Oklahoma City Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Oklahoma City Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney

When the busy surface streets and freeways of the greater Oklahoma City area witness the collision of commercial vehicles, the consequences can be devastating. At 222 Injury Lawyers, we understand the seriousness, complexity, and sensitivity of these high-profile injury cases. If you have been the victim of a trucking accident, our team of dedicated attorneys and support staff is here to guide you through the legal process to come. In the aftermath of your trucking accident, 222 Injury Lawyers can work tirelessly to build a compelling argument and steer your case to a swift and positive resolution. That way, you can focus on what matters most: your healing.

Commercial Vehicle Accidents in OKC

The bustling streets of Oklahoma City are home to a great deal of commerce every single day, so they necessarily see a substantial volume of commercial traffic. From trucks to vans, these vehicles are crucial to our economy and maintaining our lifestyles. Unfortunately, their size also makes them some of the most potentially dangerous vehicles on the road when things go wrong.

Accidents involving commercial vehicles can lead to severe injuries, property damage, and even loss of life. According to the National Safety Council, nearly 6,000 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in the United States in 2021. These account for almost 10% of all vehicles involved in such crashes, despite representing only 5% of total vehicle registrations in the nation.

When trucking accidents involve you or those you love, it’s much more than just a statistic. Depending on the extent of the injuries suffered, you and your family may need the financial support you’re entitled to so that you can pay medical bills and make ends meet while being unable to work. Handling the aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident can be overwhelming for persons already dealing with a serious injury or tragic situation. Doing so effectively also requires highly capable legal guidance.

Aspects of a Trucking Accident

The seasoned team at 222 Injury Lawyers is ready to take on even the most complex commercial vehicle accident cases, offering assertive representation in court alongside powerful and compassionate advocacy for victims and their families. We know all the details of the many intricate issues that can be involved in commercial trucking accidents, such as:

• Insurance claims
• Liability determinations
• Oklahoma traffic laws
• Communicating with corporate entities and their legal representation
• Settlement negotiations
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations

Truck drivers are the backbone of our nation’s commerce, and most are very safe drivers who log many thousands of miles without issue. Unfortunately, it only takes one mistake or freak accident to change lives forever. Whether you’re a trucker, a motorist, a passenger, a loading dock worker harmed by a truck accident, or anyone else who needs highly effective legal representation pursuant to a commercial vehicle accident in the Oklahoma City area, 222 Injury Lawyers is here to help. If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights under the law. Our team can guide and advise you throughout every step of the legal process, ensuring that your rights, including your right to a fair payout for damages suffered, are at the forefront of all proceedings.

Committed to Your Recovery: Personal Injury Advocacy in the Aftermath of Commercial Trucking Accidents

Due to the size of the vehicles involved, and the heavy loads they carry, commercial vehicle accidents can all too often result in severe injuries with long-lasting effects. As top OKC personal injury attorneys, the team at 222 Injury Lawyers is dedicated to securing the maximum possible compensation for our injured clients, and these payouts can be quite significant when commercial trucking companies are deemed responsible for serious injuries. Do not be intimidated or confused by corporate lawyers and insurance companies. Enlist powerful legal representation of your own. Begin the process today by scheduling a consultation with 222 Injury Lawyers.

Defining a Commercial Vehicle

There are various ways to define a commercial vehicle. In one technical sense, any vehicle used in the course of conducting business is a commercial vehicle, be that a professional bike messenger’s new 21-speed or a pizza delivery driver’s compact car.

Typically, when people talk about commercial vehicles in the context of automobile accidents, they’re referring to semi-trucks with trailers or large box vans, at the least.

Different agencies and groups will have their own, more specific, ways of defining and categorizing commercial vehicles. For the purpose of keeping statistics, as an example, the National Safety Council tracks “large truck” accidents and defines large trucks as any “medium or heavy” truck with a gross vehicle weight of over 10,000 lbs. that is not a bus or motorhome.

