The injuries that our clients suffer from crashes involving tractor-trailers or other large 18-wheeler trucks often haunt them for years to come. Apart from the initial medical bills and time off work, 18-wheeler collision victims may suffer from lingering pain and be unable to do the job they did before the crash. To add to the stress of the situation, oftentimes the truck’s driver denies fault in the accident, making the victim feel hopeless.
The dedicated Oklahoma City semi truck accident attorneys at Cain Law are committed to helping you recover maximum compensation after being injured by a negligent trucking company or driver. We can discuss your legal rights and options during a free, no-obligation consultation. Give us a call or contact us online to get started on the path to recovery.
About Our Oklahoma City Trucking Accident Attorneys
At Cain Law, our respected Oklahoma City truck collision attorneys have more than 25 years of experience successfully handling these difficult cases. Founder Monty Cain has secured millions of dollars for crash victims and their families, earning recognition in the National Association of Top 100 Trial Lawyers and in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and recognition from Expertise in its listing of best truck accident lawyers located in Oklahoma City, OK. He has also been recognized as a “Top Ten Truck Accident Lawyer” by the National Trial Lawyers.
Clients trust our talented legal team because:
- We have extensive knowledge of the strict regulations that govern the trucking industry.
- We work quickly to determine who should be held liable and to preserve evidence against the at-fault party.
- We will help you find a medical provider if you are having a hard time finding one.
- We work with a large network of experts who will evaluate your injuries and determine how you will be affected by them in the future.
- We will fight fiercely for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
- From the first time you meet with our compassionate Oklahoma City trucking accident lawyer, you will find that we are genuinely concerned about you and your family. Our team will get to work on your case immediately, and we will stay in regular contact with you to discuss the progress on your claim. Schedule a free consultation now, and let us take some of the stress off you.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
If you are ever involved in a truck crash in Oklahoma City, it is important that you try to stay calm. Ask for medical assistance if you or your passengers are injured. Then, take the following steps to protect your claim:
- Follow doctor’s orders. Follow all of your doctor’s orders for your care, including any work and leisure activity instructions.
- Take pictures. Take photographs of the vehicles and skid marks.
- Get contact information. Ask any witnesses for their names and contact information.
- Preserve evidence. Keep any photos or videos you made of the accident in a safe place.
- Maintain records. During the course of your truck accident claim, you may begin to accumulate many records, including medical records, medical bills, pay stubs, repair estimates, and benefits statements. Maintain all documentation and evidence of your injuries and the financial costs associated with them.
- Keep a pain journal. You have the right to pursue compensation for the pain and suffering you endure in a personal injury accident. However, it can sometimes be difficult to prove these damages after the fact. By keeping a contemporaneous pain journal, you can document how your injuries affect your life.
- Contact an experienced big rig accident lawyer. You should not have to go through this alone. Contact an attorney who is experienced in pursuing truck accident claims and who will guide you through the process.
Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Oklahoma City
Some of the most common causes of truck crashes throughout the Oklahoma City area include:
Distracted Driving
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 2,841 people were killed in traffic accidents during a recent year because of distracted driving. Truck driving involves hours of traveling long distances, often with little entertainment. Truck drivers may turn to cell phones, radios, or other devices to pass the time. However, this decision can lead to a serious or fatal truck accident.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers and companies are expected to adhere to hours of service rules, which were implemented to protect the public from fatigued drivers. However, some of them choose to ignore these safety measures to prioritize profit.
Drunk or Drugged Driving
Truck drivers may use drugs to stay awake or may have problems with drugs or alcohol. Impaired truck drivers pose a risk to all other motorists because it is harder for them to control the vehicle in a safe manner while in an impaired state.
Mechanical Defects
Defective brakes, faulty engines, or other failing auto parts can cause serious tractor-trailer accidents if they occur at high speeds or the driver loses control of the truck. If your truck accident was caused by mechanical defects, you may have a claim against the truck or parts manufacturer.
Driver Error
Driving a large truck that can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds can be difficult. Truck drivers may swerve into other lanes, overcorrect, follow too closely, fail to yield, or commit other driver errors that cause serious truck accidents.
Problems with Cargo
Some truckers transport up to 48,000 pounds in cargo. If the cargo unexpectedly shifts during transport, the truck may roll over or jackknife. Additionally, trucks that are carrying fuel or other hazardous substances may spill them onto the roadway, posing an additional hazard.
Speeding
On average, it takes a big rig 40 percent more time to come to a complete stop than an average passenger vehicle. If the truck driver is speeding, it will take even longer to stop.
Traffic Congestion
Drivers who are speeding may not be able to stop in time if they suddenly run into a traffic jam. Other times, they might act aggressively and cause other vehicles to run off the road or hit other vehicles when they swerve away from the intimidating truck.
Road Conditions
Dangerous road conditions, construction zones, and poorly maintained roads are sometimes to blame for truck accidents. If these factors contributed to your accident, we can explore all options for pursuing compensation.
Types of Truck Accidents
Some of the most common types of truck accidents in Oklahoma City include:
Cargo Shifts
Truck drivers travel thousands of miles every year, transporting various types of goods. These items can shift during the commute, which can increase the likelihood of an accident. Cargo that shifts during transport can cause the truck to jackknife or roll over because the weight is not properly distributed. Cargo that comes loose can fall out of the truck and into the path of an unsuspecting motorist. Federal and state regulations exist to protect motorists. They dictate such things as how much weight a truck can carry and how cargo must be secured. Our team can investigate whether the trucking company violated these rules and help hold them responsible for their carelessness.
Head-On Collisions
Truck drivers who are not paying attention, fall asleep at the wheel, or are impaired by drugs or alcohol may cause fatal head-on collisions. These accidents are particularly dangerous because they often occur at high speeds and the driver in the passenger vehicle has no way of anticipating them. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a head-on collision with a careless truck driver, we can help.
Rear-End Collisions
Some truck drivers follow too closely or try to intimidate drivers of smaller cars. This can put motorists at additional risk for a rear-end collision involving trucks since trucks require more distance to safely stop.
Truck Accident Liability
Trucking operations often involve many parties, all of which may share some liability for the damages you sustained. Our big rig truck accident attorneys can explore options for pursuing compensation against all responsible parties, which may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The owner of the truck
- The cargo company
- Parts or vehicle manufacturers
Our truck accident attorneys will conduct an in-depth investigation to determine which parties contributed to your accidents. We will then build an aggressive case against them. We are ready to start on your case immediately.
How We Investigate Truck Accident Claims in Oklahoma City, OK
Truck collision claims are often much more complicated than crashes involving two passenger cars. That’s because the injuries are generally more serious, and the companies involved have deep pockets to dispute claims. It is important to have an 18-wheeler accident attorney on your side who has extensive experience investigating these types of cases and assessing the full amount of damages you deserve.
