Highway trucking accidents in Oklahoma are especially dangerous, given the sheer size and weight of semi trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some cases, the commercial truck involved in the accident may be carrying hazardous materials, which poses a threat to everyone involved in and around the accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety …
Highway trucking accidents in Oklahoma are especially dangerous, given the sheer size and weight of semi trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some cases, the commercial truck involved in the accident may be carrying hazardous materials, which poses a threat to everyone involved in and around the accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 17,000 people were injured in large truck accidents in 2009. In Oklahoma specifically, more than 4,000 trucking accidents occur each year, resulting in more than 1,100 injuries and more than 75 deaths annually. In any Oklahoma trucking accident, it is important to identify and investigate all of the factors that may have contributed to the collision, in order to pursue all possible claims against all negligent defendants. If you have been involved in a highway trucking accident in Oklahoma, contact an experienced Oklahoma accident attorney to discuss your compensation options.
Causes of OK Highway Trucking Accidents
To protect the safety of other drivers on the road, commercial truck drivers are required to maintain a commercial driver’s license and are governed by strict federal trucking laws and regulations. For example, truck drivers are required to adhere to regulations involving the number of breaks they take, their time on the road, and the weight of the load they are carrying. Unfortunately, commercial truckers work long hours and are often under pressure by the trucking company to complete their tasks on time, which can result in driver negligence. There are a number of factors which may contribute to the occurrence of Oklahoma highway trucking accidents, including:
- Driver fatigue
- Poor truck maintenance
- Unsecured loads
- Dangerous roads
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- DWI/Drug use
Trucking Accident Liability in Oklahoma
Before even getting in their truck, commercial drivers are required to perform a pre-trip inspection to detect any problems with their truck, and must also conduct periodic brake checks, load checks, and take other steps to avoid problems which could result in a trucking accident. Commercial trucks do more damage in accidents, contain more moving parts that can wear down, and are on the road for more hours than most other vehicles. It is critical that truck drivers and trucking companies are aware of these facts and put safety first.
One of the major differences between auto and trucking accidents in Oklahoma is the gathering of evidence to prove negligence. In the event of a highway trucking accident, information can be gathered from a number of sources, including drivers’ logs, GPS, systems, black boxes (which are installed in many commercial vehicles), and truck maintenance records. Under Oklahoma law, trucking companies are required to comply with federal and state regulations, which set specific standards for the maintenance and operation of commercial trucks. Trucking companies are financially liable for any accident that results in injury, death or property damage, regardless of whether the accident was caused by a truck driver or the trucking company’s own negligence.
Oklahoma Accident Attorneys for Highway Trucking Accidents
Insurance policies for commercial vehicles and drivers are much larger than some auto insurance policies, which means injured victims can be fully and fairly compensated if the truck driver or trucking company is found negligent. If you have been involved in a commercial trucking accident in Oklahoma, contact an OK accident attorney today to discuss your legal options. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering, which you can collect by filing an accident lawsuit against the liable party or parties. The physical and financial consequences associated with highway trucking accidents and injuries are significant and can severely affect the rest of your life. With the help of an experienced Oklahoma accident lawyer, you can hold the responsible party liable for your injuries and collect the compensation you deserve.