How Can a Lawyer Help if the Trucking Company Denies Liability After an Accident?

Truck accidents are a serious threat in Ohio. In 2024 alone, there were 5,155 crashes involving large trucks, resulting in 2,393 injuries and 148 deaths. Due to commercial trucks’ massive size and weight, these vehicles pose the greatest risk to passenger vehicle occupants, who make up 73% of those injured.

Trucking companies rarely take the blame. Instead, they shift responsibility to drivers, other motorists, or road conditions to avoid costly payouts. Backed by powerful insurers and legal teams, they make it as difficult as possible for victims to get the compensation they deserve.

If you were hurt in a truck accident, you might be wondering: “How do I hold the trucking company accountable?” or “Can I still get fair compensation?” Understanding why trucking companies deny liability and how skilled Cleveland truck accident lawyers fight back can make a difference to the outcome of your claim.

Why Do Trucking Companies Deny Liability After Accidents?

Trucking companies and their insurers have a financial motive to evade liability. Commercial trucks are federally required to carry large amounts of liability coverage: between $300,000 and $5,000,000, depending on the amount and type of cargo. Admitting fault can result in costly settlements or lengthy legal battles, so they often try to deflect responsibility off themselves. Common denial tactics include:

• Blaming the Truck Driver: Companies may argue that the driver violated policies, drove recklessly, or took an unauthorized route, making them solely responsible. They are likely to attempt this when the truck driver is a contractor rather than an employee.

• Blaming Other Drivers: They might claim a passenger vehicle driver, maybe even you, caused the crash by making an unsafe lane change, following too closely, or driving distracted.

• Pointing to a Third Party: The trucking company might argue that a repair shop failed to maintain the truck properly or that a loading company was responsible for an unbalanced cargo load that led to loss of control of the vehicle.

• Claiming Uncontrollable Conditions: Some companies insist that conditions outside the driver’s control, like unexpected weather, road hazards, or sudden mechanical failures, caused the crash, leaving them with no way to anticipate or prevent it.

Overcoming these defense strategies requires strong legal representation and thorough investigation.

How Can a Lawyer Help Prove the Trucking Company’s Negligence?

To challenge a trucking company’s attempts to shift blame, victims need evidence that firmly proves the truck driver and their employer were responsible for the crash. A skilled truck accident lawyer can help gather the following to support your claim and pursue full compensation:

What Happens if Other Parties Are Liable for the Crash?

More than one party may sometimes be fully or partially at fault for a commercial truck collision. In situations like these, you can hold all responsible parties liable for your damages, rather than just one. Your attorney can review the evidence to determine if any of the following entities are responsible:

• Manufacturers for mechanical defects like brake failures or faulty parts like tire blowouts.
• Repair shops or maintenance providers for improper repairs, such as worn-out brakes or failing to fix steering issues.
• Cargo loading companies for unsecured or unbalanced cargo that shift and cause the truck to overturn or jackknife.
• Third-party drivers for negligent actions like cutting off a truck, sudden braking, or illegal lane changes.
• Government entities or contractors for hazardous road conditions, missing signage, or poorly maintained highways.

Just because the truck company may be correct that another party shared fault for the crash does not mean that the truck company is not liable!

Under Ohio Statute 3207.22, you can hold each party accountable for their share of fault, improving your chances of recovering full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Why Legal Representation is Essential in Truck Accident Cases

Trucking companies and their insurers have the resources to fight liability and minimize payouts. An experienced attorney protects your rights and builds a strong case to get the compensation you deserve. At Nurenburg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, our experienced  legal team can assist by:

• Taking On Aggressive Insurers: We handle all communication, counter bad-faith tactics, and negotiate for a settlement that fully accounts for your losses.

• Preserving Critical Evidence: Our team acts quickly to secure black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records before they are lost, altered, or destroyed.

• Proving Liability: We work with accident reconstruction experts, analyze crash reports, and gather witness statements to build a strong case against the responsible parties.

• Bringing Your Case to Trial: If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we present solid evidence to fight for maximum damages before a jury.

Get Qualified Legal Help from Nurenburg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy

A truck accident can leave you dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and an insurance company that refuses to take responsibility. Fighting for compensation shouldn’t be another burden on your shoulders.

At Nurenburg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, we take on trucking companies and their insurers so you don’t have to. Our team gathers critical evidence, builds a strong case, and fights for the full compensation you deserve, whether through settlement negotiations or in court.

Time is critical because evidence can disappear fast! Don’t let trucking companies and insurers delay your claim. Contact Nurenburg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the maximum compensation you deserve.

Related Posts