Oklahoma Truck Accident Attorney

How We Work With Oklahoma Truck Accident Lawyers to Get You Compensation

The Goldwater Law Firm is one of the most widely recognized firms with a strong reputation for helping injury victims in all 50 states. We have strategic partnerships with some of the largest and most successful law firms nationwide, including near you.

If you were hurt in an Oklahoma crash, a commercial truck accident lawyer from one of our law firm partners near you can take the necessary steps to determine what you might qualify to recover and manage your claim or litigate your case.

We will not sit back and let a large corporation or its insurance carrier take advantage of you. Our co-counsels will fight for the money you need. They can call in experts and specialists, uncover key evidence, and take steps to pursue a fair payout for you aggressively.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Oklahoma Tractor-Trailer Truck Accident Lawyer?

Our law firm partners represent accident victims in Oklahoma with no upfront costs or fees. They work based on contingency. They receive a preapproved portion of the money they recover for you based on your case, whether they settle it or take it to trial. They only receive payment for their services if they win your case.

An Oklahoma Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer Will Determine the Cause of Your Crash

At The Goldwater Law Firm, we review the basic facts of your collision to determine if you may qualify to pursue compensation based on fault and liability. If another party’s carelessness or recklessness likely caused your crash, we will connect you with one of our co-counsels near you.

When you work with commercial truck accident attorneys, they will thoroughly investigate the crash and gather evidence to show what occurred and each party’s role. Commonly, they uncover that these accidents happen because truck drivers:

• Drive drowsy and fatigued
• Drive distracted
• Speed
• Make improper lane changes
• Tailgate
• Drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Have unsecured or improperly secured cargo
• Ignore traffic signals
• Fail to yield
• Are inexperienced or poorly trained

Trucking accidents create much more evidence than car accidents or motorcycle accidents because of the many regulations in the trucking industry and the high-tech gadgets used in many of these big rigs. Some common evidence used to support a truck accident case in Oklahoma includes:

• The police accident report
• Truck driver rest logs
• Black box data
• Dashcam or surveillance footage of the crash
• Witness statements
• Accident scene photos
• Truck maintenance records
• Cell phone records
• Toxicology reports
• Expert testimony
• Relevant medical records
• Documentation of damages

Truck Accidents Often Leave Victims With Serious Injuries Requiring Specialized Care

When a commercial truck strikes a passenger vehicle, the occupants of the smaller car, truck, or SUV often suffer significant injuries. The size and weight of the truck create forces that can cause catastrophic, life-altering injuries, especially at higher speeds.

Truck accident attorneys know how to deal with serious injury accidents and understand the costs of trauma care, rehabilitation, medevac transport, and ongoing care and support. Some truck accident injuries could include:

• Broken bones, fractures, and crush injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Internal injuries and bleeding
• Severe burns
• Amputations
• Severe lacerations and bruises
• Limb injuries
• Dislocations

Oklahoma has three certified trauma centers to treat such injuries:

• OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Level I
• Ascension St. John Medical Center Emergency Room in Tulsa, Level II
• Oklahoma State University Medical Center in Tulsa, Level III

These facilities could be a good option for care following a serious truck accident injury. Depending on where their injuries occur, some people may receive care at trauma facilities in another state. Other hospitals may provide stabilization or care.

Our co-counsels may meet with clients at the hospital, during rehabilitation, after their release, or over the phone. Some offer video call capabilities.

The Damages Recoverable With Help From an Oklahoma Truck Crash Lawyer

When you work with a truck accident lawyer from one of our co-counsels, they will develop a strong case for appropriate compensation based on your accident-related expenses and losses. This could include such economic damages as the following:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Rehabilitation costs
• Ongoing care and support needs
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket costs

They will also seek non-economic damages that have affected your quality of life, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability and disfigurement

If your family lost a loved one, you may qualify for wrongful death damages like:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses before death
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of services
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Pain and suffering of the deceased before death
• Emotional distress of surviving family members

How Your Oklahoma Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer Proves Negligence and Liability

Liability is complex in commercial vehicle accident cases. Under a legal doctrine known as respondeat superior, employers are often liable for their workers’ negligence when they are on the clock and managing work-related tasks. This includes truck drivers behind the wheel of their big rigs.

To this end, an Oklahoma 18-wheeler truck accident attorney from one of our law firm partners can build a strong case against the trucking company and hold them legally responsible for your injuries by taking several key steps, including:

• Investigating the Accident: The lawyer will gather and analyze police reports, witness statements, and other available evidence.
• Preserving Critical Evidence: Your attorney will send a spoliation letter to the trucking company and their legal representatives to prevent them from destroying crucial records.
• Obtaining Black Box Data: Your lawyer will request and analyze the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) data for speed, braking, and driving hours.
• Reviewing the Truck Driver’s Records: Your legal team will check the driver’s driving history, qualifications, and compliance with federal regulations.
• Examining Truck Maintenance Records: Your attorney can identify any potential negligence in vehicle upkeep.
• Seeking Surveillance and Dashcam Footage: Your lawyer will look for any video of the collision.
• Consulting Expert Witnesses: Your legal team can strengthen your case by calling on accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and trucking industry experts.
• Negotiating With Insurance Companies: Your lawyer will fight for a fair settlement based on the expenses and losses you incurred.
• Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: When necessary, your attorney can take the case to trial.

When there is strong evidence of negligence, these steps generally allow a truck accident attorney to seek and secure fair compensation for victims. Our co-counsels understand the applicable laws in Oklahoma and how to navigate the claims process to recover a fair payout. If the circumstances call for it, they will not hesitate to sue and litigate the case.

When Should You Contact an Oklahoma Truck Accident Lawyer About Your Case?

We recommend contacting our team as soon as your injuries allow you to make the call. We know that sometimes serious injuries can require hospitalization and pain medication for several days or weeks. However, you should reach out to our team about your injuries as soon as possible.

The sooner you have an 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer from one of our law firm partners managing your case, the better. They will protect your rights, manage the insurance claim, protect key evidence, and build a compelling case while you undergo treatment and rehabilitation.

Additionally, you only have a limited time to sue. Under Oklahoma Statute §12-95, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a truck accident is two years. This applies to both personal injury and wrongful death claims. Missing this deadline could result in losing your right to seek compensation. Also, exceptions may apply. They could give you more or less time.