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Truck Accident Settlements in Oklahoma: What You Need to Know

Learn about truck accident settlements in Oklahoma. Get expert guidance and secure the compensation you deserve. Click to read more!

The National Safety Council reported at least 5,837 large truck crashes in 2022. This was a 1.8% increase from the previous year. Most of these crashes resulted from distracted driving, vehicle malfunctions, and driver fatigue.

Of course, truck crashes aren’t normal accidents that leave minor injuries. They can permanently alter your life. But what can you do if you find yourself in this situation?

If you’re an Oklahoma resident, it’s time you understand the Oklahoma accident law. This law covers truck accident settlements to help you navigate the incident’s aftermath.

You may have recently been involved in a truck accident in Oklahoma but don’t know what to do next. This blog is for you! Discover more about compensation for truck accidents in Oklahoma.

Determining Liability for Truck Accidents

In this step, truck accident victims aim to identify the at-fault party and prove negligence. Some parties that may be liable for your truck accident injuries include:

• Truck driver
• Trucking company
• Truck manufacturer
• Government agencies and contractors

A truck driver carries liability when accidents happen because of:

• Speeding
• Traffic law violations
• Driving under influence
• Distracted driving
• Surpassing legal speed limits

Trucking companies are responsible for regularly maintaining their vehicles. They must also offer adequate driver training and ensure their drivers comply with safety regulations. A trucking company becomes liable for accidents if it neglects these requirements.

Truck manufacturers carry liability if they make defective trucking parts. This happens when truck accidents result from mechanical malfunctions like brake failures and tire blowouts.

Government agencies and contractors become liable when truck accidents result from poor road conditions. For instance, uneven surfaces or broken pavement can cause truck rollovers.

Evidence in the Truck Accident Claim Process

Adequate evidence is key to building a substantial truck accident case. With the right evidence, you can prove the extent of your damages.

It’s essential you collect evidence immediately after the accident. Doing this prevents the at-fault party from tampering with or destroying it.

An experienced Oklahoma truck accident lawyer can help you preserve the collected evidence. They ensure that the evidence is legit and available for use in your case.

Collecting evidence after a truck accident doesn’t have to be challenging. Start by taking photos or recording a video of the accident scene. This piece of evidence should include:

• The truck’s registration number
• The driver
• The entire scene from different angles
• Skid marks on the road
• Traffic signals
• Street signs

Also, consider collecting medical records. They’ll help show the type and severity of injuries you sustained. Other types of evidence required in truck accident claims include:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Dashcam footage
• Vehicle maintenance documents
• Truck driver’s logs

Calculating Damages

This step will give you deeper insights into your losses after a truck accident. As a result, you’ll know what to settle for.

Calculating damages can also prevent the possibility of your claim’s undervaluation. You’ll have reasonable grounds for negotiating fair compensation with the defendant’s insurance company.

This step will help your truck accident attorney develop a better legal strategy. Accurate and complete calculations prevent legal pitfalls that can lead to claim denial.

When calculating damages, consider both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damage is the financial loss you incur due to:

• Treatment expenses
• Lost wages or salaries
• Property damage

Non-economic damages are intangible losses that result from the injuries you sustain. They include:

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship

Truck Accident Settlement Process

The truck accident settlement process begins immediately after you seek medical attention. This is regardless of whether you feel okay or not.

Then, proceed to record a police statement of the accident. From here, your attorney will work to build a solid truck accident case.

The attorney will review your damages to decide the right settlement amount. Truck accident lawyers understand effective settlement negotiation tips to maximize your claim value.

Your lawyer will work with the at-fault party and the insurance company to agree on a fair settlement. The attorney then drafts a settlement agreement form and submits it to the involved parties.

Lastly, you and the defendant will agree on the settlement amount. You can accept or reject the settlement amount offered. Your truck accident case will proceed if you reject the compensation offered by the defendant’s insurance company.

The Role of Insurance Companies in Truck Accident Settlements

The at-fault party’s insurance company makes initial settlement offer. Insurance companies have adjusters who can develop strategies to counter your claim.

The adjuster will analyze your claim on behalf of the defendant’s insurer. They then determine if you should be compensated or not. To counter your claim, the insurance company, through the adjuster, can use tactics like:

• Giving lowball offers
• Delaying your truck accident claim process
• Disputing Your medical report

Factors That Can Affect Your Truck Accident Compensation

The severity of your injuries will determine the amount of your compensation. Severe injuries increase compensation.

The extent of your damages may also influence your settlement amount. More economic and non-economic damages translate to higher settlements.

Providing adequate evidence can also increase your claim value. Other factors include:

• Insurance policy limits
• Medical reimbursement issues
• Degree of liability or comparative fault

Legal Representation

Your truck accident settlement can’t succeed without professional legal representation. Oklahoma truck accident lawyers know how to navigate the complex claims process.

A reputable attorney will represent your interests to ensure maximum compensation. Their responsibilities include:

• Collecting and documenting your evidence
• Investigating the truck accident
• Negotiating with the defendant’s insurer
• Representing you in court

Ensure you hire a certified, experienced, and trustworthy truck accident attorney. Get referrals and testimonials from the attorney’s past clients.

Professional lawyers can help speed up your claim process. They can mitigate challenges like insurer delays and disputes over liability.

Understanding Oklahoma Truck Accident Settlements

Truck accident settlements aren’t a walk in the park. You’ll need professional legal help to navigate the process and get the compensation you deserve.

BDIW Law is here to represent you in your truck injury claim. With over 65 years of experience, we guarantee you expert representation to help maximize your compensation.

Boettcher, Devinney, Ingle & Wicker are the immediate professionals you want when the unthinkable happens. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.