Cincinnati Heavy-Wheeled Equipment Accident Attorneys
Americans need heavy-wheeled equipment for many types of construction projects. As with any equipment or machinery, there is a possibility of injury to those using the equipment or nearby when the equipment is in operation. Due to the immense size of heavy-wheeled equipment, if injury does occur, it is often serious. The owners and operators of heavy-wheeled equipment have a duty to maintain and operate such equipment safely to minimize injuries.
Have you or a loved one sustained injuries due to an accident with heavy-wheeled equipment? To find out if you are entitled to monetary compensation for your damages and injuries from the accident, you need to talk to an attorney. Contact the Cincinnati truck accident lawyers of Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC at (513) 351-5997 to schedule a free in-person or virtual consultation. We can review the facts of your case and help you figure out what your best legal options are.
Do I Need a Heavy-Wheeled Equipment Accident Lawyer?
After an accident and injury involving heavy-wheeled equipment, you should consult a lawyer to make sure that you receive fair and just financial compensation for your injuries. A lawyer can advise you about what your rights are. A lawyer can also help to quantify the amount of compensation that you need to put your life back together.
Right now, you have mountains of medical bills to deal with. Because of the injuries you sustained in the accident, you may not be able to work. You may never be able to return to your job. Your primary focus should be recovering your health. Let a seasoned legal professional handle your case and guide you through the legal system so that the financial impact on your life can be reduced.
If you are represented by an attorney, they can speak for you. They can talk to the other attorneys involved in the case as well as any insurance company representatives. Even though an insurance adjuster may call to talk with you about the accident, don’t speak to anyone concerning the details of your case until you have a chance to talk to a lawyer. The other attorneys and the insurance company representatives do not represent you and are not looking out for your best interests. They may try to get you to accept an offer, which is significantly lower than what you are entitled to.
An offer of cash right now may sound appealing, especially if you are financially strapped. But you may have expenses in the future and you need to make sure that any settlement includes compensation that takes those future expenses into account. You need someone on your side.
An experienced attorney has access to resources and knowledge that will help them put together a strong case for you. A strong claim or case supported by evidence gives you the best chance to get all of the compensation the law entitles you to.
Studies show that if you have an attorney representing you, your compensation is likely to be three times greater than anything you could negotiate on your own. Insurance companies know that picking fights with an experienced attorney will cost more in legal fees, and so they may be more likely to negotiate, which may keep you from having to go to trial to get compensation.
Why Choose Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC to Represent You?
Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC is based in the greater Cincinnati area; however, we represent clients in Ohio and Northern Kentucky, as well. We have two offices to serve you. One office is in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, and the other is located in West Chester, Ohio.
The practice of law is changing due to developments in modern technology. Many of these changes benefit individuals like you. In addition to in-person meetings, we are able to meet with you remotely through email, chat, phone, and video conferencing. We are able to transmit documents directly to the courts, which saves you time and money.
We have an extensive list of satisfied clients. A number of our cases have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements for our clients.
Our attorneys are experienced in personal injury litigation and worker’s compensation law. Thus, we are equipped to handle your heavy equipment accident, no matter who the at-fault parties are found to be.
Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC has received a 10.0 Superb rating by AVVO. And in April 2017, Legal Elite! named Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC the best personal injury law firm in Kentucky.
All of our personal injury cases, as well as worker’s compensation cases, are handled on a contingency fee basis. We recognize that the accident has had a devastating effect on your finances and that money is tight. A contingency fee arrangement means that you do not have to pay us up front for legal services. We only get paid if we successfully secure a settlement or win a verdict for you. We don’t believe that a lack of money should prevent you from having quality legal representation.
Types of Heavy-Wheeled Equipment Cases We Handle
There are many types of heavy-wheeled equipment and a vast array of uses for such equipment. We have worked on cases involving accidents with many of these vehicles. Some of the more common types of heavy-wheeled equipment include:
- Bulldozers
- Backhoes
- Graders
- Forklifts
- Cable plows
- Mixers
- Haul trucks
It is imperative that the operators of these pieces of equipment be properly trained. Safety must be the number one priority. Due to the size and weight of heavy-wheeled equipment, any accident can have catastrophic consequences. Lack of proper training accounts for a significant number of accidents.
Training should include instruction on how to negotiate slopes, the use of controls such as backup alarms, and proper mounting and dismounting procedures. Untrained people shouldn’t be permitted to operate heavy-wheeled equipment. Unfortunately, sometimes untrained operators use such equipment, and an accident ensues.
Potentially dangerous heavy-wheeled equipment should be used for its intended purpose. Using the equipment in an unintended manner is unsafe and may lead to accidents with catastrophic results.
The equipment must be properly stored and maintained. Often the equipment is subjected to rough terrain, which can cause substantial wear and tear on the vehicle. Because of this rugged use, regular maintenance is essential. Proper maintenance includes regular evaluations of the brakes and the steering. Other parts must also be routinely checked depending on the type of equipment.
Manufacturers recommend how to safely store the equipment when not in use. Improper storage can result in damage to the equipment, which can then cause injury.
There are other causes for heavy-wheeled equipment accidents, such as reckless behavior on the part of the operator. The operator could be distracted or under the influence of a controlled substance or alcohol. Additionally, the malfunction of the equipment can potentially be the cause of your accident.
Injuries Typically Found In Heavy-Wheeled Equipment Accidents
Common injuries resulting from accidents with heavy-wheeled equipment include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Severed limbs
- Electrical burns
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Concussions
- Digit amputations
- Broken bones
- Death
Some of these injuries will eventually heal, but some are life-altering. It is imperative that you get all of the compensation that the law entitles you to so that you can cover your current expenses, as well as any future expenses.
One of the first steps we will take after being retained to represent you is to conduct a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the accident. The information revealed from the investigation will help us to pinpoint what caused the accident. Once we figure out why the accident occurred, we can begin to identify all of the responsible parties.
Laws Relating To Your Heavy-Wheeled Equipment Accident
If you think that you are partially to blame for your injuries, the good news is that both Kentucky and Ohio follow the legal doctrine of comparative negligence.
In Kentucky, which is a pure comparative negligence state, this means that even if you are partly to blame for the accident, even up to 99%, the law still permits you to recover compensation.
In Ohio, a modified comparative negligence state, you can still recover money if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, any amount you receive in either case will be reduced by the percentage you were responsible.
As an example, if a determination is made that you were entitled to $100,000 in damages for your injuries, and you were found to be 30% at fault, you would be able recover $70,000. That is your damages less 30%, or $30,000.
Kentucky law specifies that personal injury claims must be filed within one year of when the injury was sustained. The law also specifies that actions for certain personal injury accidents involving trucks and motor vehicles must be brought within two years of the date of the accident. Courts are very strict about enforcing statutes of limitations. It is wise to retain a lawyer who will file any lawsuit on time, so you don’t forfeit your right to sue.
Under Ohio law, the statute of limitations for personal injury suits is two years from the date of the accident. However, there are some narrow exceptions. A knowledgeable attorney can answer any questions that you may have.
Contact an Ohio Heavy-Wheeled Equipment Lawyer Today
Were you injured in an accident involving heavy-wheeled equipment? Under the law, you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries you have suffered. Call Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC at (513) 351-5997 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys. We can advise and guide you through the complicated legal system. Our firm will work diligently to see that you get all of the compensation the law entitles you to. Don’t delay. Call us at (513) 351-5997 today.
