Get Skilled Legal Guidance After A Truck Accident
While all auto accidents have the potential to cause serious, life-threatening injuries, truck accidents in particular can be devastating. There are also a variety of parties who may be involved — from the truck driver to the trucking company’s insurance company. All of these people will do their best to stop you from recovering the compensation you need.
Burrage Law Firm, PLLC, puts experience to work for you. We take all the necessary steps to document evidence, interview witnesses and push the insurance company for every last penny you deserve for your injuries.
You Have Questions, We Have Answers
Truck accidents are complex cases, so you will likely have many questions about how to proceed. Below are some of our answers to frequently asked truck accident questions. For more specific questions relating to your accident, schedule your free consultation to discuss your case with an experienced accident lawyer.
What makes a truck accident different from any other car accident?
Truck accidents are significantly more complex than other kinds of motor vehicle accidents. They may involve multiple parties, such as the trucking company, truck manufacturers, truck drivers and their insurance companies. Truck accidents also have the potential to cause much more serious injuries, due to the sheer size of these commercial vehicles and the heavy cargo they often hold.
Additionally, truck drivers have to follow a range of state and federal regulations, which may come into play during your case. Due to these complexities, you should always contact a lawyer with a proven history in these cases when you are injured.
How do I know who is at fault for my truck accident?
There may be several parties at fault for your truck accident. Depending on your case, you may be able to file claims against multiple parties for your injuries.
If the accident was caused by the truck driver’s negligence (e.g. the driver was under the influence or driving recklessly), you would likely have a claim against the driver and their insurance company. If the trucking company did not properly screen the driver, you may have a case against them as well. If the accident was caused by a defective auto part, you may have a claim against the truck manufacturer. You could even have a claim against the city or state if poorly maintained roads caused your accident.
How do I know what my truck accident case is worth?
You can estimate the value of your accident case based on several factors:
- The severity of injuries sustained
- Medical expenses incurred and anticipated future medical costs
- Lost wages and impact on future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
However, be aware that Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence rule means your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, if any, in the accident.
My own insurance company is calling me about the accident. What should I do?
Even though it is your own insurer, they may not always act in your best interest. Oklahoma is an “at-fault” state for auto insurance, with minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury. Insurance companies often prioritize minimizing payouts, even for their own policyholders.
For instance, they may request statements or offer quick settlements. Even though you have the right to negotiate with insurance companies, it is wise to consult with a truck accident attorney before speaking with your insurance company. Your lawyer can help you understand what information you should provide and how to avoid making statements that could unintentionally harm your claim.
What are some of the common causes of truck accidents and do they impact my claim?
Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Inattentive driving
- Impaired driving
- Unsecured loads
- Faulty vehicle maintenance
- Trucking companies
The cause can significantly impact a claim. For instance, violations of federal regulations could strengthen a case against a trucking company. Working with an attorney can help you identify the root cause of the accident and determine how it may influence your case.
Who may be responsible for my claim in a truck accident?
Under Oklahoma law, multiple parties might be held responsible for truck accident injuries:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The owner of the truck or trailer
- Cargo loading companies
- Manufacturers of defective truck parts
- Government entities responsible for road maintenance
The state’s vicarious liability laws and modified joint and several liability rules can affect how fault and damages are determined when multiple parties are involved.
It Is Important To Get Started Right Away
Truck accidents are notoriously difficult cases. Trucking companies may try to hide any evidence that they pressured the driver to speed or drive unsafely. Insurance companies will attempt to get you to take a low-settlement offer in hopes of minimizing their payout.
By calling an attorney immediately after the accident, you can get your case started before any of these occur, ensuring you get the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. The lawyers at Burrage Law Firm, PLLC, act swiftly to stand up for truck accident victims across Oklahoma, and will take care of every detail so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Call our office in Durant at 580-380-4005 to schedule a free initial consultation, or send us an email to get started.