Oklahoma City is at the intersection of three major interstates (I-40, I-35, and I-44) and many other major thoroughfares. Truckers often drive through this state on their way to their final destination because of Oklahoma’s prime geographic location and easy interstate access. This makes many Oklahoma City roads deadly.
But while truckers find the path convenient, many Oklahomans face congested roads and negligent truck drivers trying to go to work or take their kids to school. Sometimes, these truckers even hurt or kill innocent Oklahomans just trying to go about their day-to-day lives.
So, if you or a loved one has been the victim of a truck driver’s negligent behavior, you may be eligible for a settlement or compensation via court action. And Warhawk Legal is the team that can help represent your interests in an insurance settlement or courtroom proceeding. So if you’re ready to work on your truck driver error case, call our Oklahoma City truck accident lawyer at (405) 397-1717 or book your free, no-obligation case review and consultation today.
Common Types of Truck Driver Errors in Oklahoma City
Understanding common truck driver errors is important when facing a potential legal case. Here are some sadly too-common examples of truck driver errors:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving (like eating or using a mobile phone)
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Improper lane changes
- Following too closely
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fatigued driving
- Poor cargo loading
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Ignoring traffic signals
Causes of Truck Driver Negligence in Oklahoma
But what would cause a truck driver operating a vehicle of up to 80,000 pounds to behave negligently?
The causes of truck driver negligence can be divided into two main categories: a lack of training and trying to meet delivery quotas.
Lack of Training
A lack of training refers to companies failing to adequately prepare truck drivers in safe driving practices, vehicle operation, and hazard awareness, which can lead to accidents and injuries.
- Inadequate training on truck operation and safety
- Poor route planning leading to risky maneuvers
- Misjudging traffic conditions and following too closely
- Inadequate surveillance, missing blind spots and other hazards
Meeting Quotas
Meeting quotas often involves drivers pushing limits on speed, hours of operation, and safety practices to fulfill delivery deadlines, which can significantly increase the risk of negligent accidents.
- Speeding
- Failing to observe rest periods
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (to stay awake and meet deadlines)
- Disregarding weather conditions and not adjusting driving accordingly
Regardless of the cause or justification for a truck driver’s negligence, if it results in a victim’s injuries, this could lead to a potential legal case.
How We Determine If Driver Error Caused an Oklahoma City Truck Accident
When investigating a truck accident, our Oklahoma City car accident attorney at Warhawk Legal knows how to determine if driver error was the cause of the accident. This involves examining eyewitness accounts, vehicle data, and road conditions and employing expert accident reconstruction.
Such comprehensive investigations help determine truck accident liability and ensure just compensation for victims.
Contact Our Lawyers Who Can Hold Negligent Truck Drivers Accountable
Our Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers are fearless in taking negligent truck drivers (and even their employers) to court to help you or a loved one recover what is rightfully yours. Schedule your no-obligation case review by calling (405) 397-1717 or booking your appointment online.