The Donahey Law Firm

Columbus Truck Accident Attorneys With Insider Defense Experience Serving All of Ohio

Truck Accident Representation From Emergency Response to the Courtroom

The Donahey Law Firm brings unique insight to trucking accident cases through our extensive experience on both sides of litigation. Our semi truck accident lawyers in Columbus bring an unparalleled understanding of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations and insider knowledge of how trucking companies and their insurers operate, allowing us to effectively prosecute cases against both truck drivers and trucking companies. Although we are based in Columbus, we have over 50 years of experience handling complex trucking cases throughout the state of Ohio.

“Trucking cases are not just large car crashes–they’re governed by complex federal regulations that trucking companies and drivers must follow. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has strict rules about everything from driver training and rest periods to vehicle maintenance and safety inspections. Understanding these regulations is crucial because violations often reveal deeper safety issues that contribute to accidents and strengthen cases for victims.”

–Danny Newman

Why Choose Donahey Law Firm as Your Truck Accident Lawyer in Ohio

  • Our attorneys have previously led litigation teams defending trucking companies and insurers against accident claims, giving us insider knowledge of their defense strategies.
  • Previous experience on 24-hour emergency response teams for major trucking accidents, meaning we know what critical evidence needs to be preserved quickly after a crash.
  • We are members of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA), a specialized group of trucking lawyers, which allows us to stay current on the latest trucking regulations, industry standards, and litigation strategies through specialized training and a network of experienced trucking attorneys.

Pricing for Legal Representation in Your Truck Accident Case

The Donahey Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not owe us anything unless we win your case. There is no charge for consultations, and we cover all upfront costs, including expert testimony and case evaluation expenses.

5-Step Process for Getting Started With a Truck Accident Lawyer in Columbus

1
Contact us as soon as possible to connect with an experienced truck accident attorney.
2
We quickly deploy accident reconstruction experts and investigators.
3
Our team secures all electronic evidence in your case (cameras, telematics data).
4
We collect driver and company documentation.
5
Your attorney will conduct a thorough scene investigation and witness identification.

5-Step Process for Success in Your Truck Accident Case

  1. Comprehensive review of driver and company compliance with federal regulations.
  2. Analysis of electronic data from vehicle systems and handheld devices.
  3. Investigation of company policies and training procedures.
  4. Expert consultation for accident reconstruction.
  5. Development of case against both driver and trucking company.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Trucking Accidents

Why is it important to contact an attorney quickly after a truck accident?

Critical evidence must be secured immediately after a truck accident. This includes in-cab camera footage, electronic data from the vehicle’s systems, telematics information, and physical evidence from the scene. Commercial vehicles are equipped with sophisticated electronic systems that capture crucial data about the crash, but this information can be lost or overwritten if not properly preserved. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses and witness statements need to be gathered quickly. Having a truck accident attorney in Ohio who understands all potential sources of evidence and can act fast to preserve it is vital to building a strong case.

What makes truck accident cases different from regular car accidents?

Truck accidents involve federal regulations, complex company policies, and multiple potentially liable parties. With vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds, the physics of these accidents often leads to devastating consequences.

What is a truck accident ’emergency response team’ and why is it important?

Large trucking companies have 24-hour emergency response teams that are deployed immediately after serious accidents. These teams include safety directors, insurance representatives, and specialized attorneys who arrive at the scene quickly to begin their investigation. Having a Columbus truck accident lawyer who has served on these teams, as our attorneys have, means we understand exactly what evidence to look for and preserve. This insider knowledge of how trucking companies respond to accidents helps us build stronger cases for our clients.

What should I look for in a truck accident lawyer in Ohio?

Look for an attorney with specific experience in trucking cases who understands federal regulations and has experience dealing with trucking companies. General car accident experience isn’t enough–you need someone who specifically understands the trucking industry and its regulations.

How long do I have to file a truck accident case in Ohio?

While Ohio allows two years to file personal injury and wrongful death claims for truck accidents, waiting to take action can seriously harm your case. Critical evidence like electronic data, camera footage, and witness statements need to be secured immediately. Additionally, trucking companies maintain extensive documentation about their drivers and operations that must be obtained before it’s archived or becomes difficult to access. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better positioned we are to build a strong case on your behalf.

Get to Know Our Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers

Richard S. Donahey

Attorney Richard Donahey has extensive experience with truck and automobile accidents, which have been among his primary areas of practice throughout his 56-year career. Having tried numerous truck accident cases and built a firm known for its willingness to go to trial, his experience helps inform the firm’s approach to these complex cases that often result in devastating injuries and require extensive litigation experience.

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Mark Defossez

Having defended trucking companies since the start of his career, attorney Mark Defossez brings valuable insight to truck accident cases. Since 1984, he has handled all types of trucking accident cases, from minor collisions to fatal accidents, and he understands the critical importance of accident reconstruction and evidence preservation. He works with expert witnesses to analyze debris fields, calculate vehicle speeds, and establish fault in complex truck accident scenarios in Ohio.

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Gordon Evans

Attorney Gordon Evans approaches trucking cases with a deep understanding of both the technical and corporate aspects involved. His experience includes investigating not just accident circumstances but also company policies, driver training, and compliance with federal regulations. He focuses particularly on corporate responsibility, examining how company practices may contribute to accidents through issues like driver fatigue or inadequate training. His approach includes working with industry experts while staying current through professional organizations and specialized training in commercial vehicle litigation.

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Danny Newman

Attorney Danny Newman brings unique insight to trucking accident cases from his 20 years of defense experience. As a former leader in his previous firm’s trucking litigation group, he served on their 24-hour emergency response team, responding to serious truck accidents immediately after they occurred. This experience gives him invaluable knowledge about evidence preservation and early investigation techniques. He understands the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations and knows how to prosecute cases against both truck drivers and trucking companies. His membership in ATAA and comprehensive understanding of trucking industry practices make him particularly effective in these complex cases.

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