Do You Need an Oklahoma City Truck Accident Lawyer?
Our attorneys can stand up to the trucking company, demand compensation for you
Truck traffic is a fact of life in Oklahoma City. It's the largest city in Oklahoma and located right on the I-35 corridor, carrying huge amounts of traffic into neighboring Texas and on to Mexico. Most drivers in our area don't think twice about sharing the road with big-rigs - but that changes in a hurry when they're involved in an accident.
Because of the sheer size of tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks, crashes involving those vehicles can cause devastating injuries. The Oklahoma City truck accident lawyers at Lawter & Associates, PLLC can help every step of the way.
Tractor-trailer accidents lead to difficult legal cases
Accidents involving 18-wheelers can lead to complex legal battles for Oklahoma City residents. There are often multiple insurance companies involved and determining liability can be a complicated process, especially if the driver is not a direct employee of the trucking company. These companies are often located out of state, which means tracking them down can be a challenge. Moreover, because truck accidents are high-stakes cases, they often end up going to trial.
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FAQs About Oklahoma City Truck Accidents
- Why are semi-truck accident claims confusing?
- What evidence should I collect after a truck accident in Oklahoma City?
- Who’s responsible for paying for my Oklahoma City truck accident?
- How much is my Oklahoma City truck accident worth?
- What is the average truck accident settlement?
- What expenses can I be compensated for after my truck accident in Oklahoma City?
- Can I receive compensation if I was partially at fault for my truck accident?
- Should I accept a settlement offer for my truck accident?
- Should I file a truck accident lawsuit?
- Who can I sue for my Oklahoma City truck accident?
- Which courts handle truck accident lawsuits in Oklahoma City?
- How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in Oklahoma City?
- Who investigates Oklahoma City truck accidents?
- What laws apply to commercial truck accidents in Oklahoma City?
- How much does it cost to hire an Oklahoma City truck accident lawyer?
- Why should I hire an Oklahoma City truck accident lawyer?
Why are semi-truck accident claims confusing?
Accidents involving semi-trucks in Oklahoma City often occur on major highways like I-40, I-44 and I-35. They can also happen anywhere in the city, from South Shields Boulevard to NE 4th Street and anywhere in between. No matter where your accident occurs, you will likely have to deal with a wide range of complex legal issues. These include:
- A truck driver denies doing anything to cause your collision.
- A trucking company refuses to share information about:
- The truck driver’s driving history
- The truck driver’s Hours of Service (HOS) logs
- The truck’s maintenance history
- The trucking company’s hiring history
- The truck’s inspection records
- A trucking company’s insurance company pressures you to accept offer.
- A trucking company’s insurance company refuses to return your calls.
Depending on the circumstances of your crash, you could be dealing with the truck driver and several different companies. These include:
- The driver’s trucking company
- The company that owns the trailer
- The company that owns the cab
- The company that loaded the trailer
- The company that manufactured the items being transported
- Different insurance companies for each business
- Different attorneys for each at-fault party
Don’t try to deal with all of them on your own. We can help every step of the way.
What evidence should I collect after a truck accident in Oklahoma City?
Strong evidence is critical when building a legal case after a truck accident. Evidence in support of your claim or lawsuit can prove liability (who was legally responsible for your accident) and build a successful truck accident case. Key evidence to collect often includes:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene, including damage to the truck and your vehicle.
- Contact information for witnesses and first responders.
- Police reports and crash investigation findings.
- Truck driver logs, maintenance records, and the truck’s black box data.
- Medical records documenting your injuries.
Who’s responsible for paying for my Oklahoma City truck accident?
Determining who is responsible for paying for your truck accident can be complex because multiple parties may share liability. Responsibility often depends on who acted negligently and contributed to the crash. So who might be responsible? Common at-fault parties include:
- The truck driver: If they acted negligently, such as by speeding, driving while fatigued, or texting while driving.
- The trucking company: If they failed to properly train the driver, neglected truck maintenance, or pushed the driver to violate federal safety regulations.
- A maintenance company: If a third-party company performed substandard maintenance or failed to repair known mechanical issues.
- The cargo loader: If improperly secured or overloaded cargo caused or worsened the accident.
- A manufacturer: If a defective truck part, such as faulty brakes or tires, contributed to the crash.
