You can drive your car in Oklahoma City, OK, and get into an accident with an 18-wheeler. The accident damage can be severe, to the point where it affects you long into the future. If you are not responsible for the accident, you can hold the at-fault party accountable by filing a personal injury lawsuit against them.
At BDIW Law, an Oklahoma City truck accident lawyer can offer legal help for your collision. We can connect you with an experienced Oklahoma City 18-wheeler lawyer who can help you win or settle your claim as quickly as possible. To get started, please reach out to us.
Why 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents Happen
An 18-wheeler truck driver is responsible for their actions behind the wheel. If the driver is negligent in any way, they can cause a crash. On top of that, the driver can be held financially responsible for any damages they cause.
There are many reasons why 18-wheeler truck crashes happen, such as:
Fatigued Driving
Truck driving restrictions are in place for a reason: to protect motorists and pedestrians. If a trucking driver does not take regular breaks, they may be in violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) summary of hours service regulations. This driver can also feel tired and exhausted, lose their focus, and cause an accident.
Distracted Driving
When a trucking driver gets distracted, anyone near them can suffer the consequences. If distracted driving occurs, a trucker takes their eyes off the road. This can lead to an accident in which motorists and pedestrians are injured or killed.
Poor Road Conditions
Bumps and other road hazards can make it difficult for a trucker to safely navigate from point A to point B. Regardless, the driver must account for these hazards. Failure to do so can hamper a trucker’s ability to stop quickly enough to prevent an accident.
Inclement Weather Conditions
Rain and other harsh weather conditions can create slick roads and impact a trucking driver’s ability to see clearly. No matter the weather conditions, a trucker must plan accordingly. If a trucker does not slow down in spite of bad weather, they can cause an accident.
Truck Defects
A trucking company must make sure that its vehicles are safe — without exception. If a company does not repair and maintain its fleet, a driver may travel in a truck that can be dangerous. Meanwhile, if a trucker is operating a vehicle that has faulty brakes or other defects, they may be unable to stop before an accident happens.
The team at BDIW Law knows all about truck accidents and why they happen. If you were involved in a trucking accident in Oklahoma City, please let us know. Our Oklahoma City 18-wheeler attorney can help you determine if you qualify for a personal injury case.
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SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYWhen You Should File an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawsuit
If you get into an accident with an 18-wheeler, do not wait too long to file your personal injury claim. In Oklahoma, you have a two-year window for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Once this window expires, you cannot request compensation from anyone responsible for your crash.
An 18-wheeler lawyer in Oklahoma City can submit your personal injury claim immediately. They will encourage you to ask for economic and non-economic damages. You may receive economic damages based on quantifiable losses like lost wages and medical expenses and non-economic ones for pain and suffering.
There can be times when a family member is killed in an accident with a large truck. At these times, you can hold the at-fault party responsible for damages relating to the loss of your loved one. To do so, you first must find out if you are eligible to sue for a wrongful death.
What to Expect After You File a Large Truck Accident Lawsuit
When you submit a trucking crash claim, do not expect an instant resolution. An 18-wheeler attorney in Oklahoma City will help you establish realistic expectations for your case. They will take as much time as needed to make sure you secure the most compensation possible.
In a large truck collision lawsuit, you may ask for tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation. Your lawyer advocates for you and helps you put together a strong argument. They ensure that you are prepared for your trial, too.
Leading up to your trial date, your attorney serves as a valuable resource. They can provide answers to frequently asked questions about 18-wheeler lawsuits and all that they entail. Your attorney can also help you figure out how to proceed with a settlement proposal.
How You Can Settle an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Case without a Trial
Your attorney will keep the lines of communication open with the defendant’s lawyer throughout your 18-wheeler case. This is due to the fact that the defendant may propose a settlement at any time prior to your trial date. If you get a settlement proposal that lines up with your requirements, you can accept the offer, get compensation, and resolve your case.
There is no such thing as an average settlement in a truck accident case. Your lawyer can discuss a settlement proposal with you and offer insights into it. If your attorney believes a settlement offer is well less than what you could get if you go to trial, they will let you know.
In most instances, an attorney cannot accept a settlement proposal without their client’s consent. Only if you give your lawyer consent to accept a settlement can they decide on one for you. Otherwise, you should weigh the pros and cons of a settlement offer and then decide how to proceed with it.
How to Find the Best 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
The ideal 18-wheeler accident attorney has many years of relevant case experience. They can share their case knowledge and insights with you. The attorney can answer any questions you have as you move through your litigation.
Also, it pays to partner with an 18-wheeler accident lawyer who values communication. This attorney will keep you in the loop at each stage of the legal process. They will be upfront and honest about your case and help you make informed legal decisions.
It is beneficial to meet with a lawyer to find out how they will approach your case. The meeting allows you to share your legal concerns and questions. Then, you can get a good idea about how an attorney will help you achieve your desired case results.
Hire an Oklahoma City 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer from BDIW Law
BDIW Law can put you in touch with a best-in-class Oklahoma City 18-wheeler accident attorney. For more information or to request a free case evaluation, please contact us today.
