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Walmart Truck Accident Lawyers in Oklahoma City
Sharing the street with massive Walmart trucks is almost inevitable here in Oklahoma City. Walmart offers one of the largest private trucking fleets in the nation, delivering goods to stores across the country, including Oklahoma. Accidents involving Walmart trucks can lead to serious consequences, including major injuries, property damage, and fatalities. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident with a Walmart truck, it’s important to understand your rights and what steps to take next.
Why are Walmart trucks so common on Oklahoma City roads?
OKC is a major retail hub and sees its fair share of commercial truck traffic. You’ll see these trucks traveling along I-35, I-40, and I-44, hauling goods to local Walmart stores, distribution centers, and customers like you. These huge trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and while their drivers are highly trained, mistakes can still happen. Even a small error by a Walmart truck driver can lead to significant consequences for others on the road.
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What are the common causes of Walmart truck accidents?
Truck accidents involving Walmart vehicles can happen for a variety of reasons.
Walmart truck drivers work long hours under tight deadlines, which increases the risk of driver fatigue. While federal regulations limit the number of hours a trucker can drive, some drivers may push the limits to meet delivery schedules. Fatigue can impair reaction times and decision-making, making it one of the leading causes of truck accidents.
Checking a GPS, using a mobile device, or eating while driving are all considered to be distracted driving. When a Walmart truck driver takes their attention off the road, even for a second, the results can be catastrophic.
Walmart trucks carry heavy loads, and if cargo isn’t loaded or secured properly, it can shift during transit. This can cause a truck to tip over or make it difficult for the driver to maintain control.
Some truck drivers may exceed the speed limit or take unnecessary risks on the road to meet tight deadlines. Speeding increases the likelihood of accidents and can make the resulting injuries more severe.
Walmart is responsible for maintaining its trucks to make sure they’re roadworthy. However, if maintenance is neglected, mechanical failures like brake malfunctions or tire blowouts can lead to serious accidents.
Oklahoma City’s weather can be unpredictable, with high winds and sudden storms making driving conditions hazardous. A large truck like a Walmart semi can be difficult to control in bad weather.
What types of injuries commonly happen in Oklahoma City Walmart truck accidents?
Accidents involving Walmart vehicles often result in severe injuries due to the weight and size of these trucks. These injuries can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Burns
- Laceration and disfigurement
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
As a victim, you may be facing a long recovery period, permanent disability, or even life-threatening complications. In the worst-case scenario, families may lose a loved one, leading to a wrongful death claim.
Who should be held liable for my Walmart truck accident?
Determining liability in an Oklahoma City Walmart truck accident can be complicated. More than one party may be responsible, including:
- If the truck driver’s negligence, like speeding, fatigue, or distracted driving, caused the accident, they may be held liable for your injuries.
- As the employer, Walmart may be responsible for the actions of its drivers under the legal doctrine of “vicarious liability.” They may also be liable if the accident was caused by poor truck maintenance or unrealistic delivery schedules that encouraged reckless driving.
- In some cases, other parties may share liability. For example, if the truck’s cargo was loaded by a third-party company and their improper loading caused the accident, that company can be held accountable. In the same vein, if a vehicle defect played a role in the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.
- Finally, if another driver’s actions contributed to the crash, they may also share some responsibility.
What steps should I take after a Walmart truck accident in Oklahoma City?
Although being involved in a truck accident can be overwhelming, taking the right steps can help protect and strengthen your case.
- Make sure your health is your first priority. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor to rule out any hidden injuries.
- The police report is an important piece of evidence in your case. Provide the police with an accurate account of what happened.
- Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If possible, gather contact information from witnesses.
- Avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Even saying “I’m sorry” could be used against you later.
- Contact the skilled truck accident attorneys at Cunningham & Mears for help with the legal process, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies.
How can your Oklahoma City truck accident lawyers help?
It can be intimidating to deal with Walmart’s legal team and insurance company. They have significant resources to defend themselves against claims, which is why it’s so important to have an experienced truck accident attorney on your side. Here’s how we can help:
- We can gather evidence, like driver logs, truck maintenance records, and surveillance footage, to build a strong case on your behalf.
- We can identify all parties who may be responsible for the accident.
- We can seek compensation for all your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
- Insurance adjusters often attempt to minimize payouts. We can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- 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 Walmart truck accident claim?
If you or a loved one have been injured in a Walmart truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium (for spouses of injured victims)
If the accident resulted in a fatality, you may be entitled to wrongful death damages as well. Our experienced Oklahoma City truck accident lawyers will work to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Were you or a loved one injured in a Walmart truck accident in Oklahoma City? Don’t go through the legal process alone. At Cunningham & Mears, we want to help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Get in touch with us today to find out your rights and start on your path to recovery. Please call our office or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
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