An Oklahoma City truck accident lawyer can investigate your case, identify all liable parties, and pursue compensation from each responsible entity.
How much is my Oklahoma City truck accident worth?
The value of your Oklahoma City truck accident case depends on the specifics of your injuries, the impact on your life, and who is responsible for the crash. Each case is unique, and an accurate valuation requires a thorough investigation. Factors that can influence the value of your case include:
- Medical expenses: Current and future medical care, including surgeries, therapy, and medications.
- Lost wages and earning capacity: Compensation for income lost due to injuries and reduced earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and personal belongings.
- Punitive damages: May be awarded if the truck driver or trucking company acted with extreme negligence, such as driving under the influence or ignoring safety regulations.
What is the average truck accident settlement?
There is no “average” truck accident settlement because every case involves different circumstances. Settlements often depend on factors like the severity of injuries, liability, and insurance coverage. Key factors to consider include:
- The extent of injuries: Severe or catastrophic injuries typically result in higher settlements.
- Insurance policy limits: The trucking company’s insurance may provide higher coverage than standard car accident policies.
- Economic and non-economic damages: Settlements may include compensation for financial losses and emotional harm.
- Strength of evidence: Clear evidence of negligence by the truck driver or company can increase the likelihood of a higher settlement.
What expenses can I be compensated for after my truck accident in Oklahoma City?
Truck accident victims in Oklahoma City can recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are losses for a specific amount of money. Non-economic damages are losses that don’t have a specific financial impact.
This money can help cover the costs of your recovery and the financial impact on your life. Common compensable expenses include:
- Medical bills: Emergency care, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost wages: Reimbursement for income lost during your recovery period.
- Future earning capacity: Compensation for reduced ability to earn income if you sustain a permanent injury.
- Vehicle damage: Costs to repair or replace your car and other damaged property.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for emotional distress, physical pain, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Can I receive compensation if I was partially at fault for my truck accident?
Yes, you can still recover compensation in Oklahoma if you were partially at fault, as long as you are less than 50% at fault. This is known as modified comparative negligence, which falls under Oklahoma Statute 23-13-15. Important details include:
- Reduced compensation: Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $80,000.
- Evidence matters: A strong case can minimize claims that you were at fault.
- Legal representation: An experienced Oklahoma City truck accident lawyer can help ensure your fault is assessed fairly.
Should I accept a settlement offer for my truck accident?
The short answer? Maybe. But first, you should carefully consider any settlement offer before you agree to accept it. That’s because once you do agree to accept an offer, that’s it in most cases. Your right to seek compensation for your Oklahoma City truck accident is settled and you cannot request any additional money in the future.
So what should you do? Before accepting an offer, ask yourself these questions:
- Does the settlement cover all current and future expenses?
- Have I fully recovered from my truck accident injuries?
- Do I still need ongoing medical care?
- When can I return to work after my accident?
- Do I have a permanent disability that prevents me from returning to work?
An experienced attorney can help you answer all of these questions by carefully reviewing your settlement offer with you. And if your settlement isn’t enough, your Oklahoma City truck accident lawyer can negotiate for a better offer or file a lawsuit if necessary on your behalf.
Should I file a truck accident lawsuit?
Filing a lawsuit may be necessary if the at-fault party’s insurance company denies your claim or offers an insufficient settlement. Filing a lawsuit can help you:
- Seek full compensation: A lawsuit allows you to demand fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Hold negligent parties accountable: This includes trucking companies that violate safety regulations or pressure drivers to work excessive hours.
- Access additional evidence: Filing a lawsuit enables your attorney to subpoena documents like driver logs and maintenance records.
Who can I sue for my Oklahoma City truck accident?
You may be able to sue multiple parties responsible for your Oklahoma City truck accident. Commonly liable parties include:
- The truck driver: If they were negligent, such as driving distracted or violating traffic laws.
- The trucking company: For improper training, failure to maintain the vehicle, or pressuring drivers to break safety regulations.
- Cargo loaders: If improperly loaded or unsecured cargo caused the crash.
- Truck manufacturers: If defective parts contributed to the accident.
Which courts handle truck accident lawsuits in Oklahoma City?
Truck accident lawsuits in Oklahoma City can be filed in state or federal courts, depending on the case’s specifics. Potential venues include:
- Oklahoma County District Court: Handles cases involving local parties and damages exceeding $10,000.
