When a commercial truck is involved in a collision with a passenger vehicle, the damage can be catastrophic. In fact, these types of crashes commonly result in fatalities. If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, recovering compensation is likely not at the front of your mind; however, collecting money from the at-fault party can be essential for rebuilding your life.
A fatal truck accident lawyer in Oklahoma at BDIW Law can help get you the money you need for yourself and your family. Reach out to our Oklahoma truck accident lawyer today through our website or by giving us a call. We offer free, no-obligation case reviews, so do not hesitate to get started.
Why You Should Hire a Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma After the Death of a Loved One
If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, your focus should be on your family. After such a tragic loss, you need to address your grief together. Unfortunately, the need to take action to recover compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit or insurance claim can interfere.
The good news is that when you hire an Oklahoma fatal truck accident attorney to help you get the money you need, they will take over every aspect of your case. Having an experienced professional working on your case will give you peace of mind that your financial future is in good hands. This knowledge will allow you to put all your attention on your family and healing together.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYLiability in an Oklahoma Fatal Truck Accident
Establishing liability in a fatal truck accident is essential if you hope to ensure those responsible for causing your family member’s death are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Fatal truck accident claims can be notoriously complex since there are often multiple parties who can share fault for the injuries your loved one suffered prior to their death.
You might have hoped to pursue a claim against the truck driver. You may have grounds for a claim against the negligent truck driver in your case if they were:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Violating Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) work-hour limitations
- Failed to make necessary safety inspections
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while fatigued
- Failed to check blind spots prior to changing lanes
- Failed to use a turn signal
- Failed to stop at a traffic light or stop sign
- Failed to yield to the right of way
However, negligent truck drivers are not the only party who could share fault for your loved one’s death. The trucking company that employs the truck driver is also off and held accountable. This is generally because they forced truckers to violate FMCSA regulations, failed to do due diligence in hiring the truck driver, or failed to make necessary repairs to their tractor-trailers.
You may also have grounds for a claim against cargo loaders, government agencies, the state of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, individual municipalities, big rig safety inspectors, maintenance technicians, or parts manufacturers.
Damages You Can Pursue After the Death of a Loved One in a Fatal Truck Accident
After losing a loved one in a fatal truck accident, you will likely be able to pursue various damages. Recovering the full value of your claim will depend upon identifying the specific damages you are eligible to claim. The damages you can pursue will depend on the details of your case.
Economic Damages
Any financial losses caused by the loss of your loved one in a fatal truck accident are categorized as economic damages. The most often claimed economic damages in a fatal truck accident case include:
- Lost future earnings of the deceased
- Medical expenses for treatment before your loved one passed
- Property damage
- Funeral expenses
- Burial costs
Non-Economic Damages
Any other losses incurred as a result of the death of your loved one fall into the broad category of non-economic damages. The most often claimed non-economic damages in a fatal truck accident case include:
- Decreased quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
The compensatory damages reviewed above all focus on replacing the losses suffered by the deceased’s family. In contrast, punitive damages are concerned with punishing the liable party for their role in the accident. Punitive damages are reserved for extreme cases.
The Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side
You need to understand that when dealing with an insurance company following the loss of a loved one, the insurer is not on your side. These companies care far more about protecting their profit margins than they do about the claimants who have endured tragic events. They will do everything in their power to deny or devalue your claim.
Declining to speak with an insurer until you have retained legal counsel is the best method of protecting yourself against these companies. Hiring an attorney will force the insurer to work with them rather than contact you directly. This move will prevent the insurer from employing many of the tricks they would otherwise attempt to use against you.
Fatal Truck Accident Lawyers Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
You should never let cost discourage you from hiring an Oklahoma fatal truck accident lawyer. The main reason for this is that you will never pay these lawyers a single penny out of your own pocket. Fatal truck accident attorneys do not charge a fee to retain their services or a high hourly rate.
Instead, like other personal injury lawyers, these attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means you will only pay your lawyer if you recover compensation from the liable party. If your fatal truck accident lawyer is able to secure damages on your behalf, their fee will come in the form of a set percentage of the money paid out by the at-fault party.
Ensure that Time Does Not Run Out Before You File Your Fatal Truck Accident Lawsuit
To recover compensation for the loss of your loved one through a fatal truck accident lawsuit, you need to pay special attention to the statute of limitations for filing a claim. In Oklahoma, the loved ones of wrongful death victims typically have two years from the date of the death to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
If you miss this deadline, it will likely mean the loss of your right to pursue compensation. Of course, exceptions to the statute of limitations exist and may apply to your case. A fatal truck accident attorney in Oklahoma can help you identify whether you can file a lawsuit after the standard deadline has passed.
Some exceptions can further restrict the amount of time you have to file. The best way to avoid an unexpected deadline is to hire a lawyer as soon as possible after the death of your loved one.
Contact Us Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
To give yourself the best chances of recovering the compensation you need after the death of a loved one, you need the help of an experienced fatal truck accident attorney serving Oklahoma. At BDIW Law, we have helped countless family members get the money they deserve after suffering this tragic loss.
Schedule a free consultation with a member of our team by giving us a call or completing our online contact form.
