Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Norman

FAQs

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

  Contact the NPD at 405-321-1444 for non-emergencies.

• What items are covered under a property damage claim for a truck accident in Norman?

  Costs for vehicle repair, rental vehicles, and the replacement of personal items like cell phones destroyed in the Norman truck accident are covered. If the damage to your vehicle is beyond repair or the cost of repairs is higher than the vehicle's current market value, your insurance company will declare your vehicle totaled. In the event of a total loss of a vehicle, the insurance company will pay the cash value of your vehicle.

• How is a Norman truck accident different from a Norman car accident?

  Truck accident cases are more complex compared to other types of vehicular accidents in Norman. These cases may have multiple defendants and usually involve catastrophic injuries. How accidents happen is also different and can include cases such as under-riding, jackknifing, and right-turn overriding which uniquely involves trucks. Accidents involving trucks are also subject to different state and federal laws while other vehicles may not be.

• What are some situations where only a licensed truck driver is allowed when driving in Norman?

  Situations such as operating a vehicle weighing more than 26,001 pounds, transporting hazardous materials, and carrying at least 16 passengers are only applicable to licensed truck drivers. There are different types of commercial driving licenses required for truck drivers in Norman and these include licenses to operate trucks such as tow trucks, lineman trucks with lifts, and vehicles for transporting explosives.

• Do truck accident cases in Norman go to trial?

  It depends. Most truck accident cases, including those in Norman, usually get resolved without going to trial. Sometimes, a small number of cases go to trial when liability is challenged or when there are multiple vehicles involved. Liability disputes usually include disagreement on who was at fault, the extent of fault in a party, and the injuries sustained.

• Which dangerous state highway with several truck accidents runs through Norman?

  State highway 9 or SR-9 is considered one of the most dangerous highways in the country, according to a study from ValuePenguin which used the data from NHTSA-FARS's statistics. This highway has seen fifty fatal accidents, including those involving trucks, in a span of five years with the majority of these accidents happening on the Cleveland County portion, which includes a Norman roadway portion.

• 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.