Understanding Truck Accidents in Edmond

Edmond, a rapidly growing city in Oklahoma, has seen an increase in commercial truck traffic due to its strategic location and economic expansion. This uptick, while beneficial for commerce, has unfortunately led to a rise in truck-related accidents. According to data from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, there were 875 fatal crashes involving trucks on Oklahoma highways between 2017 and 2023, equating to a fatality every three days. 

Common Types of Truck Accidents in Edmond, Oklahoma – What You Need to Know

Truck accidents are among the most devastating and complex motor vehicle crashes, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. With Edmond’s expanding population and increasing commercial traffic, large trucks are a common sight on I-35, U.S. Route 77, and Broadway Extension. These highways and local roads serve as major routes for freight transportation, putting passenger vehicles at risk of collisions with semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial vehicles.

At Hawkins Law Firm, we have seen firsthand how truck accidents impact victims and their families. Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, collisions with passenger vehicles often lead to catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal organ trauma.

Understanding the different types of truck accidents can help drivers recognize potential dangers and take legal action if they have been involved in a crash. Below, we outline the most common types of truck accidents in Edmond and explain how our legal team can help you pursue justice and compensation.

1. Jackknife Accidents – When a Truck Loses Control

What is a Jackknife Accident?

A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, resembling a folding pocketknife. These crashes often lead to multi-vehicle pileups, putting multiple drivers at risk.

Why Jackknife Accidents Happen in Edmond:

✅ Sudden or Hard Braking – A truck driver braking too quickly can cause the trailer to skid uncontrollably.
✅ Slippery Road Conditions – Rain, ice, or snow on I-35 or Kilpatrick Turnpike increases the chances of a jackknife.
✅ Improperly Loaded Cargo – Uneven or unsecured cargo can shift suddenly, causing trailer instability.

Dangers of Jackknife Accidents:

🚛 Blocked Traffic Lanes – Jackknifed trucks can block multiple lanes, causing highway shutdowns.
🚛 Multi-Car Collisions – Vehicles caught behind often crash into the jackknifed truck or other vehicles.
🚛 Driver Ejections & Fatalities – The truck driver or other motorists can be thrown from their vehicles, resulting in severe injuries.

📞 If you’ve been injured in a jackknife truck accident in Edmond, contact Hawkins Law Firm today.

2. Rollover Accidents – A Deadly Consequence of Unstable Trucks

What is a Rollover Accident?

A rollover accident happens when a truck tips onto its side or roof, often crushing smaller vehicles in its path. These crashes are extremely dangerous for both truck drivers and surrounding motorists.

Why Rollover Accidents Happen in Edmond:

✅ Sharp Turns at High Speeds – Exit ramps and curved roads near UCO and Arcadia Lake can be hazardous for speeding trucks.
✅ Uneven or Damaged Roads – Poorly maintained roads, like those under construction near Covell Road or Waterloo Road, can cause instability.
✅ Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo – Excess weight in a trailer can cause tipping during turns or lane changes.

Dangers of Rollover Accidents:

🚛 Crushing Small Vehicles – Passenger cars caught under a rolling truck often suffer fatal consequences.
🚛 Hazardous Material Spills – Trucks hauling hazardous materials pose environmental and health risks.
🚛 Chain-Reaction Crashes – Nearby vehicles may swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid the overturned truck.

📞 If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck rollover accident in Edmond, call Hawkins Law Firm now.

3. Rear-End Collisions – Trucks Take Longer to Stop

What is a Rear-End Truck Collision?

A rear-end collision occurs when a truck crashes into the back of another vehicle, often with devastating consequences.

Why Rear-End Truck Accidents Happen in Edmond:

✅ Following Too Closely in Traffic – High congestion on Broadway Extension and I-35 can cause truck drivers to misjudge stopping distances.
✅ Distracted Driving – Truck drivers texting, adjusting GPS, or eating while driving are prone to delayed braking.
✅ Brake Failures & Poor Maintenance – Trucks with worn brakes or mechanical issues cannot stop quickly enough.

Dangers of Rear-End Truck Collisions:

🚛 Severe Whiplash & Neck Injuries – Rear-end crashes at high speeds can cause debilitating spinal damage.
🚛 Fatalities at Stoplights & Intersections – Trucks that fail to stop at red lights cause deadly T-bone crashes.
🚛 Multi-Car Pileups – High-speed rear-end crashes can lead to multi-vehicle chain reactions.

📞 Were you hit from behind by a commercial truck? Contact Hawkins Law Firm to explore your legal options.

4. Underride Accidents – Among the Most Fatal Crashes

What is an Underride Accident?

An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, often resulting in catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Why Underride Accidents Happen in Edmond:

✅ Lack of Proper Underride Guards – Some trucks lack proper safety guards, allowing smaller vehicles to slide underneath.
✅ Truck Stops Suddenly – Heavy braking on high-speed roads like I-35 can result in a vehicle crashing under a trailer.
✅ Poor Visibility & Sudden Lane Changes – Drivers who fail to see trucks stopping ahead may be unable to brake in time.

