Tulsa Truck Accident Attorneys

Fighting For Truck Accident Victims in Oklahoma

Any motor vehicle accident can be devastating, but an accident involving a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or large commercial vehicle is almost guaranteed to result in serious injuries. Due to the speed, force, and weight of large trucks, occupants of other vehicles are highly vulnerable and may be impacted in a catastrophic or life-threatening way.

If you or someone you love was involved in an accident with a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler, or similar large truck, reach out to Brewster & De Angelis right away. Our team of Tulsa truck accident attorneys has decades of experience and a proven track record of successfully representing injured accident victims, as well as the families of those wrongfully killed. We are well-versed in state and federal trucking regulations, as well as complex laws and specific issues relating to truck accident claims. We are known for providing compassionate, client-focused representation and are respected by our peers and opponents alike for our aggressive approach to litigation.

Injured in a truck accident? Contact Brewster & De Angelis at (918) 265-1214 today to request a free and confidential consultation with a member of our Tulsa truck accident lawyer.

What Makes Truck Accident Cases Different from Other Car Accident Claims?

On the surface, large truck accidents may seem similar to any other motor vehicle collision. However, there are several major differences when it comes to filing a truck accident claim versus a standard car accident claim.

Some of the factors that set truck accident cases apart from other types of motor vehicle collisions include:

• Severity: Truck accidents almost always result in more severe injuries than regular car accidents. The immense size and weight of semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles mean that the force of a collision is likely to be much greater when these vehicles are involved. As a result, victims of truck accidents tend to sustain more severe injuries and face a greater risk of fatality compared to victims of other automobile accidents.
• Damages: Truck accidents tend to result in more extensive damages than other types of motor vehicle accidents. The severity of victims’ injuries typically requires extensive medical treatment and ongoing care. Truck accident victims are also more likely to be out of work for longer periods of time, be left with life-changing disabilities, and suffer massive damage to their vehicles and personal property. As a result, the overall value of most truck accident claims is significantly higher than the typical automobile accident case.
• Liability: Determining liability in a truck accident case can be extremely complicated. Unlike in standard car accident claims, the driver of the truck or other vehicle is not necessarily liable for the victim’s damages. Instead, the trucking company or another party could be partially or wholly liable. Identifying the liable party in a truck accident case often requires the use of specialists, such as accident reconstructionists, who can provide expert testimony.

Going up against any insurance company can be challenging, but this is especially true when major trucking companies and other powerful entities are involved. If you or someone you love was involved in an accident with a large commercial vehicle, it is extremely important that you reach out to a skilled personal injury lawyer, like those at Brewster & De Angelis.

Our team can answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide the personalized guidance you need to move forward in the recovery process.

Proving Negligence & Liability in Your Truck Accident Claim

Like other motor vehicle collisions, truck accidents fall under Oklahoma’s fault-based system. This means that you must prove the other party’s liability in order to bring a claim or lawsuit for damages.

In most cases, the first step in determining who is liable for your damages is identifying how the accident happened.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Truck driver error or negligence, such as distracted driving or drunk driving
• Hours-of-service violations, leading to fatigued driving
• Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo, leading to shifting weight during transit
• Lack of regular truck maintenance or improper maintenance procedures
• Failure to conduct routine truck inspections and/or repairs
• Negligent trucking company practices, such as failing to conduct routine drug/alcohol tests
• State and/or federal trucking violations by truck drivers and/or trucking companies
• Defective trucks or truck parts, including truck tires, brakes, lights, and reflective strips
• Unsafe conditions, such as inclement weather, poorly maintained roads, or defective road design

At Brewster & De Angelis, we conduct exhaustive investigations to determine exactly how the crash occurred. Our Tulsa truck accident attorneys evaluate black box data, reconstruct the accident scene, and examine what factors may have contributed to or caused the collision. We then use this information to identify the liable party and build powerful arguments on behalf of our clients.

