Dayton Truck Accident Lawyer

Commercial trucks are a common sight on Dayton area roads. Most people don’t think much of these vehicles when they get behind the wheel and go about their usual days. We see large 18-wheelers while driving to the grocery store, the kids’ school programs, and work. While we know they can pose a major risk because of their size and weight, we don’t actually think we’ll ever be hit by one. When tragedy does strike, however, a Dayton truck accident lawyer can help.

Dayton is a key logistical area for commercial trucking routes. The largest route in the area is the intersection of I-70, traveling east to west, and I-75, traveling north to south. These two roadways connect Dayton to other, busier cities, like Columbus, Detroit, and cities in Indiana. Because these routes are so crucial to defense and industrial-related trucking, the risk of being struck and injured by a commercial truck increases in the Dayton area.

If you or a loved one experiences a truck accident, the team at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber is here to advocate on your behalf and seek the damages you are entitled to in order to get back on your feet and ease your path toward a brighter future.

Hire a Law Firm With Over 80 years of Experience: Spangenberg Shibley & Liber

Since 1946, the firm Spangenberg Shibley & Liber has been advocating for the rights of men and women across Ohio and nationwide. When you are injured in a personal injury accident, we are here to stand by your side and act as your legal champion. We have a proven track record of success when it comes to personal injury cases and aren’t afraid of taking your case all the way to trial if the need arises.

Whether you are the injured party yourself, your loved one has suffered harm, or you are looking to refer a case to our team, Spangenberg Shibley & Liber is prepared to take up the mantle. We are honored to have been awarded accolades such as being named on The National Trial Lawyers 40 Under 40 list, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers list, Super Lawyers, “Rising Stars,” and named a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News. *

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Dayton

In 2022, over 76,000 individuals were injured in trucking accidents across the country. Truck accidents are more complicated than your average passenger vehicle accident. This is because there are a larger number of complicated factors at play. There are likely more parties involved, and trucking companies tend to have powerful insurance companies and legal teams backing them.

At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we have gone up against these companies before; we aren’t afraid to do it again. When you first walk through our office doors, one of our first priorities will be to determine the cause of the accident that resulted in your injuries. Being able to identify the cause will help us determine who the liable party, or parties, may be. In Dayton, we have handled truck accident cases caused by the following:

• Distracted drivers. When the driver of a truck is distracted by looking at their phones, talking or texting, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio or temperature controls, or otherwise engaging in a behavior that removes their hands from the wheel and their eyes from the road, this is considered distracted driving, and it can have serious and even fatal results.
• Improper merging. The length of a truck’s trailer can make the vehicle more difficult to maneuver. When a truck driver acts carelessly or merges in an aggressive manner, they can cause serious harm and even death to the drivers and vehicle passengers around them. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we have represented families who have lost loved ones in tragic truck accidents.
• Reckless driving. These actions can include any kind of carelessness or aggressive driving that results in an accident. Ignoring a stop sign, intersection, stop light, or other traffic sign isn’t just a careless mistake; it can cost someone’s life. If you have been harmed by a careless, reckless, or aggressive truck driver, we are here to protect your rights to full compensation.
• Speeding. This is a leading factor in many accidents across the United States. When a large commercial truck is traveling at speeds over the posted legal speed limit, the results can be catastrophic. When a truck is traveling at high speeds, it can make it more difficult for the truck to slow down or respond to hazards on the roadway, resulting in serious accidents.
• Tailgating. When a commercial truck is forced to brake fast, the results can prove deadly. When a truck does not leave enough space between themselves and the vehicle in front of them, they might not be able to stop fast enough should the car in front of them hit its brakes for good reason, such as when braking for a deer or other wildlife, the truck may not have enough time and can run over the car in front of them.
• Drunk driving. In Ohio, it is illegal for a commercial truck driver to operate their vehicle with a blood alcohol content level, or BAC, of 0.04% or higher. Not only are these actions illegal, but they can also lead to serious and devastating car accidents. When a truck driver is driving under the influence of alcohol, then the bar or restaurant that served the driver the alcohol may also be held at fault.
• Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo. In a single year, over 72.4% of American freight is transported using trucks. However, when this freight is not properly loaded, secured, or has been overloaded, accidents can take place. Poorly loaded trucks have a higher chance of losing balance or traction, which can lead to rollovers, jackknife accidents, or cargo spilling into the road.
• Improper truck maintenance. In Ohio, all trucking companies and drivers are required by law to inspect and keep up on the maintenance of their vehicles. When a tire blowout, brake failure, or malfunction occurs in the steering system, an easily preventable truck accident can result in tragedy.
• Inadequate training and inexperienced. Driving a large commercial truck takes a certain level of skill, training, and experience. When a driver is under-trained or new at their position, they might struggle with keeping control over their vehicle, handling hazards or emergencies that can arise, or driving defensively, all of which can lead to an accident.

