We’ve Recovered Millions For Truck Accident Clients
Because of the huge size and weight of commercial trucks, trucking accidents can be very deadly and are relatively common. Our Oklahoma City trucking accident attorneys are ready to aggressively represent you throughout the complexities of your collision case. We’ve taken on large trucking and insurance companies and have fortunately recovered several million- and multimillion-dollar settlements as well as jury verdicts for our clients. We will fight for you every step of the way. Need a personal injury attorney in Oklahoma City for a trucking accident? Call Warhawk Legal at 405-397-1717 today for a free consultation!
Why Choose a Truck Accident Lawyer at Warhawk Legal?
If you or a loved one have been injured in a trucking accident in Oklahoma City, choosing the right legal representation is crucial to getting justice. At Warhawk Legal, our Oklahoma City truck accident lawyers bring a depth of knowledge and authority that sets them apart:
- Personalized Attention: We understand that every case is unique, so we provide personalized legal strategies tailored to your specific circumstances.
- Our Proven Track Record of Success: Our attorneys have a history of securing significant verdicts and settlements for our clients, demonstrating our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes.
- Comprehensive Support: From navigating complex trucking regulations to dealing with insurance companies, we offer comprehensive support to alleviate the stress during your legal journey.
- Our Resources: We have access to top-tier investigative resources and industry experts to ensure that every aspect of your case is thoroughly examined.
Choosing Warhawk Legal means partnering with Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers who are dedicated to your cause, and to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you are positioned for the best possible result.
Resources On This Page
- Types of Trucking Accidents
- Common Causes of Truck Accidents
- What Types of Injuries are Common to Truck Accidents?
- Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?
- What Types of Compensation Can I Recover in a Truck Accident Case?
- How Can Warhawk Legal Help?
- Trusted Injury Attorneys For Truck Accident Cases
- Truck Accident FAQs
- Contact Us Today
Types of Trucking Accidents
Throughout Oklahoma, both on interstates as well as in heavily populated areas, trucking wrecks are especially common. They can cause catastrophic injuries that many times could have been avoided. Commercial trucks can cause of many types of accidents, including rear-end crashes, rollovers, cargo spills, underside accidents, jackknife crashes, and turning collisions. Let our skilled attorneys at Warhawk Legal aggressively fight for you so that you can get the settlement you deserve. We represent trucking wrecks of all types and with all types of trucks, including:
- 18-wheeler accidents
- Tractor-trailer accidents
- Fire truck accidents
- Garbage truck accidents
- Tanker truck accidents
- Dump truck accidents
- Cement truck accidents
- Delivery truck accidents
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
A truck accident can occur for a variety of reasons, but some causes are more common than others. Understanding these causes can help identify liability and strengthen your case:
- Driver Fatigue: Despite strict regulations limiting their driving hours, many truck drivers operate vehicles while fatigued, leading to decreased concentration and reaction times, which is especially dangerous during high traffic times.
- Equipment Failure: Poorly maintained trucks or defective parts, such as brakes or tires, can cause a catastrophic truck accident.
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using mobile devices or engaging in other distractions while driving increases the risk of accidents occurring.
- Improper Loading: Overloaded or unevenly distributed cargo can cause a truck to overturn or lose control.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: A truck driver exceeding the speed limit or engaging in reckless driving behaviors can have deadly consequences.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog can significantly increase the risk of a truck accident by affecting visibility and road traction.
Identifying the cause of a truck accident is the first step in determining liability and pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages.
What Types of Injuries are Common to Truck Accidents?
A truck accident can lead to severe injuries, often more catastrophic than those suffered in the typical car accident in Oklahoma City, due to the massive size and weight of the truck. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From mild concussions to severe brain damage, TBIs are frequent outcomes of truck accidents.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life.
- Broken Bones: The force of a truck accident can easily break bones, sometimes requiring surgical intervention and lengthy recovery periods.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs and internal bleeding are serious consequences that might not be immediately apparent.
- Lacerations and Burns: Depending on the nature of the accident, victims can suffer from deep cuts or burns, which can lead to scarring and require reconstructive surgery.
