If you drive around Tulsa, you will encounter plenty of large tractor-trailers. This is especially true if you are on a busy road with a lot of commercial vehicle traffic such as I-244, U.S. 412, or the Broken Arrow Expressway. Even a minor collision with one of those trucks can cause life-changing injuries or the loss of a loved one. Truck accidents are often far more dangerous than car accidents.

At Edwards & Patterson Law, we protect the rights of truck accident victims and their families in Oklahoma and Arkansas. We are dedicated to holding negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable and to pursuing all compensation our clients deserve. We believe that our clients deserve caring, assertive representation. We fight. We care. We win.

To learn more about how we can help you after a truck accident, contact our Tulsa personal injury law firm today. We can review your case in a free consultation and start an immediate investigation of the crash.

What Are Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Oklahoma?

Our law firm’s legal experience goes back more than three decades. Our attorneys have seen how driver error is a leading cause of 18-wheeler accidents on our major roads and city streets in Tulsa. Some of the most common types of truck driver negligence which we see are:

  • Speeding and aggressive driving – Drivers who are in a rush to meet a deadline, move on to the next job or simply get home can drive too fast for road and weather conditions and cause crashes. They can also hurt others on the road when they tailgate, make dangerous passes or refuse to yield.
  • Truck driver using tablet while driving.Distracted driving – Many truck drivers fail to pay attention to what they are doing because they are too busy texting or talking on a hand-held cell phone, which is a violation of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. Drivers can also get distracted by using a dispatch device or typing an address into a GPS unit.
  • Fatigued driving – Many truck drivers try to cut corners and drive long past their physical and mental limits or the limits set by the FMCSA’s hours of service rules. A fatigued driver can be as dangerous as a drunk driver. A driver’s medical condition and use of some types of prescription medications can contribute to drowsiness.
  • Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs – Although it may seem crazy to operate a large tractor-trailer under the influence of alcohol, it happens. More commonly, truck drivers may become reliant on prescription and over-the-counter drugs to keep them awake and alert. Any type of drug or alcohol use can create serious dangers when operating heavy machinery.
  • Inadequate Maintenance: Failure to properly maintain trucks can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, which can cause serious accidents.
  • Improper Loading: Incorrectly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, altering the truck’s center of gravity and increasing the risk of rollovers or loss of control.
  • Lack of experience and training – Some big trucking companies rush their drivers through short training programs before turning them loose on the open road. Inexperienced drivers account for a large percentage of the crashes that happen each year.
  • Negligent Trucking Practices: Some trucking companies may prioritize profits over safety, pushing drivers to forego rest, speed, or ignore regulations to meet deadlines.

What Are Common Truck Accident Injuries?

Truck accidents tend to be more severe than typical car crashes due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. As a result, victims often suffer catastrophic injuries that can have lifelong consequences. Some of the most common injuries sustained in Tulsa truck accidents include:

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. In some cases, victims may never fully recover from their injuries and may be unable to return to work or participate in activities they once enjoyed. A skilled Tulsa truck accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for the full extent of your injuries and losses.

What Types of Truck Accidents Happen in Tulsa?

A variety of truck accidents occur on Tulsa’s busy highways and city streets, each with its own unique causes and consequences. Some of the most common types of truck accidents in Tulsa include:

  • Jackknife accidents – Several vehicles may be affected when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab.
  • Rollover accidents – A truck can tip onto its side or roof, often due to high speeds, sharp turns, or unbalanced loads.
  • Rear-end collisions – If a truck driver is tailgating, speeding, or driving distracted, they may crash into the back of another vehicle.
  • Underride accidents – When a smaller vehicle becomes trapped underneath a truck’s trailer, it often results in severe injuries or fatalities.
  • Blind spot accidents – A truck driver may fail to see a vehicle in their blind spot and change lanes or turn, causing a collision.
  • Wide-turn accidents – When a truck driver swings too wide while turning, it may crash into vehicles in adjacent lanes.

Regardless of the type of accident you were involved in, a knowledgeable Tulsa truck accident attorney can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.

What Evidence Can Be Used in a Tulsa Truck Accident Lawsuit?

To build a successful truck accident lawsuit, your personal injury lawyer will need to gather a variety of evidence to prove the truck driver’s or trucking company’s negligence. Some of the most critical pieces of evidence in a Tulsa truck accident case may include:

  • Police reports and accident scene investigations
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries
  • Black box data from the truck, which can reveal speed, braking, and other important information
  • Truck driver logbooks and electronic logging devices (ELDs)
  • Truck maintenance and inspection records
  • Trucking company hiring, training, and supervision records
  • Medical records and expert testimony about your injuries and treatment
  • Economic expert testimony about your financial losses
  • Expert medical testimony about your future long-term care needs

An experienced truck accident injury lawyer in Tulsa will know how to gather and preserve this evidence, as well as how to use it effectively in settlement negotiations or at trial.

What Compensation Can I Seek in a Tulsa Truck Accident?

The compensation available in your truck accident claim will depend on the nature of the crash, the severity of your injuries, and the quality of your legal representation. A skilled Oklahoma truck accident attorney may be able to pursue compensation for the following losses:

  • Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, surgical procedures, assistive devices, medications, and long-term care
  • Lost income if your injuries prevent you from working for any amount of time
  • Reduced earning capacity if you are forced to leave your job for a lower-paying one
  • Physical and emotional pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Consulting with a knowledgeable Oklahoma truck accident lawyer can give you an informed assessment of your claim’s worth.

What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Truck Accident?

