18-wheeler accidents can be very complicated. The large size of an 18-wheeler, with its tremendous weight and speed, can cause catastrophic injuries and even death when it collides with another vehicle on the road. The injuries sustained from these types of accidents often require a significant amount of medical treatment and surgeries.
These cases can be complicated when determining liability, so it is important that you find an 18-wheeler lawyer in Stillwater, OK, experienced in protecting the legal rights of victims so that you can receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. Our Stillwater truck accident legal team at BDIW Law is ready to help.
Stillwater Is a Traditional Fault State for 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents
Oklahoma is governed by accident regulations and follows traditional fault rules. This means that if you were injured due to an 18-wheeler, the at-fault party, typically the truck driver, trucking company, or another vehicle’s driver, would be held liable for the crash, and their insurance company would be responsible for covering the damages incurred from the 18-wheeler accident.
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An experienced Stillwater 18-wheeler attorney can help you file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, with your own insurance company, or file a legal lawsuit in court. Your personal injury advocate will help you file the required paperwork in a timely manner.
Your attorney will help you prove that the truck driver was at fault for the accident. They will do this by proving that you were owed a duty of care by the 18-wheeler truck driver and that they did not perform this duty of care. Your attorney will prove that this failure was due to an intentional act or failure to act while they were driving.
18-wheeler accident cases become complicated when the accident may have been caused when another driver forced the 18-wheeler to swerve, which caused them to hit you. Weather and road conditions must also be taken into account. Your portion of fault in the accident must also be considered.
What if the 18-Wheeler Accident Was Partially My Fault?
In Oklahoma, if you are found to have partial responsibility for the 18-wheeler accident, you may still be able to receive compensation. They will look at the amount of responsibility you hold, and then the damages you are awarded will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. if you hold 50% or more of the responsibility for the 18-wheeler accident, you are unable to receive compensation for any of your damages.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident
Being involved in a car accident is scary. It is much worse when faced with a crash involving an 18-wheeler truck. You are likely to feel confused and worried and have extensive injuries, but it is important to remain calm.
Call for Help
You must call 911 so that they can send the police and emergency personnel to assist with any injuries on the crash scene.
Collect Evidence
If your injuries allow you to walk around and you are able to get photographic evidence of the crash, this will help your case tremendously. Get photos of your injuries, damage to any vehicles involved in the crash, the road conditions, and road signs in the vicinity of the accident. If you are unable to get photos or videos, it is best to ask a friend or family member to help you with this important step.
Get Medical Attention
If you or any passenger receives injuries, it is crucial you accept medical attention from the EMTs. When people are involved in a crash, the adrenaline running through their body temporarily limits the pain they feel, and you may not realize how bad your injuries actually are.
If they suggest you require further medical treatment, head to the nearest hospital. Only an experienced medical professional can diagnose internal injuries like brain injury, internal bleeding, broken bones, or dislocations.
Contact a Stillwater 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
You will want to hire an 18-wheeler attorney in Stillwater, OK to help you with your accident case. Their skill and knowledge will be required when trying to prove fault. Let them handle the legal portion while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
They will deal with all communication with the insurance company and the adjuster so that you do not have to worry about what you say to them or having them try to blame you for the crash. The insurance adjuster will try to offer you the lowest possible settlement for your injuries. Your lawyer will handle these negotiations, ensuring you receive the best compensation available for your damages.
Your 18-wheeler lawyer at BDIW Law will hire the experts needed to help prove your case. This may include tractor-trailer safety experts who can determine how the crash may have occurred. The Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration has safety rules to help prevent 18-wheeler truck accidents and keep the public safe. The expert will determine if the crash was due to a safety rule violation.
How Long Do I Have to File an 18-Wheeler Accident Claim?
Oklahoma allows an injured victim two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It is crucial that you start the claims process as soon as possible following the accident so that your 18-wheeler attorney can contact all available witnesses and collect the needed evidence to prove your case.
If you wait too long, evidence gets lost or degraded, and witnesses’ memories fade. If you miss this two-year statute of limitations and try to bring the case after this time, it is likely that the court will dismiss your case, and you will lose the option of recovering any compensation.
What Compensation Will I Receive?
Your 18-wheeler lawyer will help you seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages such as:
- Lost income
- Medical expenses (doctor visits, surgeries, and medical durable equipment)
- Personal property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
Contact an 18-Wheeler Attorney Today
If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you need the experience of an 18-wheeler attorney at BDIW Law to defend your legal rights and seek compensation on your behalf. Contact us today using our secure online form, and let us help get you the compensation you deserve.
