Oklahoma City Truck Accident Lawyer

People in truck accidents (also referred to as commercial motor vehicles, CMV) learn quickly that a crash involving a large truck is different from a passenger car accident. Their injuries and other losses are usually worse, and their problems are often compounded as multiple parties, from the truck driver to the trucking company and others, try to avoid responsibility for the traffic collision. Don’t wait to talk to an experienced truck accident lawyer about what has happened to you. We get great case results and always put your best interest first.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident anywhere in the state of Oklahoma, Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons can help. Our truck accident lawyers have the in-depth knowledge, extensive experience, and vast resources necessary to thoroughly investigate your accident and mount what may be multiple claims for compensation against deep-pocketed corporations.

Our dedicated commercial truck accident injury attorneys fight aggressively for full and fair compensation for our clients, and we have built a long track record of success. You can put your trust in our truck accident law firm, just as others have, because of our:

  • Experienced and respected trial attorneys. Our truck accident lawyers have earned the respect of our peers and adversaries. Insurance companies and personal injury lawyers know we come prepared to prove our clients’ claims and will fight for what’s right. Truck accident claims include reconstructing the accident to determine the cause and responsibility, in-depth analysis of trucking company records to expose any violations of state or federal trucking laws, and a full accounting of client losses.
  • A compassionate approach to customer service. As a client, you will work directly with a semi-truck accident attorney who has handled thousands of injury cases like yours. We understand our client’s challenges and frustrations during recovery from serious Oklahoma City commercial truck accidents. We take the time to answer all your questions and work quickly to resolve your most immediate concerns, such as property damage claims and impending medical bills. Ultimately, we want to take as much of the burden off you as possible so you can focus on healing.
  • Commitment to maximum compensation. Our personal injury law firm is dedicated to fighting for the best interests of clients who have been badly injured due to others’ negligence, and insurance companies know we do not back down. Our Oklahoma City truck accident lawyers take the time to prepare strong cases for maximum compensation. We negotiate aggressively during settlement talks and are always fully prepared to go to trial if that’s what is necessary.

How An Oklahoma City Truck Accident Lawyer Investigates a Cargo Truck Accident Claim

To begin our investigation promptly, you must speak with our experienced Oklahoma semi-truck accident attorneys as soon as possible after you or a loved one has been injured in a wreck.

One of our truck accident lawyers can meet with you at no charge to discuss the circumstances of your truck accident case and begin work toward securing evidence and developing a solid claim on your behalf. In addition, we can answer any questions about insurance claims, including property damage, rental car expenses, and paying medical bills. Contact our law office in Oklahoma City now.

To build a solid case for total compensation after an 18-wheeler accident, our legal team will thoroughly investigate your crash to determine the cause and who is responsible.

We will start by reconstructing what happened from physical evidence and witness testimony. Obtaining physical evidence before it deteriorates or is lost is essential in truck accident investigations. We will also interview potential witnesses to get their testimonies on the record while their memories remain fresh.

We also need to ask the court to order the trucking company to preserve the wrecked truck and records associated with the car, its driver, the route, deliveries it was making, etc., and to make this material available to us.

We will work quickly to get access to the truck’s event data recorder (EDR), which may prove particularly valuable. These “black box” devices begin recording when they sense problems in the engine or a sudden change in the wheel speed.

A download from the EDR may provide data from moments before and immediately after the truck collision about:

  • Engine speed
  • Vehicle speed
  • Throttle (gas pedal) position
  • Brake status
  • Clutch status
  • Cruise-control status
  • Steering angle

  • Forward-collision warnings
  • Lane-departure warnings
  • Sudden deceleration/acceleration
  • Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) warnings from sensors that report data outside normal values in multiple truck systems
  • GPS-based positional data

When necessary, we also consult qualified experts in forensic truck accident reconstruction, who prepare detailed reports for us and can provide persuasive, expert testimony in court if needed.

Which Roads and Intersections in Oklahoma City Are the Most Dangerous?

Local news stations have reported that the following intersections and areas are the most dangerous for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians in Oklahoma City:

  • The area where Lake Hefner Parkway meets the Kilpatrick Turnpike
  • The area where Lake Hefner Parkway meets I-44
  • North of the Oklahoma City airport near Meridian
  • The interchange where I-235 and I-44 meet
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What Are Some Common Types of Driver Error in Oklahoma 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents

There are several well-understood reasons a driver behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer or semi-truck might cause an accident that involves a passenger car.

Truck drivers, or “truckers,” can be guilty of the same carelessness or recklessness as any other driver on an Oklahoma highway, such as:

  • Speeding or driving too fast for the conditions
  • Following too closely (“tailgating”)
  • Aggressive driving, such as frequent lane changes
  • Negligence, such as failing to look closely enough before proceeding from a stop sign, making a turn, etc.

