Member of the Ohio State Bar Association since 1993. With 30+ years of legal experience, Attorney Frank Piscitelli has secured over $55 million in compensation for Ohio injury victims, car accident victims, and surviving family members of Ohio wrongful death victims.
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and attorneys at Piscitelli Law Firm and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced Ohio personal injury lawyer, Frank Piscitelli, you can do so here.
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Do You Need Help from an Experienced Parma Truck Accident Lawyer? Contact Piscitelli Law Firm Today!
Were you injured in a truck accident in Parma, Ohio?
Contact an experienced Parma truck accident lawyer from Piscitelli Law Firm at (216) 931-7000 if you were injured in a truck accident in Parma, Ohio (OH).
A Parma truck accident lawyer from Piscitelli Law Firm helps accident victims through the legal process to seek compensation for injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Our founder, Frank Piscitelli, has devoted his career to representing truck accident victims, fighting tirelessly to secure fair compensation and justice for those who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence.
On this page, we’ll discuss the role of a Parma truck accident lawyer, how the Piscitelli Law Firm can help you, the legal process for truck accident cases in Ohio, and much more.
Injured in a Truck Crash Through No Fault of Your Own? Contact Us
Truck accidents in Parma often lead to devastating injuries, life-altering consequences, and significant financial challenges for victims and their families.
The size and weight of commercial trucks make these collisions particularly dangerous, frequently resulting in catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or wrongful death.
Victims of truck accidents face a complicated path to recovery, dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of such a traumatic event.
Holding trucking companies and their insurers accountable can be challenging, as they often have aggressive legal teams working to minimize payouts.
Successfully pursuing a truck accident claim requires a thorough investigation of the crash, knowledge of state and federal trucking regulations, and a strategic approach to negotiations or litigation.
At the Piscitelli Law Firm, we combine decades of legal experience with a commitment to obtaining justice for accident victims in Parma.
With a proven track record of significant settlements and verdicts, we ensure each client receives focused, results-driven representation.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you deserve a lawyer who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident through no fault of your own, you may be eligible to file a truck accident claim and seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
Use the chat feature on this page for an instant case evaluation to find out if you’re eligible for a truck accident case today.
Truck accidents can leave victims and their families facing overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial burdens.
The Piscitelli Law Firm understands the profound challenges that come with recovering from such a life-altering event and the uncertainty it creates for your future.
We guide victims through the legal process with care and determination, helping them seek the compensation they deserve while offering support every step of the way.
As the founder of the Piscitelli Law Firm, Frank has built a reputation for delivering exceptional results in cases involving devastating injuries caused by negligent trucking companies and their drivers.
His hands-on approach guarantees every client receives personalized attention and the full benefit of his extensive legal knowledge.
Frank is committed to uncovering the truth in every case, conducting thorough investigations into truck accident causes such as driver fatigue, improperly loaded cargo, or violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
He is not afraid to take on powerful trucking companies and their insurers to hold them accountable for the harm they cause.
By limiting the number of cases he accepts, Frank dedicates his time and resources to achieving the best outcomes for each client.
Known for his tenacity and proven track record, Frank has recovered millions for victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death.
His approach is rooted in compassion, integrity, and a deep understanding of how these accidents affect his clients’ lives.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, Frank Piscitelli is the experienced advocate you can trust to fight for justice and help you rebuild your future.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer from Piscitelli Law Firm?
There are ZERO up-front costs associated with hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer from Piscitelli Law Firm.
This is due to the fact that our Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer, Frank Piscitelli, works on a contingency fee basis.
With this arrangement, you don’t pay anything unless we successfully recover compensation for your personal injury claim.
This structure makes high-quality legal representation accessible to all truck accident victims, regardless of their financial situation.
It also aligns our goals with yours, as we are directly invested in achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
By working on a contingency basis, Frank Piscitelli removes the financial risk and stress of pursuing justice, so you can focus on your recovery while we fight for your compensation.
If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
Looking for a Trustworthy and Dedicated Truck Accident Law Firm? Frank Piscitelli is Here for You
At the Piscitelli Law Firm, truck accident cases are handled with the utmost care and commitment.
When Frank Piscitelli takes on a truck accident case, he fully dedicates himself to protecting his client’s best interests and holding negligent parties accountable.
Frank approaches every claim with integrity, refusing lowball settlement offers from trucking companies and preparing to take cases to trial when necessary to secure meaningful results.
