Tulsa Truck Accident Attorneys

As a regional crossroads as well as a center for the energy, finance, aviation, and telecommunications industries, Tulsa is constantly supplied with goods via semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles. This traffic has a downside—frequent truck accidents. At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, we can help you and your family following a serious car or truck injury. As the largest plaintiffs’ law firm in Tulsa, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in damages for injured clients and are capable of aggressively and thoroughly pursuing your claim for rightful compensation.

WHO IS LIABLE AFTER A TRUCK ACCIDENT?

Depending on the situation, multiple parties may be liable after a truck accident. If you were hit by a drunk truck driver, for example, the driver would be responsible for their actions, but the carrier company they work for might also carry liability. Shipping companies are required to have a strict policy on drugs and alcohol, and to clearly communicate this policy to their employees. If their driver was drinking on the job, the employer may have failed to implement or uphold these responsibilities. An in-depth investigation of your truck accident can help you determine which parties are responsible.

• Just the truck driver:
  If he/she is working as an independent contractor and is not associated with a company or agency, the truck driver may bear sole responsibility for your accident. Like any other driver, truckers can exhibit negligent behavior, and if they are a “free agent,” there will be no company to hold them accountable. If the driver breaks the law or consumes drugs or alcohol in open defiance of company policy, he/she may also be solely responsible for damages.
• The trucking company:
  In many cases, carrier companies cut corners to save on costs. They may have sent the driver out after incomplete training or inspection, failed to maintain a safe work environment, or set unreasonable expectations for a driver. Finding fault within shipping companies can be difficult, but our team at Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, PLLC can help.
• The party responsible for the truck:
  Sometimes, independent contractors own their vehicles. Other times, trucks belong to the company. In more cases, still, companies rent out trucks from third parties. No matter the situation, whoever owns the vehicle may be responsible in the event of a mechanical failure. If you were in an accident where a truck’s brakes failed, for instance, you would be able to file a claim against the party that was responsible for that truck’s maintenance.
• Cargo Loaders:
  Some incidents involve the cargo on the truck falling or creating a hazard. Unsecured cargo may be traced to the party that loaded the truck, who may be held liable in a truck accident. If the truck rolls over or jackknifes, imbalanced cargo may have contributed to the accident, as well. Why Do I Need A Truck Accident Lawyer?

Recovering the compensation you deserve after a truck accident without an experienced attorney on your side can be very difficult. Trucking companies are often backed by top-tier law firms who are hired to protect their company, and in turn, keep you from recovering the compensation you need to recover well from your injuries.

The attorneys at Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, PLLC are experienced in handling truck accident claims and know what to expect during the entire claim process. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you.

What Are the Hours of Service Regulations?

Because trucks can cause so much damage in the event of an accident trucking companies and their drivers are heavily regulated by the FMSCA with the goal of reducing the chances of an accident happening. The hours of service regulation are one of these rules that are primarily aimed at preventing fatigued driving and overworking truck drivers. According to these rules:

• Truck drivers can work up to a maximum of 14 hours in one day but are only allowed to drive for 11 hours. The remaining hours must be spent on rest or meal breaks.
• Driver must rest for at least 10 consecutive hours at the end of the day before returning to a new workday.
• Truck drivers must take days off work at regularly.

How We Investigate Truck Accident Claims

We begin our investigation of your truck accident injury case by immediately visiting the scene of the accident and by gathering and preserving evidence. Truck accidents differ from car accidents in that valuable information must be gathered from a broad range of sources to fully prove negligence. Our full investigation involves gathering evidence from all available sources, including:

• Global positions systems (GPS)
• Drivers’ logs
• Black boxes, which are installed on many 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles
• Truck maintenance records
• National databases regarding out-of-state organizations

Tulsa truck accident lawyers Charles Richardson and Paul Boudreaux have relationships within law enforcement agencies and other governmental agencies that assist us in accessing needed information and evidence. This gives us the capability to develop an uncommonly compelling claim on behalf of our clients.

How Truck Accidents Differ from Car Accidents

All accidents are overwhelming, traumatic, and have the potential to lead to devastating injuries or even death. However, when comparing the difference between car accidents and accidents involving commercial trucks, there are some key differences. By their very nature, these types of accidents pose a greater danger to those involved and a higher chance of fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of most commercial trucks.

Of course, there are many more differences between these two types of accidents that often make them more complex than most other accidents. Below is a list of some ways in which truck accidents differ from car accidents:

• Differents involved: Accidents involving trucks are generally not as straightforward as other motor vehicle accidents. Unlike car accidents, several different factors could potentially be involved, which could have all led to the accident’s occurrence. Equipment failure, improper loading, and failing to properly maintain the truck all commonly play roles in trucking accidents, in addition to human error. This means that multiple parties, such as the trucking company, could all be held liable for your injuries. Different causes also have a tendency to complicate a case more, which is why it is crucial to hire an attorney who is experienced in handling truck accident cases.

• Compensation and damages incurred: Much like in a car accident case, a truck accident victim can pursue compensation that will allow them to be in a better position, financially and physically, than they were prior to the accident. However, in a truck accident case, injuries are generally very severe and it is often difficult to assess the value of a claim early on. These accidents can result in not only pain and suffering, but loss of enjoyment, disfigurement, and loss of consortium and, to understand what a reasonable settlement offer would entail, you would have to first achieve maximum medical improvement.

• Truck accident injuries: One of the biggest differences between car accidents and truck accidents is, as mentioned earlier, the injuries involved. Fully loaded semi-trucks can weigh over 80,000 pounds compared to the mere 3,000 pounds a car weighs, so it is easy to see how these accidents could potentially lead to some severe or fatal injuries. For this reason, truckers are required to carry insurance with higher liability limits.

• Special licenses and negligence: Truck drivers are required to carry a commercial driver’s license that reflects their level of training, which qualifies them to carry the load in their truck. This is important because, if an accident occurs and the driver lacks the necessary training and qualifications, the trucking company he or she works for can be held liable for negligence in regards to hiring and training.

• Involving an attorney: You should always hire an experienced attorney, regardless if you were involved in a motor vehicle accident or in an accident that involved a truck. However, given the added complexities in a truck accident case, it is particularly critical to hire an experienced truck accident attorney to ensure you do not risk your chances of obtaining fair and just compensation.

Explore Your Options Today—Contact Us

If you have been the victim of a serious truck accident, or lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident involving a truck, we want to provide you with the legal help you need. At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, PLLC, our legal team has the experience, knowledge, and resources necessary to build an effective case on your behalf to hold all responsible parties accountable for your injuries and your pain and suffering.

Backed by a proven track record of success, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands with us. We are available for evening and weekend appointments and, for personal injury cases, charge nothing unless we win your case.