Oklahoma City Truck Accident Lawyers

What Causes Trucking Accidents?

Even if you’re a cautious driver, accidents can happen at any time. And if your accident involved a semi-truck or 18-wheeler, it’s likely to be serious. But why do these accidents occur? There are a variety of reasons, which might include:

• Driver error is one of the biggest causes of truck accidents in Oklahoma. Driver fatigue, distracted driving, and impairment due to alcohol or drugs are all major factors in Oklahoma truck accidents. Drivers may also be unfamiliar with the roads, leading to mistakes in judgment or unsafe driving practices.
• Mechanical failures are another common cause of truck accidents. Tires, brakes, and engines may malfunction, leading to an accident or collision. Poor maintenance of the truck can also lead to mechanical failures and should be avoided at all costs.
• Road conditions are also a major factor in truck accidents. Poorly maintained roads, such as those with potholes and other irregularities, are often contributing factors in trucking accidents. Weather conditions, such as ice and snow, can also lead to truck accidents when truck drivers operate their vehicles negligently or take unnecessary risks to meet their demanding schedules.
• The sheer size and weight of trucks can also lead to truck accidents. Trucks require a large turning radius, which can make it difficult to navigate tight corners. Additionally, trucks may have difficulty stopping quickly, especially if the brakes are not properly maintained or the truck is carrying too heavy a load.

What Are the Differences Between Truck Accidents and Car Accidents?

Truck and car accidents can be very similar in nature, but there are some key differences that can make truck accidents more dangerous and often more devastating than car accidents. Here is a look at some of the differences between truck accidents and car accidents:

• Size and Weight. The biggest difference between truck accidents and car accidents is the size and weight of the vehicle. Trucks are much larger and heavier than cars, often weighing more than 10,000 pounds. This size and weight difference can make truck accidents far more dangerous because the truck’s momentum can be difficult to control, and the size and weight of the truck can cause more damage to other vehicles and objects in its path.
• Complex Laws. Truck accidents can also be more complicated than car accidents due to the complex laws governing the trucking industry. Truck drivers must follow strict laws to ensure their safety and the safety of other drivers on the road. This can make it more difficult to prove fault in a truck accident, and the trucking company may have complicated insurance policies that make it more difficult to receive compensation.
• Vehicle design. Trucks do not have the same type of safety features as cars, such as airbags, crumple zones, and automatic brakes. The occupants of a truck — and those and their path — can be at higher risk of severe injury.

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a large commercial vehicle, you’re going to want a lawyer familiar with the complex nature of these cases.