His dedication stems from a belief that victims of devastating truck accidents deserve justice, not just a quick resolution.
To deliver the focused representation each client deserves, Frank intentionally limits the number of cases he accepts.
He personally oversees every claim, diving into the details to ensure that nothing is overlooked and that clients benefit from his decades of legal experience.
Frank’s approach includes conducting thorough investigations, consulting with industry experts and accident reconstruction experts, and building compelling evidence to expose violations of federal regulations and negligence.
This meticulous strategy helps to maximize the value of every truck accident case.
What sets the Piscitelli Law Firm apart is its unwavering commitment to fighting for clients.
Whether negotiating with trucking companies or presenting a case in court, Frank Piscitelli works tirelessly to secure fair compensation and justice for each client.
With no upfront fees or costs unless there is a financial recovery, you can trust that our firm is invested in your success every step of the way.
A truck accident can leave victims feeling disoriented and overwhelmed, making it difficult to know what to do next.
The steps you take immediately after the truck wreck can have a significant impact on your physical recovery and your ability to seek compensation later.
In many instances, victims may be unable to fully complete these steps due to severe injuries or the circumstances surrounding the accident.
If this happens, an experienced truck accident attorney can step in to help gather evidence, handle communication with insurance companies, and protect your rights.
These steps are designed to preserve crucial evidence, establish liability, and create a strong foundation for your truck accident claim.
While it may be difficult to focus on these actions in the immediate aftermath, they benefit victims in the long run by supporting their ability to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
At the Piscitelli Law Firm, we understand the challenges victims face and are here to guide you through every stage of the process.
Steps to take after a truck collision include:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health and safety should always be the top priority. Get medical care as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor, to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Call 911 and Report the Accident: Notify law enforcement so they can document the crash in an official police report, which will be important for your case.
Document the Scene (if possible): Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Collect Contact Information: Obtain the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of the truck driver and any witnesses at the scene.
Avoid Admitting Fault: Be polite but refrain from discussing fault or making statements that could be used against you later.
Keep Records of All Expenses: Save receipts, medical bills, and records of missed work to track the financial impact of the accident.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney: An attorney can help investigate the accident, identify liable parties, and handle negotiations with insurers while you focus on your recovery.
Even if you are unable to complete some of these steps yourself, an attorney can step in to fill the gaps and build a strong case on your behalf.
Taking these actions as soon as possible protects your rights and ensures you have the best chance of obtaining fair compensation for your losses.
Gather Evidence for Your Truck Accident Claim
Evidence is the foundation of any successful truck accident claim.
Proper evidence and documentation helps establish who is at fault, proves the extent of your damages, and strengthens your ability to negotiate with insurance companies or present a compelling case in court.
Types of evidence in a truck accident case may include:
Police Reports: Official documentation of the crash, including statements from the truck driver and other involved parties.
Photographs and Videos: Visual evidence of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Truck Driver Logs: Records that track the driver’s hours and compliance with federal regulations.
Maintenance Records: Documentation showing whether the truck was properly inspected and maintained.
Cargo Records: Evidence of improperly loaded or overloaded cargo that could have contributed to the crash.
Witness Statements: Testimonies from individuals who saw the accident or have relevant information about the events leading up to it.
Black Box Data: Electronic data from the truck’s onboard recorder, which can reveal speed, braking, and other critical details.
Medical Records: Reports and bills documenting the extent of your injuries and the treatment you’ve received.
Thorough evidence collection is key to building a strong truck accident claim.
An attorney can help identify and preserve this critical information, strengthening your case and increasing your chances of achieving the compensation you deserve.
Common Damages in Truck Accident Claims
Damages in a truck accident lawsuit refer to the compensation sought by victims for the losses they have suffered due to the crash.
These losses can be financial, physical, or emotional, and they are typically divided into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include measurable costs like medical expenses and lost wages, while non-economic damages cover intangible losses such as emotional distress and pain and suffering.
Because accidents involving large commercial trucks often result in severe or catastrophic injuries, the damages in these cases are typically higher than those in a standard car accident claim.
An experienced lawyer plays a crucial role in calculating and assessing damages by working with medical providers, financial experts, and accident investigators.
Attorneys begin investigating every aspect of the crash to understand its full impact on the victim’s life and to build a case for maximum compensation.
Types of damages in a truck accident claim may include:
Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, ongoing treatments, physical therapy, and medications.
Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to the accident and future earning capacity lost due to long-term injuries.
Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the crash with a commercial truck.