Let the team at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber review your case and determine cause and liability while you focus on your own rest and healing.

Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks are large vehicles and weigh an incredible amount. The gross weight limit for most semi-trucks is around 80,000 pounds. When this much force smashes into a passenger vehicle, the resulting injuries are typically catastrophic if not deadly. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we are here to help you seek compensation for the injuries and other damages you have sustained. Some of the most common injuries are:

• Back and spinal cord damage. The force of a crash with a commercial truck can lead to fractured vertebrae or herniated discs. In the most serious of cases, the injury to the spinal cord could lead to paralysis, which, in turn, can cause lifelong disability and changes to your everyday life.
• Whiplash. The sudden force of a truck accident can often cause whiplash. Whiplash takes place when the head of a victim moves forward at a rapid speed and then backward, straining all of the ligaments, muscles, and soft tissues of the neck. This injury can lead to ongoing symptoms such as stiffness, headaches, and chronic pain.
• Broken bones. Suffering a bone break or fracture is another common result of a trucking accident. The most commonly broken bones include legs, ribs, arms, and the collarbone. In serious cases, these fractures may require surgery and extended physical therapy or rehabilitation.
• Organ damage. Due to the force of a truck accident, it can cause devastating and even life-threatening internal injuries. Damage can be done to internal organs like the kidneys, liver, spleen, and lungs. Internal bleeding can also occur, which, when left untreated, can prove to be fatal.
• Traumatic brain injuries. When a victim’s head strikes other objects or the inside of the vehicle during a crash, the results can be horrific and deadly. These injuries typically range from minor concussions to more serious traumatic brain injuries that can lead to long-term effects, such as memory issues, physical limitations, or cognitive challenges.
• Soft tissue injuries. Injuries to the soft tissues of the body, such as muscle sprains and strains, are common, even when the bones beneath are not affected.
• Cuts, bruises, and lacerations. While these injuries might not seem serious at first, cuts and lacerations can get infected and lead to more serious medical issues. These injuries can also lead to permanent scarring.
• Psychological and emotional injuries. A serious commercial truck accident can cause victims to suffer emotional and psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or a fear of driving. These injuries, while not necessarily life-threatening, may still require professional treatment.

FAQs

Q: What if My Loved One Dies in a Truck Accident?

A: If your loved one has died in a truck accident, allow us to first extend our deepest sympathies. We know that this is a particularly challenging season for you, and we are here for you to trust. In 2025 alone, the state of Ohio experienced 143 fatal truck accidents, and 158 people were killed. If you have lost a loved one, you are likely entitled to wrongful death damages, and a lawyer can help you recover these.

Q: Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Dayton?

A: In Dayton, there are several parties who may be held liable for a truck accident and the damages you sustain. Depending on the case, the truck driver may not be the only liable party. Other liable parties might include the trucking company, the company that loaded the cargo, the party that provided maintenance to the vehicle, or the truck’s manufacturer.

Q: What Should I Do if the Trucking Company’s Insurance Has Already Offered Me a Settlement?

A: If the trucking company’s insurance offers you a settlement, do not take it. They have likely offered you a number that is significantly less than what you deserve. The amount they have offered you won’t come close to covering the damages you have sustained, but they have offered it in hopes you will take it out of desperation and leave them alone. Don’t fall for this predatory behavior and instead, let your lawyer get you what you deserve. 

Q: What Should I Do Following a Truck Accident?

A: Following a truck accident, there are a number of actions you can take that can help protect both your own physical safety and also the validity of your future claim. First, move yourself to a place of safety and call 911. When the police arrive, don’t discuss fault, but rather obtain a copy of their official report, which can be used as evidence in the future. You should also exchange information with the truck driver and call your lawyer.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer Today: Over $1 Billion Recovered

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a negligent commercial truck driver, you likely deserve some form of compensation. While our past results cannot guarantee the future outcome of your case, we have secured over $1 billion for our clients in our years of service and can strive to obtain the compensation you deserve.

At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we understand the dire nature of your case and are dedicated to using our experience to help you seek compensation and justice alike. We are here to defend your rights with detailed, personalized, and aggressive legal representation and counsel. To understand the legal options available to you in a Dayton truck accident injury claim, contact our offices today and schedule your initial consultation.

*Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.