The severity of these injuries underscores the importance of seeking immediate medical attention following a truck accident, as well as legal assistance to help recover the compensation needed to cover the required medical treatments.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?
Under Oklahoma law, specifically Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which covers motor vehicle accidents, multiple parties can be held liable for negligence, breaches of safety regulations, or wrongful acts leading to a truck accident. This includes:
- Truck Drivers: Can be held accountable for violating traffic laws, driving recklessly, or failing to adhere to specific statutes, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), that address things like hours of service (to prevent fatigue) and substance abuse.
- Trucking Companies: Potentially liable under the principle of “respondeat superior” for the actions of their employees or for their own failures in hiring, training, and operating their trucks. In addition, under the FMCSRs, trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are safely maintained and operated. If a company fails to adhere to these regulations, resulting in an accident, they can be held liable.
- Cargo Loaders: If improper loading contributes to an accident, the truck’s loaders can be liable for failing to adhere to safety standards and regulations.
- The Manufacturers of the Vehicle or its Parts: Product liability laws may hold vehicle or parts manufacturers accountable if a defect in their product contributed to the accident.
- Maintenance Providers: These entities are required to maintain trucks to a safe standard; failure to do so can result in liability for accidents caused by mechanical failures.
The specifics of each truck accident case will determine which statutes apply and how liability is established, making it essential to consult with a knowledgeable Oklahoma City motorcycle accident attorney who can navigate the complex legal landscape to hold all negligent parties accountable.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover in a Truck Accident Case?
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: To cover current and future medical treatments related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for lost earnings and potential future earnings if the injury affects your ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: For physical pain and emotional distress suffered as a result of the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged property.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, the court may award additional compensation aimed at punishing the offending party.
Each case is unique, and the compensation will depend on the specifics of your situation and the extent of your injuries and losses.
How Can Warhawk Legal Help?
At Warhawk Legal, our approach to assisting truck accident victims is comprehensive, focusing on securing the maximum compensation while providing support and guidance throughout the legal process. Here is how we can help:
- An In-depth Case Evaluation: We will start by thoroughly assessing your case to determine the best course of action.
- Our Knowledge of Trucking Regulations: Our team has extensive knowledge of state and federal trucking laws, crucial for building a strong truck accident case.
- Negotiating with the Insurance Companies: We will handle all negotiations to ensure you receive fair compensation without having to deal directly with the liable insurance companies.
- Litigation: If necessary, we will be prepared to take your case to trial and use our exceptional litigation skills to fight for your rights in court.
Choosing our Oklahoma City truck wreck attorneys means gaining a partner who will stand by you every step of the way, leveraging our experience to achieve the best possible outcome for your truck accident case.
Trusted Injury Attorneys For Truck Accident Cases
“Joe is absolutely amazing! Can’t say enough great things about him. I will ALWAYS be sending people his way!”- M.T.
Joe Carson, Warhawk Legal’s senior partner, has been awarded the highest rating possible from Martindale-Hubbell: an AV Preeminent* peer-review rating, due to his allegiance, skill, and moral standards in defending the rights of the injured. Not only is he a member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for having recovered millions of dollars in damages for his clients, Joe is also included in the esteemed list of Super Lawyers. Need a trucking accident injury attorney in Oklahoma City? Call Warhawk Legal at 405-397-1717 today for a free consultation!
Questions We Often Hear About Truck Accidents
At Warhawk Legal, we get truck wreck-related questions asked by our potential clients, such as the following:
What should I do after a truck accident?
After a truck accident, your priority is twofold: attend to your physical and emotional recovery and set a potential legal case up for success.
So, after a truck accident, follow these steps:
- Call emergency medical support and the authorities. Even if you believe the accident not to be severe, you need to call 911 (no matter if you’re in a city or on the highway). This will allow you to get the medical attention you need as well as start the documentation regarding your accident.
- Take pictures and videos, and collect as much evidence as possible. If you’re physically safe and in good physical condition to do so, preserve as much evidence as possible. This can be taking pictures or videos of the scene and preserving physical evidence, like your clothes or other possessions.