Dangers of Underride Accidents:

🚛 Instant Fatalities – The roof of a car can be sheared off, causing devastating head trauma.
🚛 Severe Crushing Injuries – Passengers often suffer life-threatening chest and spinal injuries.
🚛 Manufacturer & Trucking Company Liability – These accidents often involve truck design defects or fleet negligence.

📞 If you lost a loved one in an underride accident, Hawkins Law Firm can help you seek justice.

5. T-Bone Collisions – Deadly Intersection Accidents

What is a T-Bone Truck Collision?

A T-bone accident occurs when a truck crashes into the side of another vehicle, often at intersections and stoplights.

Why T-Bone Crashes Happen in Edmond:

✅ Running Red Lights at Intersections – Busy intersections like 33rd & Santa Fe see frequent T-bone crashes.
✅ Failure to Yield at Stop Signs – Truck drivers who ignore right-of-way laws can cause side-impact crashes.
✅ Excessive Speeding Through Crossings – High-speed impact increases the severity of injuries.

📞 If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck T-bone accident, contact Hawkins Law Firm today.

Causes of Truck Accidents in Edmond, Oklahoma – Understanding the Risks & Seeking Justice

Truck accidents are one of the most serious and devastating types of crashes on Oklahoma roads. Given their massive size and weight, commercial trucks can cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities when they collide with passenger vehicles. Edmond, Oklahoma, has significant truck traffic, with major highways such as I-35, U.S. Route 77, and Broadway Extension serving as key routes for commercial transportation.

Unfortunately, many truck accidents in Edmond are preventable and often caused by negligent behaviors on the part of truck drivers, trucking companies, or manufacturers. At Hawkins Law Firm, we help truck accident victims and their families hold the responsible parties accountable. Below, we discuss the leading causes of truck accidents in Edmond and how our legal team can help you recover compensation if you’ve been injured in a trucking collision.

1. Driver Fatigue – A Silent Killer on Edmond Roads

How Fatigue Leads to Truck Accidents

Truck drivers spend long hours behind the wheel, often pushing past their limits to meet tight delivery deadlines. Even though federal regulations limit driving hours, many drivers violate these rules due to pressure from trucking companies.

Why Fatigued Driving is a Major Issue in Edmond:

🚛 Truckers on I-35 Often Drive for Extended Periods – Long-haul drivers passing through Edmond may not take required rest breaks.
🚛 Night Driving & Early Morning Deliveries – Many truckers drive overnight, increasing drowsy driving risks.
🚛 Pressure to Meet Deadlines – Some companies encourage drivers to push limits, even if it violates safety regulations.

Dangers of Fatigued Driving:

😴 Slower Reaction Times – A fatigued driver may not brake in time to prevent a crash.
😴 Increased Risk of Swerving or Drifting – Sleepy drivers may unintentionally drift into other lanes or oncoming traffic.
😴 Higher Risk of Falling Asleep at the Wheel – Even a few seconds of unconsciousness can lead to a deadly accident.

📞 If you were injured by a fatigued truck driver, Hawkins Law Firm can help hold the trucking company accountable.

2. Distracted Driving – A Growing Danger on Oklahoma Highways

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving occurs when a truck driver takes their eyes, hands, or mind off the road, increasing the risk of a serious accident.

Why Distracted Driving is a Problem in Edmond:

📱 Truck Drivers Use Mobile Devices for GPS, Calls, or Texting – Even a few seconds of looking at a phone can result in a crash.
📱 Eating & Drinking While Driving – Many truckers eat meals on the road, diverting their attention.
📱 Adjusting In-Cab Devices – Changing radio stations, logging trip data, or checking maps leads to dangerous distractions.

Common Consequences of Distracted Driving:

🚛 Sideswipe Accidents from Lane Drifting – A distracted trucker may merge into another vehicle.
🚛 Rear-End Collisions – A trucker who isn’t paying attention may not stop in time to avoid hitting a smaller vehicle.
🚛 Intersection Crashes – A distracted driver may run a red light, causing a devastating T-bone accident.

📞 Were you hit by a distracted truck driver? Contact Hawkins Law Firm today to discuss your case.

3. Speeding – Trucks Cannot Stop Quickly at High Speeds

How Speeding Contributes to Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds, meaning they require significantly longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. When truckers speed, they reduce their ability to react to sudden traffic changes, increasing the likelihood of severe crashes.

Why Speeding is a Problem in Edmond:

🚛 High-Speed Traffic on I-35 & Route 66 – Truckers often exceed speed limits to stay on schedule.
🚛 Merging Issues on Broadway Extension – Speeding trucks struggle to slow down for merging vehicles.
🚛 Dangerous Curves on Two-Lane Roads – Speeding increases the risk of rollover crashes on Edmond’s rural roads.

Common Speeding-Related Truck Accidents:

⚠ Rear-End Collisions – A speeding truck cannot stop in time when traffic slows.
⚠ Jackknife Accidents – Speeding increases the risk of losing control and jackknifing the trailer.
⚠ Rollover Accidents – Sharp turns at high speeds can cause a truck to tip over.

