Very few areas of the United States have a concentration of tractor-trailer rigs like the Tulsa, Oklahoma region. As a result, accidents involving big-rigs are common and often result in very serious, oftentimes permanent injuries, and an experienced Tulsa Truck Accident Attorney can help you. Of course, some of these accidents can tragically result in death as well. If you or your loved one is in a truck accident in Oklahoma, there’s some critical information you have to understand regarding your incident.
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According to recent reports published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatalities caused by auto accidents involving large trucks have increased 36% from 2010 (91 fatalities) to 2012 (124 fatalities) in Oklahoma.
In fact, large truck accident crashes accounted for 17.5% of 2012’s total overall crash fatalities and 6.9% (4876 crashes) of total auto crashes in Oklahoma.
Though alarming, these statistics are not altogether unanticipated. The combination of countless hours spent on the road, little to no sleep, and the pressure to meet deadlines would naturally result in drowsy driving, speeding, and reckless driving by truck drivers.
When these occur and result in an accident, Tulsa drivers need to be prepared. Here are some excellent tips to remember should you find yourself in an accident with an 18-wheeler truck:
Depending on the damage incurred, it may be hard to move your vehicle from the accident scene. However, you can move yourself and your passengers to a safe area where you will be out of danger from approaching vehicles.
Calling 911 will dispatch police and an ambulance to the scene should anyone need medical assistance. Did you know many insurance companies will not honor damage recovery claims if a police report of the accident is not filed?
If the accident caused major damages to your vehicle, make sure nothing is moved or tampered with until either the police arrive or you are able to properly document the original accident scene (video or photos). This will help later when you need to provide evidence for your damage claim.
Collect as much information as possible to guard against false blame being levied should the accident escalate to court. This includes pictures of the accident scene, noting the weather, time of day, road conditions, witnesses, damage done to your vehicle, damage done to the semi-truck, and the contact information, insurance information, and driver’s license/plates of everyone involved.
After a life-altering truck accident, many people are confused on what to do next. Dealing with an injury, car damages, car repairs, insurance claims, medical bills, or even the loss of a loved one can prove to be too much to handle alone. This is why you need the best truck accident lawyer on your side.
This is why enlisting the help of a trusted Tulsa truck accident lawyer is in your best interest. A Tulsa truck accident lawyer will assess your case, figure out your next steps, and deal with the insurance companies while you focus on getting your life back to normal. Doesn’t that sound more appealing that juggling everything yourself?
Allow the dedicated and compassionate truck accident lawyers at Wandres Law to take some of those bothersome and confusing tasks off your hands. With years of experience specializing in large truck accidents, you can be rest assured that your rights as Tulsa citizen will be protected and the end results will be favorable.
A Tulsa, OK truck accident lawyer knows that federal statistics show that there are approximately 160,000 commercial truck accidents each year. Due to the massive weight and size of these vehicles, the injuries suffered by victims in these crashes are often catastrophic and many victims do not survive.
A statistical analysis on the causation of truck accidents conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) revealed that a concerning percentage of these crashes could be attributed to speeding, driver fatigue, and alcohol use. Disturbing as this information is, it highlights just how important it is for victims and their families to understand their rights after a truck accident.
A Tulsa truck accident lawyer understands that all drivers should behave responsibly while behind the wheel, but tractor-trailer drivers are (and should) be held to an even higher standard of safety. Their ability to cause death or injury is greater than that of other drivers, and they are regulated by governmental standards. Yet the analysis reveals that truck drivers sometimes fail to adhere to the regulations, and all too often they behave in negligent ways that place every other road user at risk.
While there are many factors that can cause a truck accident, the FMCSA found that speeding, driver fatigue, and alcohol use were far more common than expected. In fact, of the 141,000 crashes included in the analysis, around 13 percent of all fatal and injury-inducing crashes were found to involve driver fatigue. At least 1,000 accidents involved the use of alcohol, at least 3,000 involved the use of illegal drugs, and another 25,000 involved the use of over-the-counter drugs. Speeding was also found to be a common factor in fatal and injury-inducing truck crashes.
These critical factors are not just accidental causes; they are negligent ones. Victims, whose lives were turned upside down by someone else’s careless actions, can never be set right again. However, they do have the right to pursue fair compensation for their losses, including damages for wrongful death, catastrophic injury, time lost from work, disability, medical bills, and more. Unfortunately, these cases are also complex. As such, victims and their families should seek skilled legal assistance for their claims.
Trucks are much bigger and heavier than regular vehicles, so they can do more damage in accidents. Accidents involving commercial trucks are more likely to result in life-threatening injuries. If you were recently hurt in a truck crash, you may want to speak with a Tulsa, OK truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Here are the most common truck accident injuries that you should know about.
If you or someone you love has been severely injured or wrongfully killed in a semi-truck accident, Wandres Law, PC can help. Backed by years of legal experience, our Tulsa truck accident lawyers have the skills and knowledge needed to effectively represent your case. In every situation, we aggressively pursue the most compensation possible. We will work diligently to make sure you receive full compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, permanent disability, scarring, disfigurement, and more.
To learn more, call our office and schedule your initial consultation with us today.