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma: Federal court jurisdiction applies if the parties are from different states or federal regulations are involved, and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.
- Another out-of-state court: This scenario is possible in some truck accident cases since the truck driver who caused your crash might work for a trucking company located in another state.
Your lawyer can review all your available court options and advise you on the appropriate court based on the details of your case. That way, you can make an informed decision about where you want to file your truck accident lawsuit.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in Oklahoma City?
In Oklahoma, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations. Keep in mind:
- Act quickly: Evidence can be lost or destroyed over time.
- Preserve your rights: Missing the deadline may result in losing the ability to recover compensation.
- Consult a lawyer: An Oklahoma City truck accident attorney can ensure your case is filed on time.
Who investigates Oklahoma City truck accidents?
Multiple local, state and federal agencies often investigate serious truck accidents in Oklahoma City depending on the circumstances of the crash. These agencies include:
- Oklahoma City Police Department: Handles crashes within city limits and files official accident reports.
- Oklahoma Highway Patrol: Investigates accidents on highways such as I-40, I-35, and I-235.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): Investigates compliance with federal trucking regulations, such as hours-of-service rules.
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): May investigate large-scale crashes involving fatalities or hazardous materials.
You should also add to this list your truck accident lawyer. Don’t simply assume other investigators will get everything right. By having an attorney conduct an independent investigation into your truck accident, you can be sure that the facts about your case are presented on your behalf.
What laws apply to commercial truck accidents in Oklahoma City?
Commercial truck accidents in Oklahoma City are governed by a combination of complex federal, state, and local laws, including:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs): These govern driver qualifications, hours of service (HOS) regulation and vehicle maintenance requirements.
- Oklahoma state trucking laws: Include weight and size limits and requirements for intrastate carriers.
- Oklahoma City ordinances: Local laws may restrict truck routes or require permits for oversized loads.
The laws that apply to Oklahoma City commercial truck accidents can be confusing and overwhelming. This is why it’s important to talk with a lawyer familiar with these laws and who can help you navigate your way through Oklahoma’s complex legal system.
How much does it cost to hire an Oklahoma City truck accident lawyer?
Most Oklahoma City truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case. Here’s what this means:
- No upfront fees: You don’t pay out of pocket to hire an attorney.
- Percentage-based fees: The lawyer’s fee is typically a percentage of your settlement or verdict.
- Free consultations: Many lawyers offer free initial consultations to discuss your case.
Our Oklahoma City law firm works this way. That way, you don’t have to worry about whether you can afford to hire an attorney to handle your Oklahoma City truck accident. Contact us today and schedule your free case consultation with an attorney at our law firm.
Why should I hire an Oklahoma City truck accident lawyer?
Hiring an Oklahoma City truck accident lawyer can significantly improve your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. A lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident: Gather evidence, such as driver logs and black box data.
- Identify all liable parties: This may include the driver, trucking company, or manufacturer.
- Negotiate with insurers: Handle all communication and negotiate for maximum compensation.
- Represent you in court: File a lawsuit and present a strong case if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Get our help to rebuild your life
The impact of a truck accident on your life can be massive. Between medical bills, lost wages and other substantial expenses, you may be on the hook for tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. And even those costs are only part of the story, as you and your family may have to make dozens of painful decisions to move forward after a serious injury or fatality.
While taking legal action can't bring you back to where you were before your accident, it can certainly help you move forward and rebuild. We've helped hundreds of Oklahoma City families get the compensation they need in the wake of serious accidents, and we would be honored to meet with you. There is no single average truck accident settlement – it all depends on the extent of your injuries and your lawyer’s ability to build a strong case on your behalf. Our truck accident attorneys are prepared to do what it takes to win.
Oklahoma City truck accident attorneys you can trust
There's no cost and no obligation—we just want to help you understand your legal rights. And if you choose to hire our firm, there will be no fees unless we win your case. It's that simple. Our Oklahoma City truck accident lawyers simply want to fight for the money you rightfully deserve.
Remember, you need to act fast. The statute of limitations for truck accident claims in Oklahoma is two years from the date of the wreck, but other deadlines can apply as well, and we need to start investigating right away. Contact us online or call our Oklahoma City office to schedule a free case consultation.
Lawter & Associates, PLLC
3313 N Classen Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
Phone: (405) 525-4131