal trucking regulations important in Ohio truck accident litigation?
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations establish safety standards that trucking companies and drivers must follow, and violations of these regulations can serve as evidence of negligence in Ohio courts. Key regulations include hours of service limits (drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty or drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty), electronic logging device requirements for recording driving time, driver qualification standards including commercial driver’s license requirements and drug testing, vehicle inspection and maintenance requirements, and cargo securement rules. When truck drivers or companies violate these regulations and an accident results, the violations can directly establish that the defendant failed to meet the required standard of care. Evidence such as ELD data, driver logs, maintenance records, and inspection reports can demonstrate regulatory violations and strengthen a negligence claim.