Trucks are much larger than cars, so accidents often lead to severe injuries or even death. If you or someone you love has been in a truck accident, it’s important to have someone on your side to help you deal with the aftermath.
That’s where an accident lawyer in Vinita, OK, can help. After a truck accident, you may have to deal with medical bills, insurance companies, and the trucking company’s lawyers.
It can be overwhelming, especially when you’re injured and trying to recover. Having a lawyer from Doney Law, PLLC, who knows the ins and outs of truck accident cases in Vinita, OK, can make all the difference.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents happen for various reasons, and understanding why they occur can help prevent them in the future. Here are some of the most common causes:
Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Truck drivers spend long hours on the road and are supposed to follow strict rules that limit how long they can drive without resting. However, some drivers break these rules, driving while tired, which can lead to dangerous accidents.
A truck accident attorney in Vinita, OK, knows how to investigate whether a driver was too tired to drive safely.
Improper Truck Maintenance and Mechanical Failures
Trucks are complex machines that need regular maintenance. If something like the brakes or tires isn’t properly maintained, it can cause the truck to malfunction. This can lead to accidents that might have been avoided with proper care.
A Vinita auto accident lawyer for truck collisions can determine whether the truck was in good working condition before the crash.
Reckless Driving
Like any driver, truck drivers can make poor choices behind the wheel. Speeding, distracted driving (like texting while driving), and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can all lead to accidents.
Due to the size and power of their vehicles, truck drivers have a responsibility to be cautious on the road.
Cargo Issues
If a truck is carrying too much cargo or if the cargo isn’t properly secured, it can lose balance or even tip over. Overloading can also affect how well a truck can brake or turn.
Weather Conditions and Road Hazards
Bad weather and poor road conditions can make driving a truck even more difficult. Rain, snow, or ice can make roads slippery, and poor visibility can make it harder to see other vehicles. Sometimes, road hazards like potholes or debris can also cause accidents.
Types of Injuries in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often cause serious injuries due to the size and weight of the truck. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: A head injury from a truck accident can lead to a traumatic brain injury, which may cause long-term damage. These injuries can affect memory, coordination, and even personality.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or other mobility issues. These injuries often require lifelong care, making compensation for medical costs and future needs critical.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of a truck collision can easily lead to broken bones or fractures, which may require surgery or physical therapy to heal.
- Internal Injuries: Injuries to internal organs like the lungs, heart, or liver can be life-threatening and may require immediate surgery.
In some cases, truck accidents can be fatal. The loss is devastating for the surviving family members, and a Vinita truck accident lawyer can help them pursue compensation for their loss.
Liability in Truck Accidents
Determining who is at fault in a truck accident isn’t always straightforward. Several parties could be responsible, including:
The Truck Driver
If the driver was speeding, driving while tired, or under the influence, they could be held responsible for the accident.
The Trucking Company
The truck company may be liable if it didn’t properly maintain the vehicle or if it encouraged unsafe driving practices, such as ignoring Hours of Service regulations.
This is known as vicarious liability, meaning the company is responsible for the actions of its employees.
The Manufacturer
Sometimes, a truck part malfunctions due to a design or manufacturing flaw. In this case, the truck manufacturer or its parts could be held liable.
Third Parties
In some cases, other drivers or those responsible for maintaining the roadway could be partially at fault for the accident.
These cases can be complicated, especially when multiple parties are involved. That’s why working with a top-rated truck accident lawyer in Vinita ensures that all responsible parties are held accountable.
How Our Vinita Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
At Doney Law, PLLC, we understand the importance of building a strong case to get you the compensation you deserve. Our Vinita truck accident lawyer can help in the following ways:
Thorough Investigation
We will gather evidence from the accident, including police reports, witness statements, and trucking logs. We’ll also work to obtain any surveillance footage and analyze the accident scene to reconstruct what happened.
Accident Reconstruction
In some cases, we’ll work with accident reconstruction experts to show exactly how the crash occurred, which can help in negotiations or in court.
Handling Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to settle claims for less than they’re worth. We’ll handle negotiations on your behalf to ensure the best possible outcome.
Filing Lawsuits
If the settlement offer isn’t fair, our truck accident lawyer in Vinita, OK, won’t hesitate to take the case to court to fight for what you deserve.
Compensation You Can Pursue
After a car accident, you may be entitled to recover various damages depending on the specifics of your case. These damages are intended to help you cope with the financial, physical, and emotional burdens caused by the accident. Below is a list of ten common types of damages you can seek following a car accident:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Rehabilitation costs
- Future medical expenses
- Wrongful death damages
To ensure you receive the maximum compensation for these and other losses, you must take a few essential steps.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
If you’ve been in a truck accident, it’s important to take these steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine right after the accident, seeing a doctor is important. Some injuries, like internal damage, might not show up right away, and getting checked out can catch these early. Plus, having a medical record will help if you need to file a claim later.
- Report the Accident: Make sure the accident gets reported to the police, and get a copy of the police report. This report is official proof of what happened, and you’ll need it for insurance or legal purposes. Without it, proving your side of the story might be harder.
- Gather Evidence: If it’s safe, try to take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to vehicles and surroundings. Get the contact information of witnesses who saw what happened, and write down everything you remember. The more details you can collect, the stronger your case will be.
- Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer: It’s really important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights. A truck accident lawyer, especially one who works on a no-win, no-fee basis, can help guide you through the process and keep you from making mistakes that might hurt your chances of getting compensation.
Why Choose Doney Law, PLLC
Proven Experience
We’ve handled many truck accident cases in Vinita, OK, and understand how to fight for your rights. We know the ins and outs of the legal system and what’s needed to win.
Client-Focused Service
We take the time to get to know you and understand what you’re going through. Every case is different, so we make sure to give each one the personal attention it deserves.
Successful Track Record
We’ve helped many people get the compensation they need, whether through settlements or going to court. We aim to get the best result for you, no matter the path we take.
No Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to pay us unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on healing while we fight for your rights without upfront costs.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyer in Vinita, OK
If you’ve been in a truck accident, it’s crucial to have a truck accident attorney in Vinita, OK, who can fight for your rights. At Doney Law, PLLC, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us guide you through getting the compensation you deserve.