📞 If you or a loved one was injured by a speeding truck driver, call Hawkins Law Firm today for legal help.

4. Improper Maintenance – Trucking Companies Cutting Corners

Why Maintenance is Critical for Truck Safety

Trucking companies are required to perform regular maintenance checks, but some neglect these responsibilities to save money and increase profits. Mechanical failures are a leading cause of preventable truck accidents.

Common Mechanical Failures in Trucks:

🔧 Brake Failures – Worn-out brakes reduce stopping power, leading to rear-end crashes.
🔧 Tire Blowouts – Poorly maintained tires can cause a truck to lose control and swerve into traffic.
🔧 Faulty Steering Systems – Steering issues increase rollover and head-on collision risks.

📞 Was your accident caused by a truck malfunction? Hawkins Law Firm will investigate and hold negligent parties accountable.

5. Overloaded Cargo – Unstable Trucks Cause Dangerous Accidents

How Improper Cargo Loading Affects Safety

Trucking companies must follow strict weight and cargo regulations. However, when they overload trucks or fail to secure cargo properly, it increases the risk of serious crashes.

Why Overloaded Cargo is a Problem in Edmond:

🚛 Weight Shifts During Travel – Improperly secured cargo can shift suddenly, causing rollover crashes.
🚛 Longer Stopping Distances – Overloaded trucks take longer to stop, leading to rear-end collisions.
🚛 Falling Debris Accidents – Loose cargo can fall onto highways, hitting vehicles or creating obstacles.

Common Cargo-Related Accidents:

⚠ Rollover Crashes – Unstable cargo increases the risk of tipping over.
⚠ Underride Accidents – Overloaded trailers can block visibility, leading to fatal underride crashes.
⚠ Road Debris Hazards – Items falling off trucks can cause multi-car pileups.

📞 If your accident was caused by improperly loaded cargo, contact Hawkins Law Firm for legal assistance.

The Impact of Truck Accidents in Edmond, Oklahoma

Truck accidents in Edmond, Oklahoma, have profound and far-reaching effects on our community. These incidents not only lead to severe injuries and tragic fatalities but also cause significant disruptions to daily life and local infrastructure.

Recent Truck Accidents in Edmond

• January 2, 2024: A semi-truck collided with power lines at the intersection of 33rd Street and Santa Fe Avenue in Edmond. This accident resulted in widespread power outages and traffic disruptions, underscoring the potential hazards associated with large commercial vehicles. 

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• November 2, 2023: A flatbed wrecker traveling southbound on Interstate 35 near Coffee Creek Road crossed into the northbound lanes, striking multiple vehicles. This multi-vehicle collision led to at least one fatality and prompted the closure of I-35 northbound lanes during the investigation. 

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Statistical Overview

Between 2017 and 2023, Oklahoma experienced 875 fatal crashes involving trucks, averaging one fatality every three days. Additionally, there were 10,324 injury crashes involving trucks during this period. 

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In Edmond specifically, 2022 saw six fatal accidents involving nine vehicles, resulting in seven fatalities. 

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Community and Infrastructure Impact

Truck accidents in Edmond often lead to:

• Traffic Congestion: Accidents on major routes like I-35 and U.S. Route 77 can cause significant delays, affecting commuters and local businesses.

• Economic Costs: Beyond immediate damages, these incidents can lead to increased insurance premiums and strain on emergency services.

• Emotional Toll: Families and friends of victims endure profound grief and loss, with some facing long-term care needs for injured loved ones.

Legal Support and Advocacy

At Hawkins Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact truck accidents have on individuals and the community. Our dedicated team is committed to:

• Investigating Accidents Thoroughly: We work diligently to determine the causes and identify responsible parties.

• Advocating for Victims’ Rights: Ensuring that victims receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

• Promoting Safer Roads: By holding negligent parties accountable, we aim to contribute to the prevention of future accidents.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a truck accident in Edmond, contact Hawkins Law Firm today for compassionate and experienced legal assistance.

Why Choose Hawkins Law Firm?

At Hawkins Law Firm, we bring over 20 years of experience in protecting the rights of injured Oklahomans. Our commitment to clients in Edmond and the surrounding areas is unwavering. Here’s why we stand out:

• Personalized Attention: We recognize that each case is unique. Our team provides tailored legal strategies to meet your specific needs, ensuring you receive individualized attention.

• Proven Track Record: Our history of successful case outcomes reflects our dedication to achieving justice for our clients. We have secured favorable settlements and verdicts for numerous truck accident victims.

• Comprehensive Support: From the initial consultation through resolution, we guide you through every step of the legal process, keeping you informed and empowered to make decisions.

• Contingency Fee Basis: You pay no legal fees unless we secure compensation for you. This approach ensures that quality legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Edmond, Oklahoma, don’t navigate this challenging time alone. Contact Hawkins Law Firm today for a free consultation. Let our experienced team advocate for your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Remember, at Hawkins Law Firm, we care about you, not just your case. Trust us to be your steadfast ally in the pursuit of justice.