Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
A truck accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Collisions involving large commercial trucks often lead to severe injuries, complex legal battles, and aggressive insurance tactics.
Maybe you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Tulsa, Oklahoma. You may now be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress—all while struggling to understand your legal rights.
What makes truck accident claims more challenging than standard auto accident cases? The answer lies in the multiple layers of liability, strict federal trucking regulations and powerful trucking company insurers determined to protect their bottom line.
Unlike a simple fender bender, a semi-truck accident lawsuit often requires extensive evidence, expert testimony, and strong legal representation to secure fair compensation.
This blog will walk you through the entire truck accident lawsuit process. It breaks down who can be held responsible, what to expect when filing a claim, how settlements work, and when a trial may be necessary.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of your legal options—and why having an experienced truck accident attorney on your side is crucial. Keep reading to learn how to protect your rights and maximize your claim after a truck accident in Oklahoma.
A thorough investigation is the first step in building a strong case after a truck accident. Truck accident claims require more evidence than standard car accident claims because trucking companies have legal teams ready to minimize payouts.
To prove liability, your attorney will gather:
Federal regulations play a critical role in truck accident lawsuits. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates strict rules on driver hours, weight limits, and truck maintenance. You may hold a trucking company liable for negligence if it violates these regulations.
“According to the FMCSA, driver fatigue contributes to nearly 13% of large truck crashes in the U.S.”
Common causes of truck accidents include:
Unlike car accidents, where the at-fault driver is usually liable, truck accidents often involve multiple responsible parties. Identifying who is at fault is crucial for maximizing compensation.
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, accident victims can recover damages only if they are less than 50% at fault for the crash.
“Under Oklahoma’s comparative negligence law (23 OK Stat § 23-13), an injured party can recover damages only if they are less than 50% at fault for the accident.”
If an insurance company argues you were partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your settlement would be reduced by 20%.
Oklahoma law allows two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Early filing ensures that evidence is preserved, strengthening your case against the trucking company and its insurers.
“Insurance adjusters often attempt to shift blame or downplay injuries in high-value truck accident claims.”
Delays are common in trucking accident claims because insurance companies use legal loopholes to reduce their payout. Having an experienced attorney fight for your rights ensures you aren’t pressured into accepting a lowball offer.
Most truck accident claims settle out of court because trials can be lengthy and expensive. However, going to court may be necessary if the insurance company refuses fair compensation.
Factor | Settlement | Trial |
Timeframe | Faster (months) | Longer (1-2 years) |
Compensation Control | Negotiated Amount | Determined by Jury |
Legal Costs | Lower | Higher |
Risk | Less Risk | Uncertain Outcome |
Appeal Options | Limited | Possible |
Settlements are preferred when both parties agree on fair compensation. Trials may yield higher payouts but often take longer. Your attorney will determine the best strategy based on your case’s strengths.
Truck accident settlements include economic, non-economic, and punitive damages based on the severity of injuries and the impact on your life.
Each case is unique. Settlement amounts differ based on injuries, liability, and insurance coverage. Severe truck accident cases often settle for six or seven figures.
It depends on whether the case settles or goes to trial. Most settlements take a few months. Depending on court schedules and insurance disputes, lawsuits can take over a year.
There’s no fixed amount. Settlements depend on injury severity, liability, and insurance policy limits. Many truck accident victims recover hundreds of thousands to millions in compensation.
Yes. If a trucking company violated safety regulations, pressured drivers to work overtime, or engaged in negligent hiring, they can be held accountable for an accident.
Oklahoma’s comparative negligence law allows compensation if you’re less than 50% at fault. However, your settlement will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Yes. Truck accident cases involve corporate insurance adjusters and federal regulations. Having an experienced Tulsa truck accident attorney ensures you get fair compensation without being pressured into a low settlement.
Truck accident lawsuits are far more complex than standard car accident claims. Factors accounting for this include federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and the aggressive defense tactics of trucking companies. Knowing what to expect during the legal process—from investigation and liability determination to settlement negotiations or trial—can help you make informed decisions. However, securing fair compensation isn’t easy when powerful trucking companies and insurers try to minimize payouts.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Tulsa, Oklahoma, you don’t have to face this battle alone. At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, we fight to protect truck accident victims and help them recover the full compensation they deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case, understand your legal options, and take the first step toward justice.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.