Common Causes of Oklahoma City Truck Accidents
From brake failures to overloaded cargo, Oklahoma City truck accidents have many causes - but one solution: aggressive legal representation that gets results.
The Oklahoma lawyers at The Law Firm for Truck Safety have represented people injured in truck crashes caused by many types of negligence. There are many ways in which a driver’s reckless or careless actions can lead to suffering serious physical injury and even death, especially when the irresponsible driver is behind the wheel of a massive semi-truck. Our lawyers understand which types of truck driver and truck company misconduct most commonly cause crashes and can help you identify when you have a viable lawsuit.
Below are the most common causes of truck accidents in Oklahoma City, which our personal injury attorneys at The Law Firm for Truck Safety are experienced in representing. If a truck driver’s irresponsible or unsafe behavior caused you to suffer injuries or took a loved one from you, our firm could help you seek fair financial recovery for both short- and long-term losses while fighting fiercely and compassionately to enforce your rights.
Violating Traffic Laws
A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) study indicated that about 38 percent of all crashes where the truck driver is at fault occur when that driver makes an irresponsible decision. Misconduct, such as speeding, failing to yield, and tailgating, regularly cause Oklahoma City truck wrecks.
Distracted Driving
The number of people driving distracted nationwide has increased exponentially because of cell phones and other mobile devices. Texting and driving is expressly prohibited for truck drivers by both state laws and FMCSA regulations.
Physical Impairment
Commercial truck drivers face stricter DUI standards than regular motorists, yet some still drive while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both substances. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, truck drivers may not drive when their blood alcohol level is .04 or higher. This is much stricter than the standard for passenger vehicles which is .08. They also may not drive a commercial motor vehicle if they’ve consumed any alcohol within four hours of driving, regardless of their blood alcohol level. Even a thimble-full of alcohol consumed within four hours of driving makes it illegal to get on the road. Nevertheless, some truck drivers drive while intoxicated by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, which can cause collisions involving truck drivers passing through Oklahoma City.
Lack of Skill or Experience
Some truck wrecks are caused by drivers who are unfamiliar with operating a particular model of truck or driving 18-wheelers in general. In many instances, truckers may not even have a valid CDL. Either way, newer truckers are more likely than experienced drivers to cause crashes in Oklahoma City by making errors, such as locking up their brakes, overcompensating after losing traction, or turning too tightly.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often work long hours and cover hundreds of miles in a single day. While federal regulations limit the number of consecutive hours a trucker can drive, those rules are not always followed, and even when they are, the demands of the job can still lead to dangerously fatigued driving. Since many truckers are paid by the mile rather than by the hour, there's financial pressure to drive longer distances and take fewer breaks.
Drowsy or exhausted drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and a higher risk of falling asleep at the wheel. In Oklahoma City, driver fatigue is a common cause of devastating truck crashes. Identifying signs of fatigue and proving that it contributed to an accident can be key in holding the trucking company or driver accountable.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Team for Legal Help With a Big-Rig Crash Caused by a Truck Driver Error
These common causes of truck crashes in Oklahoma City all involve truck drivers failing to meet their basic obligation to operate their vehicles and drive safely. When this negligent driving results in someone getting hurt or killed, the driver can be held responsible. However, even if you're certain about what caused your accident, navigating the legal process to get proper compensation is extremely challenging without professional help.
Working with a personal injury lawyer from a firm dedicated exclusively to truck accident litigation, like The Law Firm for Truck Safety, could be the a difference in how effectively you can pursue your claim. After all, you only have one shot at justice. Call our attorneys at The Law Firm for Truck Safety today to learn more about your rights and legal options.
