Tulsa Truck Rollover Accident Lawyers
Holding the right people accountable when you’re injured in a truck rollover accident in Oklahoma
Getting into any type of car accident can be traumatic. But when a large commercial truck tips over and rolls across a highway, the outcome can be especially devastating. Truck rollover accidents often cause severe injuries, major property damage, and even fatalities. Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, with some weighing upwards of 80,000 pounds, these crashes are among the most dangerous on the road.
At Biby Law Firm, we represent victims of truck accidents throughout Tulsa and across the state of Oklahoma. We understand how overwhelming these situations can be. You’re in pain, missing time from work, dealing with insurance companies, and wondering who’s going to pay for it all. That’s where we come in, working to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
How can we help?
- Why are Tulsa truck rollover accidents so dangerous?
- What are some common causes of Tulsa truck rollover accidents?
- What should I do after a truck rollover accident in Tulsa?
- Who is liable for my Tulsa truck rollover accident?
- Why do I need a Tulsa truck rollover accident lawyer?
- How much is my Tulsa truck rollover accident case worth?
- What are Oklahoma’s trucking laws and regulations?
- Do you have a Tulsa truck rollover accident lawyer near me?
Why are Tulsa truck rollover accidents so dangerous?
When a semi-truck or other type of commercial vehicle rolls over, it can block entire lanes of traffic, crush smaller vehicles, and cause chain-reaction crashes. These accidents aren’t only dangerous for the truck driver, but also for everyone else on the road.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that rollover accidents are responsible for about four percent of all fatal large truck crashes, and two percent of all nonfatal crashes involving large trucks. Both truck drivers and passengers in nearby vehicles also face a high risk of injury or fatality due to the massive force of impact.
Truck rollovers can result in:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Burns or crush injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Wrongful death
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a Tulsa truck rollover crash, you may be entitled to financial compensation. However, it’s first important to understand what causes these types of accidents and who might be held responsible.
What are some common causes of Tulsa truck rollover accidents?
Truck rollovers are typically caused by a combination of factors. Sometimes, it’s the driver’s fault. Other times, the trucking company, cargo loaders, or even a mechanic could be to blame. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Truck drivers often work long hours and are under pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines. Even though federal laws limit how long drivers can be on the road, some companies encourage drivers to push past the legal limits. Driver fatigue slows reaction time and affects judgment, increasing the risk of rollover accidents. The FMCSA reports that driver fatigue is a factor in 13% of serious truck accidents.
- Trucks have a higher center of gravity than passenger cars, making them more likely to tip over when taking a curve too quickly or making a sudden maneuver. Speeding, especially on ramps or winding roads, is another major risk factor for rollover accidents.
- Cargo must be carefully loaded and balanced. If it shifts during transport, it can throw off the balance of the truck and cause a rollover. Overloaded trucks are also more likely to tip over, especially during turns or emergency braking. The FMCSA sets strict cargo securement rules under 49 CFR Part 393.
- Things like brakes, tires, suspension systems, and other mechanical parts must be regularly inspected, maintained, and repaired. If a part fails due to poor maintenance or a manufacturing defect, the truck could potentially roll over.
- Rain, ice, snow, or high winds can make it harder to control a large commercial truck. While weather may contribute to an accident, drivers and trucking companies still have a duty to operate safely and take all necessary precautions.
What should I do after a truck rollover accident in Tulsa?
If you or a loved one has been in a truck rollover crash, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what we recommend.
- Call 911 to get emergency medical help and report the crash to police.
- Get medical treatment. Even if you feel okay, see a doctor. Some serious injuries may not display symptoms right away.
- If you can, take pictures and videos of the crash site, your injuries, and damage to the vehicles.
- Get the driver’s name, trucking company information, and contact details of any witnesses.
- Don’t talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster or lawyer. They may try to get you to say something that can hurt your case.
- Call an experienced Tulsa truck accident attorney. The sooner you get legal help on your side, the better your chances for a strong and successful case.
