Truck Accident Lawyers in Jenks

At Hawkins Law Firm, we understand how challenging it can be to recover from a truck accident. We’re here to fight for your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Our team of experienced truck accident lawyers will take on the legal battle so you can focus on what matters most, your recovery. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck crash, don’t face the legal complexities alone. Call us at 918-583-6007 or contact us through our website today for a free consultation. We’re here to guide you through this tough time.

Understanding The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Jenks

Truck accidents don’t just happen out of nowhere. They often result from preventable mistakes or negligence. Whether it’s driving error, poor vehicle maintenance, or unsafe road conditions, these factors can all play a role in a serious crash. At Hawkins Law Firm, we’re here to help you understand the causes of truck accidents and how we can help you pursue justice.

Fatigued Drivers

Fatigue isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a ticking time bomb on the road. One of the most dangerous and often overlooked causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. In an industry where deadlines, schedules, and long hours are prioritized over the safety of the driver and everyone else on the road, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Truck drivers are often pushed to their limits. They’re pressured by trucking companies to cover long distances in short amounts of time. With the constant need to meet delivery targets, many drivers sacrifice essential rest, leading to drowsiness and reduced alertness. In these conditions, their reaction times slow, and their decision-making becomes compromised. Worst of all, they can fall asleep behind the wheel, putting every other driver at risk.

The Dangers of Truck Driver Fatigue

Let’s be clear, driver fatigue is not just an accident waiting to happen, it’s the cause of countless collisions that could’ve easily been avoided. This isn’t just about one tired driver; it’s about a systemic issue in the trucking industry that places profit over safety. When a trucker is exhausted, they are much more likely to miss critical signs of danger, make poor decisions, or even fall asleep at the wheel. This is especially true on major highways like Route 75 and Route 64, where the speed, size of the trucks, and heavy traffic make any lack of concentration potentially fatal.

The reality is this, fatigued driving kills. If a truck driver wasn’t properly rested before taking the wheel, their lack of sleep could have caused your accident. But what’s even more infuriating is that many trucking companies encourage this kind of behavior by pushing their drivers to drive longer hours than is legally safe.

The Impact of Fatigue

When a truck driver is tired, it isn’t just a minor inconvenience. Fatigue leads to impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and an inability to process important information quickly. The results can be deadly. What could have been an easily avoidable crash turns into a nightmare for you and your family.

• Slower Reaction Times: A driver’s reflexes are critical, especially when trying to avoid a dangerous situation. Fatigued drivers react much slower than well-rested drivers, giving them less time to avoid a collision. A moment of hesitation or delayed braking can cause a crash that could have been prevented if they were properly rested.
• Impaired Decision-Making: A tired driver can’t make sound decisions on the road. This can lead to poor judgment calls, deciding to speed, ignoring warning signs, or taking unnecessary risks that result in a wreck.
• Falling Asleep Behind the Wheel: Perhaps the most dangerous form of fatigued driving is when a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel. This typically results in head-on collisions or serious accidents where the truck veers into oncoming traffic. These are the kinds of accidents that cause fatalities and life-changing injuries.

The Legal Fight

We don’t back down from holding trucking companies and drivers accountable for their negligence. If you’ve been hurt because a truck driver wasn’t properly rested, we’ll go after them with everything we’ve got. Our legal team is committed to ensuring you get the compensation you deserve for the physical, emotional, and financial toll this accident has taken on your life.

We know the steps to take to prove that fatigue was the cause of the accident. We’ll dig into the truck driver’s hours of service logs, dispatch records, and GPS data to confirm whether the driver was overworked or violated federal driving limits. We’ll also investigate the trucking company’s practices to determine if they contributed to the accident by pushing the driver beyond legal limits.

Distracted Driving

When a truck driver diverts their attention from the road, the consequences can be catastrophic. A truck, especially an 18-wheeler or semi, weighs tens of thousands of pounds and can cause severe damage when its driver isn’t fully focused. Even a momentary lapse in attention can result in a deadly crash.

In a world where technology is constantly at our fingertips, distractions have become more than just an inconvenience, they’ve become a threat to life on the road. Whether the truck driver is texting, using their GPS, eating, or talking on the phone, any distraction could be the reason your life was upended. This is why it’s so important to act and hold distracted drivers accountable for the chaos they cause.

