Why Oklahoma Truck Accidents Often Result in Catastrophic Injuries?

Truck accidents are some of the most damaging vehicle accidents anyone can experience, and it is vital for every driver to know why Oklahoma truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. When another party is responsible for causing a truck accident that has critically injured you or a family member, it’s vital to hire a truck accident lawyer you trust to help you pursue accountability and compensation for your damages.

Why Oklahoma Truck Accidents Often Result in Catastrophic Injuries

A commercial truck is several times larger and heavier than even the biggest passenger vehicles. This makes it harder to control them, especially at higher speeds, and they require more time and distance to slow down and stop. Due to their size, it’s possible for a commercial truck accident to involve multiple other vehicles, and the occupants of those vehicles are likely to sustain serious injuries.

According to the National Safety Council, there were 114,552 large trucks involved in crashes resulting in nonfatal injuries throughout the United States in 2023, and another 5,375 were involved in fatal crashes. Most of those injured or killed by these accidents were occupants of other vehicles.

The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety recorded 5,575 large truck crashes in the state, resulting in 1,861 injuries and 112 deaths during 2021, the most recent year with available crash data.

The reason why Oklahoma City truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries is the simple fact that most commercial trucks are very large and heavy. When a large truck collides with any smaller vehicle, the sheer force of the impact is enough to severely damage the smaller vehicle, and even the most robust crash safety features in modern vehicles can only do so much to cushion the impact.

The severity of a truck accident depends on multiple factors, and the speed at which the accident happened is one of the most important when it comes to the severity of resulting damages. Truck accidents that happen at high speeds are not only more likely to result in catastrophic injuries, but they also have a greater chance of affecting multiple other vehicles and their occupants.

Recovering From a Catastrophic Injury After a Truck Accident

It’s possible for a truck accident to cause various injuries, some of which can be life-changing. Severely broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries are just a few examples of the injuries that might qualify as catastrophic, causing severe pain and interfering with the victim’s life in various ways.

In Oklahoma, all vehicle accident cases involving multiple drivers are resolved based on fault. This means that whoever caused the accident is liable for all resulting damages, and an injured driver must prove fault before they can claim any compensation from anyone else. An experienced Oklahoma truck accident attorney can help their client gather the evidence needed to prove liability for their accident.

Recovering compensation for a vehicle accident usually begins with an auto insurance claim, but even a trucking company’s commercial auto insurance policy may not fully cover the total damages when an injured victim has suffered a catastrophic injury. You should hire a truck accident lawyer at your first opportunity after your accident so they can guide you through your recovery efforts and help you maximize your compensation.

FAQs

Q: How Do You Prove Liability for a Truck Accident?

A: You can prove liability for a truck accident using various forms of evidence that an attorney can obtain for you. Trucking company documentation, cell phone records, eyewitness statements, and police reports are just a few examples of the evidence you may need to prove liability. Once you have proven fault, your attorney can proceed with claiming compensation for your damages.

Q: What Damages Can I Claim in a Truck Accident Case?

A: The damages you can claim in a truck accident case could include your medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and lost income if you are unable to work while you recover. Additionally, you can also seek compensation for the pain and suffering you experienced. Your attorney can accurately calculate your total losses and determine the optimal path to recovering as much compensation as possible.

Q: Are There Penalties for Causing a Truck Accident in Oklahoma?

A: Penalties for causing a truck accident in Oklahoma could extend beyond liability for the resulting damages, depending on how the accident happened. For example, if your accident was the result of a trucking company’s failure to follow industry safety regulations, the company not only faces liability for your damages but could also face fines and other penalties. Your attorney can explain how any such factors could influence your case.

Q: How Is Pain and Suffering Compensation Calculated for a Catastrophic Injury?

A: Pain and suffering compensation for a catastrophic injury can be calculated in various ways, but it’s most common for the plaintiff’s attorney to use their client’s total economic damages as a starting point to calculate appropriate pain and suffering compensation. They will multiply this amount by a factor that reflects the overall severity of the injury. Generally, more serious injuries tend to yield greater pain and suffering compensation.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

A: You should hire a truck accident lawyer to have a greater chance of success with your case, especially if you have suffered a catastrophic injury. An experienced attorney will know how to prove liability for your accident, accurately calculate the total damages you are eligible to claim, and guide you through each step of your proceedings efficiently. You’re more likely to reach a positive conclusion to your case with an attorney’s help.

The team at Fulmer Sill has years of experience representing victims of truck accidents and other vehicle accidents throughout Oklahoma, including those who have suffered catastrophic injuries. You could face a series of challenging legal proceedings in the aftermath of your accident, and our team is confident we can provide the compassionate and results-driven support you need in this situation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team.