Emotional Distress: Non-economic damages for the psychological toll of the accident, including anxiety, PTSD, or depression.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and the long-term effects of serious injuries.
Loss of Consortium: Damages for the impact of the accident on relationships with a spouse or family members.
Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses related to ongoing medical care, such as occupational or vocational therapy.
Future Medical Costs: Anticipated expenses for long-term care, including surgeries, medical equipment, or specialized treatment.
Calculating these damages requires a comprehensive understanding of how the crash and injuries affect every aspect of the victim’s life.
An experienced lawyer will build a strong case to help victims recover the full compensation they need to rebuild after a devastating truck accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Case?
A truck accident claim is very different than a standard auto accident case. In truck accidents, multiple liable parties could be identified, making the process of establishing liability more complex.
The trucking industry involves many entities, including the truck driver, trucking company, and others, all of whom may share responsibility for the accident.
Determining the party responsible requires a detailed investigation of evidence, such as maintenance records, driver logs, and company policies.
A truck accident attorney plays a vital role in uncovering negligence, whether it’s due to overloaded trucks, improper maintenance, or driver error.
By analyzing key details, such as whether the truck was overloaded, if proper inspections were conducted, or if the driver was fatigued, an attorney can build a strong case against the responsible parties.
Trucking companies often have aggressive legal teams, so having experienced representation is critical to holding them accountable.
Below are some of the potentially liable parties in a truck accident claim:
Truck Driver: Responsible for safe operation of the vehicle and adherence to hours-of-service regulations.
Trucking Company: May be liable for poor hiring practices, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to violate safety rules.
Cargo Loaders: Liable for improperly loaded or overloaded trucks that compromise safety.
Truck Maintenance Providers: Responsible for ensuring vehicles are properly inspected and repaired.
Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers: Liable for defective equipment, such as faulty brakes or tires.
An experienced truck accident attorney will thoroughly investigate your case, leaving no detail overlooked to establish liability and maximize your compensation.
Ohio operates under a modified comparative negligence rule (Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.33), meaning you can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the crash.
Truck accident cases are further complicated by the involvement of federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which govern issues such as hours of service, truck maintenance, and cargo loading.
These laws and regulations are critical in establishing liability and holding trucking companies and drivers accountable.
Given the legal complexities often present in these cases, an experienced attorney plays an essential role in pursuing compensation through the legal process, investigating the accident, and building a strong case.
Steps in the legal process for truck accident cases:
Initial Consultation: Meet with an experienced truck accident lawyer to discuss the details of your case, assess potential liability, and explore your legal options.
Investigation and Evidence Collection: Your attorney will begin investigating the accident by gathering police reports, truck driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, and photographs of the scene. Federal and state violations are carefully analyzed during this stage.
Identifying Liable Parties: Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, or vehicle manufacturers. Your attorney will work to determine who is responsible for the accident.
Filing the Claim or Lawsuit: A claim is filed with the at-fault party’s insurance company, or a formal lawsuit is initiated in an Ohio court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Discovery Phase: Both sides exchange evidence, including documents, depositions, and expert reports. Your attorney may work with accident reconstruction experts or medical professionals to strengthen your case.
Settlement Negotiations: Your attorney negotiates with the trucking company, their insurers, or other liable parties to seek a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your damages.
Trial (if Necessary): If a settlement cannot be reached, your case will proceed to trial, where evidence is presented before a judge or jury, who will determine liability and award damages.
Appeals (if Applicable): Either party may file an appeal if they believe there were errors in the trial process or judgment.
Understanding the legal process for truck accident cases is essential to protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation.
A skilled attorney can guide you through every step, addressing each detail to build the strongest possible claim.
Truck accidents often result from a combination of driver error, equipment issues, and violations of safety regulations.
The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make these accidents especially dangerous, leading to severe injuries and property damage.
Truck driving requires strict adherence to safety rules, and when drivers or trucking companies fail to meet these standards, catastrophic accidents can occur.
Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, are another frequent cause of truck accidents and are often tied to poor maintenance or defective parts.
Fatigue, distraction, and speeding also contribute significantly to the risks associated with operating large commercial vehicles.
Identifying the exact cause of a truck accident is crucial to determining liability and securing compensation for victims.
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
Truck accidents often lead to devastating consequences due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, which create an immense force during collisions.
Victims frequently experience life-altering physical and emotional trauma, requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term recovery.
Injuries sustained in these accidents can range from minor to catastrophic, often affecting the spine, head, and internal organs.
