Tulsa 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

18-Wheeler Accident Attorney in Tulsa, OK

Collisions involving large, commercial trucks are some of the most serious and deadly on Oklahoma roadways. Because of the size and weight of these vehicles, the injuries sustained are often severe and can lead to lifelong disability. In recent years, accidents involving 18-wheelers have increased along major Tulsa corridors and critical areas like I-244 through downtown and Creek Turnpike merge points. A Tulsa 18-wheeler accident lawyer is here to support you.

Hire an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer.

With over 35 years of combined experience, the team at Fulmer Sill has been empowering injured people and helping them look ahead to a brighter and better future. Suffering injuries and other damage in a trucking accident is terrifying and can leave one feeling uncertain and overwhelmed. A Tulsa truck accident lawyer from our team can help.

We are here to protect your rights to recover compensation for the harm you’ve sustained and can hold even the largest trucking companies and insurance providers liable.

At Fulmer Sill, we aren’t afraid of standing in the gap and advocating for your interests when it comes to damage recovery. Allow us to protect you against companies and CEOs who put profit above people. We have recovered over $200 million for past clients and are now ready to put the same energy into your case. While previous results cannot guarantee a future outcome, we are here to pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.

Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Tulsa

In a single year, around 72.7% of all American freight is hauled by commercial trucks. Many of us are used to seeing these large vehicles on the roadway, and we are aware of the risks they pose simply because of their design. However, there are certain factors that, when present, can increase the chances of a commercial vehicle accident. These factors, or common causes, include the following:

• Drunk driving. Drinking alcohol and operating a commercial truck is a deadly mix. When a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it can cause them to have a slower reaction speed and impair their judgement, leading to a higher chance of causing an accident in Tulsa.
• Fatigue. Truck drivers are typically held to tight schedules, which can often lead to driver fatigue. When rest breaks are not properly taken, and a driver struggles to stay awake behind the wheel, it can lead to an inability to respond to emergencies or a sudden loss of control.
• Distraction. It is illegal for a truck driver to use a cell phone or other handheld device when driving. However, this doesn’t stop drivers from taking calls or responding to text messages. Anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the roadway and their hands off the wheel of the truck can lead to serious and even deadly accidents.
• Speeding. Truck drivers are held to very specific speed limits, and when they exceed these limits, accidents can happen as a result. Truck drivers may be more tempted to speed when under strict delivery schedules.
• Inexperienced drivers. 18-wheeler drivers are required to have a commercial driver’s license and must go through rigorous training. However, many drivers are inexperienced or have been ill-equipped by alleged training. Your lead attorney can discover this information and use it to prove liability in an accident due to inexperienced drivers.
• Improperly loaded trucks. Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks account for nearly 65% of fatal traffic accidents in a single year in the US. When a truck is incorrectly loaded, overloaded, or the cargo has not been correctly secured, things can shift while the truck is in motion and may cause the driver to lose control.

Liability in Oklahoma Trucking Accidents

One of the most difficult aspects of an Oklahoma trucking accident is knowing who can be held accountable. There are several parties who may have some degree of liability in the accident, depending on the exact circumstances surrounding the collision. The parties that are commonly held liable for 18-wheeler accidents include:

• The driver of the truck
• The truck’s owners
• The trucking company
• The shipping company that loaded the cargo
• A business in charge of maintaining and inspecting the truck

FAQs

What Are the Common Kinds of 18-Wheeler Truck Collisions?

In Oklahoma, 18-wheeler trucks can be involved in a few collisions, including sideswipes, head-on collisions, multi-vehicle pileups, and rear-end collisions. However, there are a few types of collisions that are more unique to 18-wheelers, including rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, underride accidents, getting caught under bridges and overpasses without proper clearance, and wide-turn crashes.

How Much Can I Recover in an 18-Wheeler Accident?

The amount of money you may be able to recover in compensation following an 18-wheeler accident will depend on the severity of your catastrophic injuries and the extent of your property damage, as well as what directly caused the accident. Most truck accident victims can recover damages such as medical costs, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of the enjoyment of life.

What Injuries Are Common in Truck Accidents?

In a truck accident, there are several injuries that can be sustained, many of which can be serious and life-threatening. The most common kinds of injuries include broken bones and fractures, spinal cord injuries, which can result in paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, crushing or pinning injuries, whiplash, internal organ damage, internal nerve damage, and internal bleeding.

What Evidence Can Help Prove My Liability Claim?

There are several forms of evidence that can help prove your liability case in Oklahoma. These forms of evidence can include any eyewitness statements, video surveillance footage, copies of any pertinent police reports, your medical records, photos from the scene of the accident, repair estimates for your vehicle, and the maintenance and inspection logs of the trucking company.

Tulsa 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a large commercial truck, you need to hire an 18-wheeler accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Fulmer Sill, we are here to serve you. Contact our offices today to learn more and to schedule your initial consultation with our experienced personal injury team.