The Reality of Commercial Trucking Accidents: By the Numbers

Commercial vehicle injuries may seem, on the surface, like a very niche area of law, and it does indeed require highly focused knowledge and particular skills. However, the unfortunate reality is that large commercial trucks and vans are involved in many serious accidents throughout Oklahoma and other states every year. Here are some key facts about commercial vehicle accidents in the United States:

• More than 115,000 large trucks were involved in crashes that resulted in injuries in 2021 (representing a 12% increase from 2020).
• A loaded commercial truck can easily weigh 25 times as much as an average passenger car, giving each truck the potential to be an extreme roadway hazard.
• In many ways, truck drivers tend to be safer motorists overall. For example, trucking deaths involving elevated blood alcohol content (i.e., drunk driving) remain steady at 5% or less from year to year, whereas the same statistic for passenger vehicle fatalities is much higher, around 30%. It’s typically not truckers that make commercial vehicles dangerous, but the immense size and weight of the vehicles themselves.
• Large trucks account for only 5% of all registered vehicles on the road, but 10% of total miles traveled. They also account for 9% of all vehicles involved in fatality accidents.
• Serious trucking accidents are on the rise. 5,700 large trucks were involved in loss of life accidents in 2021, which represents an 18% increase from 2020 and a nearly 50% increase over the last decade.
• These accidents resulted in a total of either 5,788 or 4,714 deaths in 2021 (depending on whether you use the calculations from the National Safety Council or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, respectively).
• When large truck accidents result in fatalities, nearly three-quarters of the victims are passengers in other vehicles. Truck occupants themselves make up only 17% of fatalities.

FAQs About Oklahoma City Commercial Vehicle Accident Law

Can the Trucking Company Be Held Liable for My Accident?

Yes, if the trucking company was negligent in a way that contributed to the accident, or somehow acted unlawfully, they can be held accountable in court. In Oklahoma, companies can be held liable for the actions of their agents and employees (e.g., truck drivers) under the legal principle of “respondeat superior.” Additionally, the company can be held liable for negligence in the form of failing to properly maintain and inspect their trucks and equipment or for failing to follow the various regulations that oversee interstate trucking.

Can I Make a Claim After a Commercial Vehicle Accident?

Absolutely. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving one or more commercial vehicles, you have the legal right to seek compensation. The state of Oklahoma operates under a “modified comparative negligence” system, which allows you to pursue a claim even if you are partially at fault for the accident, so long as your share of the fault does not exceed 50%. If you are deemed to be more than 50% at fault for an accident, you may be unable to pursue damages. Check with your lawyer about the options available to you.

Who Is Liable in a Semi-Truck Accident?

The liability in a semi-truck accident will vary based on the details of the case. It must take into account all sorts of possible factors like driver negligence, maintenance issues, equipment defects, and even identifying third parties who may share some liability. Correctly determining fault, especially in a comparative fault state like Oklahoma, requires a thorough and detail-oriented investigation. The legal team at 222 Injury Lawyers can ensure that your rights are asserted and safeguarded throughout this process.

What Should I Do After an Accident With a Semi-Truck?

In the immediate aftermath of a semi-truck accident, your first concern should be for safety. Follow these steps:

1. Check yourself and others for injuries, and seek medical attention if needed.
2. Contact law enforcement or emergency services to report the accident.
3. Document the scene extensively with photographs.
4. Gather information from witnesses and other parties involved in the accident (contact info, insurance policies, the trucking company’s information, etc.)
5. IMPORTANT: Avoid discussing guilt or admitting fault throughout this process.
6. Consult an attorney once you are in a safe location, any medical needs have been seen to, and law enforcement has been notified of the accident.

222 Injury Lawyers: Your Trusted Personal Injury Team for Commercial Vehicle Accidents in OKC

Trying to take the right steps in the aftermath of a traumatic accident is extremely difficult and overwhelming. We understand this, and that’s why our approach to legal representation takes as much stress as possible off our clients by way of responsive, effective, and compassionate legal representation that can effectively deal with even the most complex personal injury cases involving commercial trucking. We can offer you a comprehensive legal strategy to steer your case towards a positive outcome, meaning the maximum possible settlement. Begin the process today by contacting 222 Injury Lawyers for a no-pressure consultation.