For a free consultation, contact the Tulsa Truck Accident lawyers at Wandres Law today. Time is of the essence in your claim, and Wandres Law is ready to help you receive the damage compensation you deserve and help you return your life back to normal. The trucking company has a fleet of lawyers on their team. Do you? Get Wandres Law in your corner.
As a Tulsa, OK truck accident lawyer will share that accidents involving large trucks will result in catastrophic damages in most situations. Damages of this nature are often the result of significant losses that may result from the accident. When these accidents occur, there is a party responsible for the damages. When the at-fault party was the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or truck manufacturer, victims have a right to hold the responsible party accountable for these losses. Accidents can often result in losses that forever change a person’s life, and as Wandres Law, P.C. will share, it’s possible to regain some of what has been lost with assistance from a lawyer.
Damages are the legal remedy for compensating a person through the legal process where someone is injured or suffers losses resulting from a negligent party’s actions. Suffering losses can leave victims at a deficit, unable to cover their medical expenses, property loss, and even financial losses due to the unexpected situation they have found themselves in. Because of this, it will be essential to speak with a Tulsa truck accident lawyer, as they will be able to carefully review the case and gain an understanding of the damages the victim has suffered. Upon doing so, they will be able to assign value to the damages the victim has suffered. Typically truck accident damages fall into two categories, and these damages that may result from truck accidents can include:
Economic Damages: are tangible, easily quantifiable monetary losses
Non-Economic Damages: are less easily quantified and are a result of a person’s emotional and physical experience from the accident
In cases involving an accident, it may be obvious who the responsible party may be at first. However, it may become difficult to determine who the responsible party is when examined more closely. Truck accident cases can be even more complex because the responsible party may include multiple at-fault parties. When facing the trucking industry, victims may find themselves up against teams of lawyers who will do anything in their power to dispute the claim and effectively pay out as little as possible. Truck accident cases can involve manufacturing companies, truck drivers, and trucking companies.
While there are several important reasons truck accidents may occur, it can be difficult for a victim to make sense of. Victims and their families will be dealing with not only their injuries but also the physical pain, along with the emotions and frustrations that come with succumbing to an injury resulting from another person’s negligent actions. Because of this, feelings can run high, judgment may be clouded, and it can be challenging to determine the course forward. To initiate the process, it’s crucial to take action with help from a Tulsa truck accident lawyer from Wandres Law, PC.
As your Tulsa, OK truck accident lawyer, we’ve compiled answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the role of negligence in truck accident related personal injury claims.
Truck accident cases may involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo owner, and other drivers on the road. Identifying all responsible parties and holding them accountable can be challenging but is essential to achieving a fair outcome for the plaintiff. At Wandres Law, PC we are well prepared to defend your rights and pursue the compensation needed to recover following your accident.
Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver error, equipment failure, and environmental conditions. Some common causes of truck accidents include distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, improperly loaded cargo, and brake failure.
To establish negligence in a truck accident case, the plaintiff must show that the truck driver, trucking company, or another party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
Trucking companies have a legal obligation to ensure that their drivers are properly trained, vehicles are maintained, and cargo is properly loaded. If the trucking company failed to meet these obligations, they may be found negligent. Similarly, if the truck driver was driving under the influence, fatigued, or otherwise engaged in unsafe driving behavior, they may be found negligent.
Damages in a truck accident case may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Medical expenses may include the cost of emergency room care, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation. Lost wages may include income lost due to the injury, as well as any future lost income if the injury prevents the plaintiff from returning to work. Pain and suffering damages compensate the plaintiff for physical and emotional pain and suffering.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior.
Liability in a truck accident case is determined based on the concept of negligence. If the truck driver, trucking company, or another party was negligent and caused the plaintiff’s injuries, they may be held liable.
To determine liability, the plaintiff’s attorney will investigate the accident and gather evidence, including witness testimony, accident reports, and trucking company records.Your Tulsa truck accident lawyer may also consult with professionals, such as accident re-constructionists, to help determine what happened in the accident.
Truck accident cases often involve complex issues related to federal regulations and the trucking industry. For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets rules for hours of service, drug and alcohol testing, and other safety requirements for commercial truck drivers.
Additionally, trucking companies may have insurance policies that cover accidents involving their trucks. These policies may have high limits, but they may also be subject to specific requirements and exclusions.
In conclusion, negligence plays a significant role in truck accident related personal injury claims. To establish negligence and hold a party liable for the plaintiff’s injuries, the plaintiff must show that the party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the plaintiff’s injuries. Damages in truck accident cases can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Truck accident cases may also involve unique considerations related to federal regulations, insurance policies, and multiple parties. Consulting with our experienced Tulsa truck accident lawyer team is crucial in navigating these complex issues and achieving a fair outcome for the plaintiff. Please do not hesitate to contact Wandres Law, PC when you are ready to take the first steps. We are here for you and your family.
"I was recommended by my stepmother who used them for an accident and I have a terrible accident, got stuck between 3 bad drivers. Very messy situation and Loren handled it very well and was respectful the whole time despite us being a younger couple. I highly recommending them and will use them again if needed."
Mary Elzo
Local Phone Number (918) 641-4044
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1202 East 33rd Street
Tulsa, OK 74105
3030 NW Expressway
Suite 200 # 392
Oklahoma City, OK 73112