Who is liable for my Tulsa truck rollover accident?
One of the most important parts of your truck accident case is figuring out who is responsible for the crash. Unlike regular car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple parties, and more than one person or company could be held legally liable. Potentially liable parties may include:
- The truck driver, if they were speeding, distracted, drowsy, or impaired.
- The trucking company, if it hired an unqualified driver, encouraged or allowed illegal driving hours, or failed to properly maintain the vehicle.
- The cargo loading company, if the cargo was poorly loaded or unbalanced.
- A maintenance company or mechanic, if faulty repairs or missed inspections led to a mechanical failure.
- A parts manufacturer, if a defective truck part contributed to the rollover.
All of these potentially culpable parties are likely to have insurance. However, holding them accountable takes work. It’s not enough to just say that the accident happened – you need proof.
Why do I need a Tulsa truck rollover accident lawyer?
Truck rollover cases can be complicated. Trucking companies and their insurers tend to act quickly after a crash. In the most serious of cases they will activate their 24/7 response teams, where investigators, attorneys and company representatives are deployed to the scene of a collision immediately. They will often be first to canvas the scene for evidence and witnesses and oftentimes will try to talk to injured parties. The trucking companies know the importance of getting a jump start to these complex cases–you need someone on your side who knows how to fight back.
At Biby Law Firm, we know how to handle truck accident cases from beginning to end. We understand both Oklahoma personal injury law and the complex federal trucking regulations set forth by the FMCSA. Our team can:
- Investigate the crash and gather key evidence like logbooks, black box data, and maintenance records
- Interview witnesses and consult with accident reconstruction experts
- Handle all communications with the insurance companies
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Take your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered
We’re not afraid to take on big trucking companies and their insurance teams. We’re here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How much is my Tulsa truck rollover accident case worth?
Every truck accident case is different. However, here are some common types of compensation you may be able to recover in a successful claim:
- Medical expenses, past, present, and future
- Lost income, if you’ve missed work due to your injuries
- Loss of future earning ability, if your injuries are permanent
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish or emotional trauma
- Property damage to your vehicle and belongings
- Wrongful death damages, if you lost a loved one in a truck rollover accident
The amount you can recover depends on many factors, including how serious your injuries are, how the accident happened, and the egregiousness of wrongdoing by those at fault. That’s why having a skilled attorney makes such a big difference.
What are Oklahoma’s trucking laws and regulations?
Truck drivers and trucking companies here in Oklahoma must follow both state and federal laws. These laws include rules about:
- How many hours a driver can work in one day (Hours of Service rules)
- How often trucks should be inspected and maintained
- How cargo should be secured
- Drug and alcohol testing for drivers
If any of these rules were broken, that could help prove negligence in your case. However, you need an attorney who knows how to find these types of violations and use them to your advantage.
Do you have a Tulsa truck rollover accident lawyer near me?
Biby Law Firm has two Tulsa offices located at 9810 E. 42nd Street, Suite 211, and 6305 E 120th Ct., Suite F, as well as an office in Grove, OK. We also meet clients at their homes or healthcare facilities when necessary, and can conduct video conferences when desired or required by the circumstances. Our lawyers are respected by former clients, insurance companies, and defense lawyers for our record of strong representation of our personal injury clients.
Speak with an experienced and skilled Tulsa truck rollover accident lawyer today
At Biby Law Firm, we believe every accident victim deserves answers, accountability, and fair compensation. We’ve helped many people in Tulsa and across Oklahoma stand up to powerful trucking companies after serious crashes. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we win money for you. Your consultation is free, and we’ll take the time to listen to your story and explain your options. If you or a loved one was hurt in a truck rollover accident, don’t wait. Call us today or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment with a skilled lawyer. We proudly serve the communities of Broken Arrow, Bixby, Claremore, Grove, Jenks, Owasso, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Wagoner, Muskogee, and the surrounding areas.