Identifying and documenting these injuries is crucial for pursuing compensation, as medical records play a key role in building a strong case.
Below are some of the most common injuries resulting from truck accidents:
The Piscitelli Law Firm: Your Parma Truck Accident Lawyer
When you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you need an experienced advocate who understands the complexities of these cases and is prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.
At the Piscitelli Law Firm, we are committed to helping truck accident victims in Parma hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and other responsible parties accountable.
With over 30 years of experience and a proven track record of success, Frank Piscitelli provides compassionate, results-driven representation to each client.
Truck accident cases often involve serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and the emotional toll of recovery.
You don’t have to face these challenges alone.
Let the Piscitelli Law Firm guide you through the legal process, pursue the compensation you’re entitled to, and support you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case with an experienced Parma truck accident lawyer at our firm.
Call us at (216) 931-7000 or use the chat feature on this page for an instant case evaluation to connect with our team and take the first step toward justice.
With this arrangement, you don’t pay anything unless we successfully recover compensation for your personal injury claim.
This structure makes high-quality legal representation accessible to all truck accident victims, regardless of their financial situation.
It also aligns our goals with yours, as we are directly invested in achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
By working on a contingency basis, Frank Piscitelli removes the financial risk and stress of pursuing justice, so you can focus on your recovery while we fight for your compensation.
What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
After a truck accident, your health and safety should be your top priority, followed by preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights.
The aftermath of a collision with a large truck can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can strengthen your case and ensure you receive proper compensation.
If you are unable to take these steps due to your injuries, a truck accident attorney can help gather evidence and handle the process on your behalf.
Steps to take after a truck accident:
Seek Medical Attention: Get medical care immediately, even if injuries don’t seem serious at first, as some may worsen over time.
Call 911: Report the accident to law enforcement so they can create an official accident report.
Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Exchange Information: Collect contact and insurance details from the truck driver and any witnesses.
Avoid Admitting Fault: Be polite but do not discuss fault or apologize, as this could impact your claim.
Save Records of All Expenses: Keep track of medical bills, repair costs, and other related expenses.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney: A lawyer can investigate the crash, identify liable parties, and guide you through the legal process.
Taking these steps can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and building a strong case for compensation.
Should I talk to the trucking company's insurance provider?
It’s generally not a good idea to speak with the trucking company’s insurance provider without consulting an attorney first.
Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company and are focused on minimizing payouts, not on protecting your interests.
They may try to get you to provide a recorded statement or accept a quick, low settlement offer before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and damages.
An experienced truck accident attorney can handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
By allowing your attorney to take the lead, you can focus on your recovery while they work to secure fair compensation for your losses.
What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?
In Ohio, you may still recover compensation for a truck accident even if you were partially at fault, thanks to the state’s modified comparative negligence rule under Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.33.
This rule allows you to seek damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident.
However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $80,000.
Determining fault in truck accidents can be complex, and insurance companies may attempt to assign you a higher percentage of blame to reduce their liability.
An experienced truck accident attorney can gather evidence, analyze the details of your case, and advocate on your behalf to minimize your assigned fault and maximize your compensation.
Acting quickly to secure legal representation is essential to protect your rights and build a strong case.
In Ohio, a wrongful death claim can only be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate, as outlined in Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02.
This representative is typically named in the deceased person’s will or appointed by the probate court if no will exists.
Although the personal representative files the claim, the compensation is intended for the benefit of the deceased’s surviving family members, such as their spouse, children, and parents.
Under Ohio law, these family members are presumed to have suffered damages from the wrongful death, but other relatives may also receive compensation if they can prove they were financially dependent on the deceased.
A wrongful death claim allows the family to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, companionship, and emotional suffering.
Consulting an experienced wrongful death attorney is essential to guiding this process and protecting the rights of all eligible family members.
Does Piscitelli Law Firm have experience with injury cases similar to mine?
Piscitelli Law Firm has extensive experience handling various injury and accident lawsuits throughout Ohio.
With over thirty (30) years of experience, our managing attorney Frank E. Piscitelli, Jr. has built a reputation for achieving substantial results for accident and injury victims, including multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for clients who’ve suffered life-changing injuries.
After decades of experience, we know each case is unique – however, we are confident that we’ve successfully represented clients in situations similar to yours.
While our expertise extends to Parma and other areas across Ohio, the pages below focus on Cleveland – these pages are strictly intended to give you an idea of the wide range of injury and accident cases a lawyer from Piscitelli Law Firm can help you with: