Truck accidents can be scary and potentially devastating, and understanding how the law works can help you or an injured loved one pursue justice more confidently. Unfortunately, truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. A standard motor vehicle is no match for these large and powerful machines, and severe injuries usually occur as a result of big truck wrecks. If you find yourself facing overwhelming medical bills and a lengthy recovery process, you need an Oklahoma City personal injury attorney who can fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
At Josh Lee & Associates, we’ve assisted numerous Oklahoma City clients in pursuing compensation for truck accident injuries. With over 20 years of experience, we provide invaluable legal guidance specific to Oklahoma law. Contact our office today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you.
Why Choose Josh Lee & Associates?
We have been helping truck accident victims get compensation for their injuries for over 20 years. Our team will fight tirelessly to make sure the big insurance companies don’t take advantage of you. When you have suffered a devastating injury as a result of one of these accidents, choose an attorney who will compassionately listen to you and fully understand your case. Josh Lee & Associates will do just that, and we work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we will never collect an attorney’s fee unless we win your case.
Oklahoma Truck Accident Laws
Truckers in the USA are subject to compliance with FMCSA regulations on driver qualifications, service hours, maintenance and load securement. Violations can affect liability and compensation. Determining fault often also involves reviewing data from the truck’s event data recorder (EDR), which captures vehicle speed, braking and engine throttle details during the accident.
Proving liability in a typical car accident case usually requires proving the elements of negligence. The same is true in a truck accident case, although the additional regulations placed on truck drivers and trucking companies open the door to more areas where negligence may occur. It is fairly obvious that the truck driver may be negligent in their actions, such as texting while driving, driving under the influence, speeding, or other behavior. However, there are several other parties who could ultimately be found liable for the accident as well.
Not only can liability lie with the truck driver, but liability could also be placed on the trucking company, truck manufacturer, cargo company, or others. For instance, the trucking company could be liable for failing to perform proper maintenance on its fleet or for following negligent hiring practices. The truck manufacturer may be responsible if a defective product or design was the cause of the crash. Since these types of cases can be so complex, you need an attorney who knows and understands the ins and outs of the law related to trucking accidents. Contact our Oklahoma City truck accident attorneys for your free case evaluation today.
Steps To Take After A Truck Accident
If you are involved in a truck accident, the most important thing to do is get immediate medical care and then contact an attorney before you speak with anybody else – especially the trucking company’s insurer. These insurance companies look out for their bottom line, and they will often work diligently to find a way to avoid paying your claim. Let your attorney handle the insurance company while you focus on getting back on your feet. Taking these steps can help protect your interests and strengthen your potential compensation claim.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
There are many things that can potentially cause a big truck wreck. Remember that these big trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds! They require much longer stopping distances than a passenger vehicle, and they cannot easily maneuver to avoid an accident. Truck accidents are commonly as a result of:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Improper loading or cargo securement
- Mechanical failures
- Poor weather conditions
- Driving under the influence
An experienced truck accident lawyer will conduct thorough investigations to uncover the cause of the accident and determine liability. It is crucial to contact a truck accident or car accident attorney as soon as possible so that evidence can be gathered and preserved.
Common Injuries In A Truck Accident
Due to their sheer size and weight, truck accidents may result in serious injuries, including:
- Burns and lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ injuries
- Death
These injuries may require extensive medical treatment and can significantly impact the victim’s quality of life and ability to work. In some cases, the victim may never be able to return to work and may be left with permanent effects. They might require a lifetime of medical care, and the cost for this type of care could rise into the millions of dollars. Make sure you have an experienced truck accident attorney who knows how to properly value your case and get you the compensation to which you are legally entitled.
Can You Sue If A Family Member Died In A Truck Accident?
If a family member dies in an Oklahoma truck accident, you have two years to file a wrongful death claim (2023 Oklahoma Statutes §12-1053). Wrongful death claims can be filed by the personal representative or executor of the deceased’s estate on behalf of their survivors. An attorney with experience in truck accidents can guide you through the process.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a big truck wreck, getting quality legal representation is critical to protecting your rights. Send us an email or call (405) 759-5529 today to schedule your free consultation. We want every truck accident victim to have access to quality legal representation, so we take claims on a “no-recovery, no-fee” basis.