Depending on the specific details of the crash, any of the following parties could be partially or entirely liable for your damages:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The manufacturer of a defective truck or truck part
• The person or party that loaded the truck’s cargo
• The entity responsible for conducting roadway maintenance
• The party responsible for conducting truck maintenance or repairs
• Another motorist on the road

The insurance company may even try to argue that you were partly (or entirely) at fault for the crash. Under the state’s rule of modified comparative negligence, you cannot file a claim for damages if you are found to be more at fault than the defendant. Even if you are found less at fault than the other party, your total recovery will be reduced by your at-fault percentage. This could mean recovering thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars less than you deserve.

Our team is ready to fight back against the insurance company’s efforts to dispute or devalue your claim. We have decades of experience going up against major trucking companies, manufacturers, and insurance companies, and we are not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Traumatic brain injuries happens when a sudden movement or jolt causes damage to the brain. These injuries can range from mild concussions to serious brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Victims may experience headaches, confusion, memory loss, and even permanent disability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries are another serious consequence of truck accidents. These injuries could result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting the victim's quality of life. Rehabilitation and medical treatment for spinal cord injuries are often extensive and expensive.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a truck collision can cause multiple fractures and broken bones. Commonly affected areas which include the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Recovery from such injuries may require surgeries, physical therapy, and extended periods of rest, which can disrupt the victim's daily life and work.
• Internal Injuries: The result of a truck accident can cause internal injuries, like damage to organs, internal bleeding, and punctured lungs. These injuries are often life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Internal injuries may not always be instantly noticeable, making prompt medical evaluation crucial.
• Lacerations and Burns: Severe lacerations and burns are also common in truck accidents. These injuries could result from shattered glass, sharp metal, or fires caused by the collision. Victims could demand extensive medical treatment, including surgery, skin grafts, and long-term care to manage pain and prevent infection.
• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries are very common in truck accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. These injuries often affect the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Although they may seem minor, soft tissue injuries can have long-lasting effects and need ongoing medical treatment.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Claim?

Truck accident victims in Tulsa have the right to seek compensation for their losses. Several types of damages may be recovered through a truck accident claim, including:

• Medical Expenses: Medical expenses often make up a substantial portion of a truck accident claim. This includes costs for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical treatments related to the accident. Victims can also claim future medical expenses if ongoing care is required.
• Lost Wages: Injuries from a truck accident can result in missed work, leading to lost wages. Victims can pursue compensation for the income they would have earned during their recovery period. In instances of severe injuries that prevent a return to work, victims may also claim loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering damages compensate victims for the physical pain and emotional despair caused by the accident. This includes chronic pain, mental anguish, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life. Calculating pain and suffering damages can be very complex, often requiring expert testimony and a detailed assessment of the victim's experience.
• Property Damage: Property damage covers the cost of repairing or replacing the victim's vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the accident. This also includes rental car expenses and other out-of-pocket costs incurred while the victim's vehicle is being repaired or replaced.
• Loss of Consortium: Loss of consortium damages are granted to the victim's spouse or family members for the loss of companionship, affection, and support resulting from the victim's injuries. These damages acknowledge the broader impact of the accident on the victim's family life and relationships.
• Punitive Damages: In instances where the truck driver's conduct was particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are granted in addition to compensatory damages and can significantly increase the overall compensation amount.
• Funeral and Burial Expenses: If a truck accident results in the victim's death, the family may seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses. Wrongful death claims can also include damages for loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and the emotional effect of losing a loved one.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyer in Tulsa Today

At Brewster & De Angelis, we limit the number of cases we accept in order to better provide each and every one of our clients with the personal attention and focused representation they deserve. As a client, you can expect to receive consistent communication from your legal team, answers to any questions you may have, and one-on-one contact with your attorney throughout the legal process.

Request a complimentary consultation with our truck accident attorneys in Tulsa today; call (918) 265-1214 or contact us online.