How Distracted Driving Affects Truck Drivers More Than Other Drivers

While all drivers are susceptible to distractions, truck drivers face an even greater risk due to the size and power of their vehicles. Operating a massive truck requires constant focus and precision. It’s not like driving a car, where you can make minor adjustments without the risk of severe consequences. When a truck driver is distracted, they lose the ability to react quickly to hazards, make last-second decisions, or control their vehicle in an emergency.

• Massive Blind Spots: Trucks have far larger blind spots than passenger cars. If a driver isn’t paying attention, they may fail to see other vehicles in their path, leading to side-swipes, lane changes into other vehicles, or worse.
• Longer Stopping Distances: A truck requires much more distance to come to a complete stop. If a truck driver is distracted, they won’t notice a stopped vehicle or a hazard up ahead of time to avoid it. This can result in rear-end collisions, often with devastating consequences.
• Overloading and Inattention: Many truck drivers are under pressure to meet tight deadlines. Distractions, like texting or engaging in a phone conversation, can cause them to lose track of their load, the road, and their route. Inattention may cause them to miss weight limits, road signs, or exit warnings, all of which could have dire consequences for everyone around them.

Types of Distractions Truck Drivers Face

Truck drivers experience a wide range of distractions that can easily lead to accidents. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most common distractions:

Texting and Talking on the Phone

Even though federal regulations prohibit truck drivers from using handheld devices while driving, this doesn’t stop many drivers from texting or talking on the phone. These activities divert their focus from the road and can lead to devastating crashes, especially when the driver is traveling at high speeds. Truck drivers are also likely to engage in conversations that take their minds off their surroundings, leading to a deadly mix of distracted driving and large vehicle control.

GPS Devices and Route Planning

Truckers often rely on GPS devices or route-planning systems to guide them to their destinations. However, these systems can be distracting if the driver is constantly checking them for directions or adjusting settings while driving. Navigating a complicated intersection, setting a route, or trying to figure out the best path can take a driver’s attention away from the road, creating a dangerous scenario for everyone nearby.

Eating and Drinking While Driving

Long hours on the road can lead to drivers eating meals behind the wheel. While it might seem like a small distraction, eating or drinking takes both hands off the wheel and diverts attention away from the traffic around them. Whether it’s reaching for a drink or managing a messy snack, the driver is no longer in full control of the truck. This may seem like a minor distraction, but it can lead to life-altering accidents in a split second.

Adjusting In-Cab Controls

Truck drivers are often seen adjusting various in-cab controls, including music, air conditioning, or even CB radios. Though these tasks might seem relatively harmless, taking their hands off the wheel to adjust settings can put everyone else on the road at risk. When a driver’s attention is divided between their vehicle’s settings and the road ahead, their ability to react to hazards is significantly compromised.

The Impact of Distracted Driving on Your Truck Accident Case

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident caused by a distracted driver, it’s essential to take swift action. Distracted driving is not just negligent, it’s a breach of the duty of care that every driver, especially those behind the wheel of a large commercial vehicle, owes to others on the road. At Hawkins Law Firm, we understand how to investigate and gather evidence to prove that distracted driving caused your accident.

Mechanical Failures

Truck accidents caused by mechanical failures are more common than many people realize, and they’re entirely preventable. Trucking companies are legally required to maintain their vehicles in safe, working conditions. But too often, these companies cut corners to save money, leading to disastrous consequences on the road. When trucks aren’t properly maintained, critical systems like brakes, tires, and lights can fail, and lives are put in danger.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident where mechanical failure played a role, the trucking company and their maintenance providers need to be held accountable. The damage that results from poor maintenance can cause injuries that change lives forever. It’s not just about fixing broken parts, it’s about holding those responsible for failing to prioritize safety. At our firm, we fight aggressively to make sure trucking companies are held accountable for their negligence.

The Dangers of Poor Maintenance

Trucks are massive vehicles, and when something goes wrong mechanically, the results can be catastrophic. Imagine driving on a highway when a truck with faulty brakes or worn-out tires suddenly loses control. It’s a terrifying thought, and unfortunately, it’s a reality that many drivers face every year.

