When a semi-truck drifts into another lane without warning, it can crush a car against a guardrail or send it spinning across the highway. These collisions can happen anywhere trucks share the road in Tulsa, from I-44 and I-244 to US-75 and the Broken Arrow Expressway. They often leave people with life-changing injuries.
The attorneys at Cain Law have recovered over $250 million for Oklahoma clients. If you need a Tulsa truck accident lawyer who understands how to recover compensation after a merging crash, our legal team is ready to start on your case immediately.
Call our Tulsa office any time, 24/7, for a free consultation. You owe us no attorney fees unless and until we recover compensation for you.
How Cain Law Investigates an Unsafe Merging Truck Accident in Tulsa
When you hire us after an unsafe merging truck accident in Tulsa, our rapid-response team can launch an in-depth investigation right away so critical evidence does not disappear.
Our firm has a strong track record of success in serious truck cases, including the following:
- $3.7 million for a wrongful death semi crash
- $3.3 million for a client with brain and orthopedic injuries from a semi crash
- $1.35 million for a semi-truck accident
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in future cases. Every case is different.
Founding attorney Monty L. Cain has more than 30 years of experience. The National Trial Lawyers named him one of its Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers, he has earned Super Lawyers recognition, and he belongs to the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. He is also admitted to federal court in the Northern District of Oklahoma, which covers Tulsa. We are most proud of the testimonials we receive from clients like Roy:
“When looking for an attorney, you should look for one that is patient, calm under pressure, will tell you the truth, and will stick up for his clients. Monty was a straight shooter with me. Monty told the truth, stuck up for me, and got me a great settlement. I will gladly recommend his services and use Cain Law Office again.”
When you work with Cain Law, our team can do the following:
- Come to You – If your injuries keep you at home or in the hospital, we will meet you wherever you are.
- Help You Get Medical Care – We can connect you with a doctor if you need one.
- Investigate the crash – We carefully review police reports from the Tulsa Police Department, visit the accident scene, and gather evidence to help prove liability.
- Preserve the Evidence – We will send letters demanding that the trucking company keep its driver logs, video footage, and electronic data.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement – Our goal is to help you obtain maximum financial compensation for your legal claim, which can help compensate for economic losses, such as medical bills and lost income, as well as non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
- Build Your Case for Trial – We will prepare your case as if it is headed to court, which shows insurers we mean business.
Contact our personal injury law firm today to speak with a truck accident lawyer in Tulsa. Your case review is free and fully confidential.
Why Semi-Trucks Can Be Dangerous When Merging Into Another Lane
A loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and stretch longer than several cars lined up end to end, which explains why these collisions can lead to serious injuries and significant damage. Trucks have large blind spots along both sides, especially on the right, where a driver may not see a passenger car at all. Heavy trucks also accelerate slowly, so a trucker entering the highway from an on-ramp may force their way into traffic instead of waiting for a safe gap.
A truck merging accident often happens when a truck driver does any of the following:
- Fails to check mirrors before changing lanes
- Does not use a turn signal
- Merges while distracted by a phone or dispatch device
- Drives while fatigued after too many hours behind the wheel
- Squeezes into a gap that is too small
Oklahoma law requires drivers to stay within a single lane as much as practicable and to make sure a lane change is safe before moving over (47 O.S. § 11-309). A truck driver who ignores this rule and sideswipes your vehicle may bear responsibility for your injuries.
How Do You Prove a Truck Merged Into Your Lane?
Trucking companies frequently claim that the other driver drifted into the truck. Useful proof may include the following:
- Dashcam and onboard camera footage
- Electronic logging device and engine control module data
- Damage patterns and paint transfer on both vehicles
- Witness statements
- The police crash report
- Traffic camera video and surveillance footage from nearby businesses
- The truck driver’s phone records, which can help establish distracted driving
Who May Be Responsible When a Truck Merges Unsafely?
More than one party may share the blame for a semi-truck merging accident. The following are examples:
- The truck driver may be responsible for failing to check mirrors or signal.
- The trucking company may share liability if it hired an unqualified driver or pushed unrealistic delivery schedules.
- A maintenance company may be at fault if broken mirrors or turn signals contributed to the collision.
Contact a Tulsa Unsafe Merging Truck Accident Lawyer from Cain Law
A Tulsa unsafe merging truck accident lawyer from Cain Law will take on the insurers, gather the evidence, and pursue maximum compensation for your personal injury claim. Your initial consultation is free, fully confidential, and comes with no obligations. Call our office or contact us online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are answers to some common questions about unsafe merging truck crashes in Tulsa.
What if the Truck Never Actually Hit My Vehicle But It Forced Me Off the Road?
You may still have a valid personal injury claim. If a truck merged into your lane and you swerved to avoid it, the driver’s unsafe merge may have caused your injuries and property damage even though the vehicles never touched. Witness statements and video are especially important in these cases.
What if I Was Driving Beside the Truck When It Started Merging?
Truck drivers must ensure a lane is clear before changing lanes, even if you were in their blind spot. Under Oklahoma’s comparative negligence law, 23 O.S. § 13, you can still recover compensation as long as your share of fault is not greater than the fault of those who caused the collision. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Can an Unsafe Merge Cause a Jackknife or Multi-Vehicle Accident?
Yes. When a truck driver merges suddenly and then brakes or swerves hard, the trailer can swing out, jackknife across several lanes, and draw other vehicles into the wreckage. These crashes often involve multiple insurance companies, which can complicate claims.
What Should I Do if the Trucking Company’s Insurance Company Contacts Me After the Crash?
Stay polite, but avoid giving a recorded statement or signing anything. The insurance adjuster works to protect the trucking company and may use your words to shift blame onto you. Instead, refer the adjuster to your Tulsa attorney, who can handle all communication on your behalf.