Suffering injuries in a truck accident can be among the most overwhelming and disorienting events a person can experience. In the aftermath of a truck crash, knowing what steps to take to protect yourself, your rights, and your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve can be difficult. However, you should do your best to remain calm and do the following:

  • Follow your doctor’s treatment plan – Failing to follow a medical professional’s orders is one of the most common reasons injury victims have their claims rejected. In such circumstances, insurers can argue that your treatment and medical costs were unnecessary. Following your doctor’s orders can significantly increase the likelihood of a positive outcome in your case.
  • Gather documentary evidence – Collecting documents such as medical bills and records, pay slips, tax forms, and correspondence with your HR department will allow you to present proof of the nature of your injuries and their financial effects on your life.
  • Do not accept the insurance adjuster’s initial offer – Trucking companies’ insurers often make a quick, lowball offer to injured people who do not yet know the total value of their claim. If you accept the initial offer, you will be ineligible to claim further compensation for your injuries. Always consult with a legal professional before accepting any offers.
  • Consult a knowledgeable truck accident attorney – The Oklahoma truck accident lawyers at Edwards & Patterson Law can help you get the treatment you need, gather the necessary evidence to prove your case, and handle negotiations with the insurance adjuster in a way that protects your claim.

What Is the Statute of Limitations to File a Truck Accident Claim?

Oklahoma’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits stipulates that accident victims generally have a maximum of two years to file legal action against the at-fault party. If you do not begin your lawsuit before this deadline, you may be barred from recovering compensation for your losses in court.

It is always a good idea to consult a knowledgeable Oklahoma truck accident attorney to ensure you do not miss any statutory deadlines.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Tractor Trailer Accidents in Tulsa?

A negligent truck driver can and should be held liable for any injuries or deaths that the driver causes. Additionally, the company that hires a negligent driver who causes an accident while “on the job” can be held liable based on the driver’s negligence. Trucking company negligence can cause accidents as well. For example, the trucking company may have:

  • Hired a driver without conducting a complete background check
  • Hired a driver who was not qualified
  • Failed to adequately train and supervise a driver
  • Neglected inspection, maintenance and repair of the trucks in the fleet
  • Permitted or even forced drivers to violate safety regulations.

In addition to the trucking company, other parties who may be held responsible in a truck accident lawsuit include:

  • A warehousing company that overloaded a truck
  • A shipping broker who contracted with a dangerous driver
  • Cargo loaders could have improperly loaded or secured the truck cargo.
  • The manufacturer of a defective truck or truck part
  • Maintenance providers who failed to maintain the truck properly
  • A government agency responsible for road design and maintenance.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a car accident or trucking collision in the Tulsa area, you can’t afford to sit by and wait to see what happens. Most trucking companies move very quickly to get rid of evidence. You need an attorney who will get involved and aggressively fight to protect your rights.

How Do You File a Semi-Truck Accident Lawsuit in Oklahoma?

A truck accident lawyer in Tulsa is your best starting point for filing a truck accident lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit is not as simple as just filling out a claims form or writing a narrative about the crash. A formal lawsuit must be initiated after thorough investigation and by the careful drafting of a legal document known as a complaint. This document contains carefully crafted allegations that establish proper jurisdiction, the correct legal venue, and the legal names and corporate identities of any companies involved.

Attorneys filling up lawsuit form.It can be very expensive to investigate a trucking collision and to bring a lawsuit. At Edwards & Patterson Law, we advance all of the costs of investigating your crash. We also pay for all of the expenses involved in filing a lawsuit and the ongoing costs of fighting for your rights. We will get paid for our work and reimbursed for these expenses only if we succeed at securing compensation for you.

How Can a Truck Accident Attorney Help Me?

When you contact a Tulsa truck accident attorney at Edwards & Patterson Law, we will help you to understand:

Also, we will help you to get the medical treatment you need and spare you from dealing with aggressive insurance companies and their representatives. In fact, our team will handle all settlement negotiations and prepare your case from start to finish. Even though most trucking accident cases settle out of court, we start every case by preparing for trial.

Our Tulsa Truck Accident Lawyer Is Ready to Help You

For help after a serious trucking crash in Tulsa, call a truck accident attorney who can help you to seek full and fair compensation for your injuries. At Edwards & Patterson Law, we never charge unless we win, and your initial case evaluation will be free of charge as well. Contact our Tulsa truck accident lawyers, today to learn more.

Helping Clients Work Toward a Positive Future

Our firm has helped thousands of people, all with unique circumstances, get the treatment they need and the compensation they deserve. You have only one day in court. Choosing an attorney who will listen to your needs and fight for your rights is an important decision. Let Edwards & Patterson Law be your voice for justice!

Contact a Tulsa Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Lawyers at Edwards & Patterson LawA serious accident is one of the most traumatic things you can go through. After the shock wears off, you probably feel overwhelmed as you wonder how you will get the money and benefits you need to begin putting your life back together. The last thing you want to face is the confusion and frustration of dealing with insurance companies and legal claims.

Stop worrying! The attorneys and staff at Edwards & Patterson Law are always here for you. Let us handle your case and we will take care of everything. Our staff is always here to answer any questions you may have and walk you through the entire process from start to finish. We understand that personal injury events can have life-changing effects. These effects can be financially devastating to you and your family. We care about you, we will fight for you, and we will win to get you the compensation you deserve!

Are you ready to get the compassionate and aggressive legal help you need? Let’s get started now. Contact the law firm of Edwards & Patterson Law for a free and confidential claim review and consultation. We care. We fight. We win!

Visit our Tulsa Truck Accident Law Offices