When large semi-trucks, big-rigs, delivery trucks, and other commercial vehicles collide with other, smaller vehicles, such as cars and motorcycles, it often results in some of the most devastating accidents and life-altering injuries. In the vast majority of these cases, the drivers and passengers of the other vehicles are the ones who sustain the most severe injuries.
After a truck accident, injured victims or the loved ones of those wrongfully killed can seek justice and fair compensation for their damages by filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Our firm can help. At Martin Jean & Jackson, we have over 100 years of combined legal experience and a proven track record of results, having secured more than $500 million for our clients. We understand what it takes to pursue these complex cases—and we know how to win. Throughout the process, our Oklahoma City truck accident attorneys offer compassionate, personalized legal counsel tailored to your unique situation. We are with you every step of the way, fighting for you and your recovery.
Contact us online to request your free, confidential consultation.
You deserve the most compensation possible after being in a truck accident. But what does that mean? What sort of damages can you demand from the liable truck driver?
There are numerous damages that might be owed to you, including:
Truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common injuries in truck accidents include:
It's important to note that the severity of injuries can vary depending on various factors, including the speed of the collision, the size of the truck, and the circumstances of the accident. If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident, it's essential to seek immediate medical attention and consult with our Oklahoma City truck accident lawyers to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.
Truck accidents can result from various factors, often a combination of human error, mechanical failures, and external conditions. Here are some common causes:
Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may not get adequate rest, leading to fatigue. Fatigue impairs judgment and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Speeding: Excessive speed reduces the driver's ability to react to changing road conditions and increases the stopping distance, making accidents more likely.
Distracted Driving: Distractions such as mobile phones, eating, or adjusting the radio divert attention from the road, compromising safety.
Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, fog, and strong winds can reduce visibility and traction, making it challenging to control large trucks.
Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, steering system malfunctions, and other mechanical issues can cause accidents. Inadequate maintenance or defective parts contribute to these failures.
Overloading or Improper Loading: Carrying excessive cargo or loading it improperly can affect the truck's stability and maneuverability, increasing the risk of accidents, especially during turns or sudden stops.
Inadequate Training: Drivers who lack proper training may not be equipped to handle the complexities of operating large commercial vehicles, leading to errors and accidents.
Drug or Alcohol Use: Substance abuse impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, weaving through traffic, and other aggressive behaviors heighten the risk of collisions, especially considering the size and weight of trucks.
Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, construction zones, and other road hazards pose challenges for truck drivers and increase the likelihood of accidents.
Blind Spots: Trucks have large blind spots, particularly on the sides and rear. Failure to check blind spots before changing lanes or making turns can result in collisions.
Driver Error: Mistakes such as misjudging distances, failing to signal, or improper lane changes contribute to many accidents involving trucks.
Fatigue Management Regulations: Non-compliance with regulations regarding hours of service and mandatory rest breaks can lead to driver fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents.
External Factors: Wildlife crossing the road, sudden debris on the highway, or other unexpected events can trigger accidents, especially if drivers fail to react appropriately.
In order to bring a claim for damages, you will need to show that another person or party was legally liable for the accident. This is the person/party against whom you can seek compensation for your losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Therefore, establishing liability is almost always a critical component of your case.
Here are some parties that might be held liable:
Truck Driver: The driver may be liable if they were negligent, such as driving under the influence, speeding, or driving recklessly. Negligence can also include factors like fatigue from driving too many hours without rest, distracted driving, or not properly maintaining the vehicle.
Trucking Company: The company that owns the truck may be held liable for the actions of their employee (the driver) under the legal doctrine of "respondeat superior" if the accident occurred while the driver was working within the scope of their employment. Additionally, if the company failed to properly maintain the vehicle, didn't adequately train the driver, or pushed unrealistic schedules leading to driver fatigue, they could also be held liable.
Truck Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider: If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure due to a manufacturing defect or improper maintenance, the manufacturer or maintenance provider could be held liable.
Cargo Loaders: If the accident was caused by improperly loaded or secured cargo, the company or individuals responsible for loading the cargo could be held liable.
Government Entities: In some cases, if the accident was caused by poor road conditions or inadequate signage, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable.
Other Drivers: If another driver's actions contributed to the accident, they could also be held liable, either partially or fully, depending on the circumstances.
Our Oklahoma City truck accident attorneys conduct exhaustive investigations in order to determine exactly how an accident occurred and who is liable. Our OKC injury law firm understands how to look for evidence of liability and how to use this in order to seek maximum compensation on your behalf.
Truck accident claims tend to be highly complex, but our firm knows how to properly investigate these incidents and build solid cases that support our clients’ claims. We also understand the full, true impact of these accidents, both on victims and their families and loved ones. Our Oklahoma City truck accident attorneys can work to recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to receive for your past, current, and future damages.
Give us a call or contact us online today to learn more about how our firm can help you. Your initial consultation is free and you owe nothing unless/until we recover compensation for you.
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