Legal Options for Victims of Semi-Truck Accidents on the Turner Turnpike in Oklahoma City

Semi-trucks often use The Turner Turnpike to transport goods in Oklahoma. Unfortunately, thanks to the heavy traffic and high volume of large vehicles, accidents involving 18-wheelers are not uncommon on the Turnpike. If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident on the Turner Turnpike, you need to learn more about your rights and legal options for pursuing compensation. The Oklahoma City truck accident attorneys at Cunningham & Mears can help.

Semi-truck accidents are dangerous

Semi-trucks carrying full loads can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. If you compare that to the average passenger vehicle, which weighs in at about 4,000 pounds, you can see how the size disparity results in severe consequences for the occupants of smaller vehicles.

A recent fatal truck accident on Turner Turnpike shows the reality of semi-truck accidents. The tragic single-vehicle wreck left one person dead.

Just a few common causes of semi-truck accidents include:

• Truck drivers are under pressure to stick to tight schedules and may push past legal limits for hours of service.
• Using a cell phone, adjusting GPS, and even eating behind the wheel can cause a truck driver to lose focus.
• Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues are common in large trucks.
• Uneven or overweight loads make for unstable trucks, which face a greater risk of a rollover accident or jackknife crash.
• Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather can make the Turner Turnpike particularly hazardous.

What should I do after an Oklahoma City semi-truck accident?

If you’ve been involved in a semi-truck accident, you should take some key steps to take to protect your health and your legal rights:

• Seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries may not be apparent right away.
• Contact law enforcement. A police report can preserve important details about the accident.
• Document the scene. Photograph the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of all those involved in the crash and of witnesses.
• Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters. Insurance companies may pressure you to settle for less than you deserve. It’s best to consult one of our Oklahoma City truck accident attorneys before making any statements.

How can your Oklahoma City truck accident lawyers help with my case?

Truck accident claims may present more complexities than traditional car accident claims. Your truck accident claim can involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and sometimes even manufacturers or cargo loaders. Our experienced truck accident lawyers help you work through these complications and build a strong case. Here’s what our skilled attorneys can do for you.

We can investigate your accident, launching a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and identify all responsible parties. In a typical case, we:

• Review police reports and accident scene evidence.
• Obtain black box data from the truck to review factors like speed and braking.
• Analyze driver logs and maintenance records to check for violations.

Liability in truck accident cases can be tricky; the driver may be at fault, but so might the trucking company. For instance, the company might fail to enforce safety regulations or properly maintain its fleet. Other potentially liable parties include:

• Cargo loaders who improperly secured goods.
• Manufacturers of defective truck parts.

We also know that insurance companies are often quick to offer low settlements, hoping victims will accept less than they deserve. Our lawyers will handle all communications with insurers and fight for fair compensation on your behalf. While many truck accident cases settle out of court, some require litigation. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we are always prepared to take your case to trial.

What is the value of my Oklahoma City semi-truck accident?

Some of the losses you can recover in a lawsuit include:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical care all add up. You can recover these costs from the liable party.
• Lost wages: The at-fault party may need to reimburse you for income lost due to time off work, as well as your future earning potential in cases where your injuries will impact your ability to earn income in the future.
• Pain and suffering: Lawsuits allow you to recover damages for your physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Even though it’s hard to place a monetary value on these, the courts have ways to come up with numbers.
• Property damage: Compensation should also cover the repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property.
• Punitive damages: In cases of egregious negligence, courts may award accident victims punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and deter similar future behavior.

Why does the Turner Turnpike require extra caution?

The Turner Turnpike connects Oklahoma City to Tulsa. This key route for commercial trucking often experiences heavy traffic and high speeds. These dangers can set the stage for devastating collisions. Some specific challenges on the Turner Turnpike include:

• High volumes of merging traffic and congested conditions can lead to collisions.
• Ongoing roadwork often results in narrowed lanes and sudden lane shifts, which can also lead to accidents.
• Rain, ice, and fog are common here in Oklahoma, reducing visibility and road traction.

What are common injuries from semi-truck accidents?

Semi-truck accidents can lead to life-altering injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Severe burns and lacerations
• Emotional trauma, such as PTSD

These types of injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care, all of which can be financially and emotionally draining.

Working with an attorney familiar with Oklahoma City and the Turner Turnpike offers several advantages. At Cunningham & Mears, we understand the specific challenges of this area, including state laws and local courts. We also have experience dealing with the trucking companies and insurers that operate in the region.

If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident on the Turner Turnpike, don’t wait to seek legal help. Evidence can disappear quickly, and Oklahoma has a statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims—generally two years from the date of the accident. We’re dedicated to helping accident victims recover the compensation they need to move forward.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident on the Turner Turnpike, don’t wait to take action. Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim, but you deserve an advocate who will fight for your rights. Contact the Oklahoma City truck accident lawyers at Cunningham & Mears. We’re ready to review your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward with confidence. Please call our office or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation. Our team handles semi-truck accident claims on a contingency fee basis.