Getting Help with Trucking Accidents

By Ryan Y. Cunningham | March 8, 2013

In 2009, a tractor-trailer on the Will Rogers Turnpike slammed full speed into a line of cars stopped for an earlier accident. Nine people died. In August of this year, a car went under a tractor-trailer on Interstate 35 and its roof was sheared off, killing five people.  Because of their size, weight and speed, tractor-trailers are inherently dangerous, and most accidents involving them generally call for a trucking accident attorney.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Oklahoma fatalities from large truck accidents declined to 17 in 2010. However, while only 17 died, many were injured. In fact, most people involved in an accident with a semi-truck are injured — often suffering devastating physical harm.

After an accident

Most accidents with big rigs involve emergency responders. If injured, wait for help.  Get checked out at a hospital, if advised to do so.  When you are safe, contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible, for the following reasons:

  • Evidence fades. Immediate involvement of legal counsel means thorough, rapid investigation of the accident scene. Trucking companies dispatch investigative teams to the site of big rig accidents — and your attorney will do the same.
  • Injury hurts. A good personal injury attorney provides guidance with injury claims. Learn what to expect, what documents to file and what important steps you need to take next.
  • Proving negligence. Proving the negligence of all parties involved is important.  Defendants can include the driver, the trucking company, truck loaders and manufacturers, among others.

In late October, a pick-up truck passenger died after a tractor-trailer struck the vehicle broadside near Okeene. She was only 28. This is serious business.

If you are involved in a trucking accident, get medical care and then seek legal advice.  At Cunningham & Mears, we can help.

Posted in Legal Matters