- Get a follow-up medical evaluation. Even if you believe that you’re physically okay, prioritize receiving a secondary medical evaluation after being assessed at the scene. Even if you feel fine, this medical evaluation can help see if there are any underlying issues you may not be aware of due to the accident. This medical evaluation also serves as additional documentation to support your case.
- Contact a lawyer. It is imperative to start working with an Oklahoma city truck accident lawyer as soon as you think your 18-wheeler accident case could be eligible for legal action. If you don’t work with a lawyer promptly, you could accidentally pass the statute of limitations (the deadline set for your case). Most truck lawyers in Oklahoma offer free, no-obligation case reviews, so there’s no risk to getting started.
- Be cautious of who you talk to about the case. Insurance and trucking companies will try to negotiate low settlements. They might pressure you into signing something you don’t fully understand so they can take advantage of you, so never talk to the other parties’ insurance without an attorney present.
How do I fight a denied truck accident claim?
When an insurance company denies your claim for rightful compensation after your truck accident, you have recourse.
Here are some steps you can follow.
- Review the denial letter: Carefully review the insurance company’s denial letter. Understanding why your claim was denied can help you formulate a strong appeal.
- Gather evidence: Collect all relevant documentation of your truck accident, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and scene photographs. This evidence can support your case during the appeals process.
- Consult with an attorney: Seeking legal guidance from an experienced Oklahoma City truck accident attorney can significantly increase your chances of overturning a denied claim. An attorney would be able to explain how to navigate your denial process, as well as review your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. The team at Warhawk Legal is more than happy to offer consultations for Oklahoma truck accident victims with denied claims.
- File an appeal: Once you have gathered sufficient evidence and consulted with legal counsel, file an appeal with the insurance company to challenge their decision to deny your claim. Be prepared to present compelling arguments supported by your evidence.
- Stay persistent: Dealing with a denied truck accident claim requires patience and persistence. Insurance companies may try to wear you down through delays or inadequate settlement offers but don’t give up on pursuing what is rightfully yours.
If you need guidance on your denied Oklahoma City truck accident claim, the Warhawk Legal team can help. Just call (405) 397-1717.
After being injured in a truck accident, should I submit a claim to my own auto insurance company?
Any insurance company that you work with – including your own – will have a team of defense lawyers hard at work to minimize the company’s losses. For best results, work with your own Oklahoma City trucking wreck lawyer to even the playing field and make the right moves at the right times.
Why do I need a lawyer’s help to get the compensation I deserve?
Without legal advice, you may waste valuable time and lose the opportunity for a timely investigation. You may shortchange yourself when your insurer offers you a settlement that is too low to cover your expenses.
Why is a truck accident different from other traffic accidents?
Injuries in truck accidents are often more severe than car collisions. Distracted driving, driver fatigue and inattentive driving by truck drivers are common hazards. Insurance issues are often complex.
What are examples of trucking regulations that may have an impact on my truck wreck case?
Trucking regulations spell out the number of hours a trucker can drive in a day, required inspections of lights, brakes, weight and load balancing; requirements for the structure and functionality of towing devices and towing mechanisms, and more. A skilled attorney may prove that a truck driver, dispatcher, repair facility or loading dock facility was not compliant – and, therefore, liable to compensate you.
How will I pay my medical bills before I recover compensation?
Some healthcare providers will wait to be paid until the conclusion of your case, especially if you are represented by an attorney with a solid track record. Or, your own medical and/or auto insurance may pay, but through subrogation will expect repayment when you receive a settlement or verdict.
How can I help myself?
Get the best quality medical care you can get and follow doctors’ advice as fully as you can. Also, let an Oklahoma City injury attorney take a load off your shoulders by fighting for compensation for you.
Get Answers To Your Unique Truck Accident Questions
At Warhawk Legal, it is our passion, our profession and our pledge to help our injured clients through recovery. We will answer questions with no attorney fees due until you receive a payout through a settlement or verdict. Schedule a consultation about a tractor-trailer accident or any crash involving a large commercial vehicle. Call 405-397-1717 or complete an online inquiry form.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories — legal ability and general ethical standards.