However, there are other forms of negligence and recklessness that are more frequently seen — truck drivers who spend long hours on the road and for whom time behind the wheel is money. These include:

Fatigued Driving. A driver who is fatigued or drowsy suffers a cognitive deficit that causes delayed reactions and impaired thinking, and may potentially lead to falling asleep at the wheel. Because of truck drivers’ long hours, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has adopted strict Hours of Service (HOS) regulations that mandate breaks between limited continuous driving hours. Unfortunately, it’s well known that truckers often violate HOS rules, sometimes under orders from superiors more concerned about on-time delivery than safety.

Distracted Driving. While distracted driving is a concern among all drivers, the FMCSA has gone beyond Oklahoma’s ban on texting while driving to prohibit texting and all use of handheld cellphones while operating commercial motor vehicles. Still, truckers are known to engage in many forms of distraction, such as talking on phones or CB radios, playing with apps on their phones, fiddling with the radio, or even watching movies on long trips. The FMCSA’s most recent statistics cited distraction or inattention as second only to speeding among the most common driver-related factors resulting in large truck crashes.

Drugged driving. A strict testing regime in the trucking industry has led to significantly fewer drunk driving accidents involving trucks than we find among the general public. However, testing regularly for use of various drugs would be more expensive, and drugged driving remains a larger problem among long-haul truck drivers. Truckers in accidents have been found with stimulants, like amphetamines, methamphetamine (“meth”), and cocaine in their blood, as well as marijuana and other illicit recreational drugs. Truckers have also been found to use certain prescribed and over-the-counter drugs that can cause adverse reactions like drowsiness, which leads to impaired driving accidents.

Unlike crashes involving two passenger cars, collisions with semi-trucks may override or underride and involve many more liable parties. For example, suppose you have been seriously injured in a truck wreck. In that case, you must seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney who knows the industry and has successfully handled truck accident cases.

Contact our law office in Oklahoma City now

Besides the Driver, Who Else Can Be Responsible for Truck Accidents?

Sometimes, the truck driver is not directly at fault for an accident. However, the trucker and their employer, the motor carrier, may still bear legal responsibility. This is because truck drivers and owners of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs, including large trucks and trailers of 10,000 pounds or more combined weight) are responsible for the cars they put on public roads.

Multiple FMCSA regulations specify required maintenance, inspection, and other safety measures that drivers and owners are responsible for before they make commercial trucks roll. These federal regulations have the force of law, as they make applicable Oklahoma regulations about trucks on state highways, and violating them is cause for action if they lead to an accident and severe injuries.

Additionally, a motor carrier is directly responsible for the activities of its employees. For example, the company may be liable if it was negligent in hiring an unskilled driver or failed to provide adequate safety training and oversight of its employees.

In addition, a third-party cargo company may be liable if its negligence contributed to a cargo shift or spill that led to the truck accident in question. A commercial truck’s cargo can be dangerous if loaded improperly and/or not adequately secured. If cargo shifts or breaks free and moves, the sudden movement can change the truck’s center of gravity, causing the driver to lose control. A truck may tip and roll over or jackknife because of a cargo shift. Cargo that spills from a commercial vehicle may hit other cars or cause trucking accidents as drivers swerve to avoid hitting debris.

In cases of faulty parts or systems, it may be possible to pursue a claim against a manufacturer or supplier that knew or should have known it was putting a defective and potentially dangerous product on the market. Trucks may also fail due to ignored maintenance needs. Commercial truck parts or components most likely to fail include tires, brakes, power trains, wheels, coupling systems, and lighting.

Identifying every potentially liable part is crucial when building a solid truck accident claim. A truck accident attorney will know how to investigate these complex cases and have the resources to take on multiple large companies. Schedule a free consultation with our truck accident attorneys now to learn who may be held responsible for your injuries.

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Compensation Available in Oklahoma for Truck Accident Victims

You should never accept an insurance settlement without the advice of an experienced truck accident attorney.

Our dedicated truck accident lawyer in Oklahoma City can review your case, including any settlement offer you have already received, at no charge. Contact our law office today to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation.

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Contact our respected personal injury law firm now if you’ve been hurt in a semi-truck accident in Oklahoma. For decades, our truck accident attorneys have fought to protect accident victims from insurance companies that would take advantage of them during a difficult time. Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons can investigate the circumstances of your truck accident and develop a strong case for the total compensation you deserve.

Schedule a free consultation today, and let us review your legal options for potentially pursuing multiple claims for compensation for your truck accident losses.

A truck accident lawyer can travel to meet with you wherever it is most convenient, including remotely, at your home, or in the hospital.

Talk to a Lawyer now for FREE 800.725.2222SCHEDULE A CALL