Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Tulsa, OK

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Tulsa, Oklahoma?

  (918) 596-9222 is the non-emergency contact number for the Tulsa Police Department.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Tulsa, Oklahoma?

  You can get a copy of the police report by completing a request form and mailing it to: Records Custodian, Tulsa Police Records, P.O. Box 1027, Tulsa, OK 74103. You may also obtain a copy by phone or in person; call Records at (918) 596-9286 or go to 600 Civic Center Suite 201 (Plaza Level).

• Which is better for Tulsa truck accident victims: settling or going to trial?

  Victims of truck accidents in Tulsa are the only ones who can decide whether to accept a settlement or bring the case to court. Trucking firms prefer to settle, and insurance companies avoid a jury trial. Negotiations take less time than trials. The settlement offer, on the other hand, is definitive. If the injuries persist after the settlement or wrongful death occurs, the victim will be responsible for all costs after the settlement.

• Can a person obtain punitive damages after a Tulsa truck accident?

  Yes, punitive damages are given to the plaintiff if the defendant is proven guilty of an offense that causes injury. After a truck accident in Tulsa, victims can obtain damages such as pain and suffering, and sometimes even punitive damages. These punish the defendant who behaves recklessly and without respect for the victim's rights. The more harmful the defendant acts, the more liable they will be regarded by the court, and the greater the punitive damages may be. It is also intended for others to avoid committing similar foolish acts.

• Who can be held liable for truck accidents in Tulsa?

  A negligent truck driver in Tulsa can and should be held accountable for injuries or fatalities. If a trucking company hires a negligent driver who causes an accident, the company might be liable for the driver's carelessness. These include hiring a driver not qualified for the job, poor inspection and maintenance, and allowing or forcing drivers to violate regulations. Other parties, including warehouse companies for overloading, a manufacturer of defective trucks, a shipping broker who contracted with a dangerous driver, and a government agency for poor road conditions, can be held accountable as well.

• What are the pieces of evidence that can be used for a truck accident case in Tulsa?

  To establish legal arguments in a truck accident in Tulsa, it is necessary to have pieces of evidence and confer with professionals to build a strong case. These include eyewitness testimonies of those at the scene, medical records of the victims and passengers, video footage (a piece of evidence that can be difficult to reject), and the truck's GPS data, which was used to determine the driver's itinerary.

• What are the types of compensation claim for truck accidents in Tulsa?

  Tulsa's compensation is based on the severity of the injuries and the facts of the case. It is divided into three categories: (1) economic damages (medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and rehabilitative services); (2) non-economic damages (intangible aspects such as loss of future earnings, recovering from distress, and emotional stress); and (3) punitive damages (awarded in exceptional circumstances).

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.