• Faulty Brakes: One of the most dangerous mechanical issues on any vehicle, especially trucks, is a faulty braking system. Trucks need their brakes to be in perfect working order to stop quickly and safely. If a truck’s brakes fail, whether due to lack of maintenance, worn-out components, or manufacturing defects, it can result in a rear-end crash, pileup, or worse. When a truck driver can’t stop on time, the consequences are often severe.
• Worn-Out Tires: Tires are the only part of the truck in direct contact with the road. If the tires are bald, under-inflated, or otherwise compromised, the risk of blowouts or skidding is significantly higher. A tire blowout on a large truck can cause the driver to lose control, and when that happens, it’s rarely just the truck that suffers. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by faulty tires, we’ll investigate the truck’s tire maintenance history to hold the party responsible accountable.
• Broken Lights: A truck with broken or malfunctioning lights can’t be seen properly, especially at night or in inclement weather. Without proper lighting, other drivers may not notice the truck until it’s too late. A failure to repair lights could result in rear-end collisions or accidents caused by the truck appearing too late in a driver’s line of sight.

Why Trucking Companies Cut Corners

Trucking companies are driven by deadlines, profit margins, and tight schedules. Unfortunately, these pressures sometimes lead them to cut corners on vehicle maintenance to save time and money. This negligence isn’t just frustrating, it’s dangerous, and it’s costing lives. While routine maintenance checks are required by law, some companies skip or delay necessary inspections and repairs. The consequences of these actions, or lack thereof, are felt on the roads. If the trucking company involved in your accident has neglected to properly maintain their vehicles, they should be held fully accountable. Trucking companies know the risks, and their failure to act responsibly means that innocent lives are put in harm’s way.

Overloaded Trucks

When a truck is overloaded or improperly loaded, it becomes a massive hazard that can wreak havoc on the road. Trucking companies and drivers are required to ensure their trucks are loaded properly, but all too often, they cut corners or fail to follow regulations, putting everyone around them at risk. An overloaded truck is harder to control and takes longer to stop. Add in sharp turns, steep inclines, or sudden changes in traffic, and you have a ticking time bomb on the road.

The dangers of overloading aren’t just about excessive weight, it’s about improper distribution. If a truck’s cargo is not balanced correctly, it can shift during transport, making it nearly impossible for the driver to keep control of the vehicle. This kind of instability is a common cause of rollover accidents, jackknife crashes, and multi-vehicle pileups. The sheer size and weight of a truck means that when things go wrong, the damage is severe.

The Impact of Overloading

Overloading a truck isn’t just a violation of the law, it’s a dangerous gamble that places the lives of everyone on the road in jeopardy. Here’s how overloading can lead to catastrophic accidents:

• Loss of Control: When a truck is too heavy or its load is unbalanced, the driver’s ability to maneuver the truck becomes compromised. On curves or at high speeds, an overloaded truck is far more likely to lose control. When a truck starts to swerve or fishtail, it can cause other drivers to react suddenly, creating a domino effect that can lead to a multi-car pileup.

• Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents are one of the most dangerous types of crashes involving trucks. When a truck is overloaded, it’s much more likely to tip over, especially during sharp turns or sudden lane changes. A rollover can block multiple lanes of traffic, cause extensive damage, and result in severe injuries or fatalities for everyone involved.

• Difficulty Stopping: Overloaded trucks need more time and distance to stop. When a truck driver suddenly brakes, whether to avoid another vehicle or a road hazard, the extra weight makes it much harder for the truck to come to a complete stop. This can result in rear-end collisions, particularly in high-traffic situations.

The Role of Trucking Companies

Overloading is often the result of negligence by trucking companies that prioritize speed and profits over safety. Whether it’s failing to properly inspect the load or pushing drivers to carry more than what’s legally allowed, trucking companies must be held accountable when their practices lead to accidents.

If your accident was caused by an overloaded truck, we will thoroughly investigate the trucking company’s policies and loading practices. We’ll dig into the details, examining whether the truck was overloaded at the time of the accident and whether the company neglected to follow legal weight limits. We’ll also explore the trucking company’s history of violations and determine whether they have a pattern of endangering others.

We don’t just accept the trucking company’s word. We take aggressive action to hold them accountable for their negligence. We will pursue evidence that proves they were responsible for putting a dangerously overloaded truck on the road.

Weather and Road Hazards

Bad weather is a challenge for all drivers, but for truck drivers, it can be downright dangerous. Trucks are larger, heavier, and harder to control than smaller vehicles, which makes them especially vulnerable in poor weather conditions. Whether it’s rain, snow, fog, or ice, trucks are more likely to skid, lose control, or jackknife when road conditions are compromised. If a truck driver doesn’t adjust their speed or driving style accordingly, the risk of an accident skyrockets.

When the weather turns bad, drivers must exercise caution, reduce speed, and maintain a safe distance. Unfortunately, not all drivers make these adjustments. If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by poor weather conditions or hazardous road conditions, it’s essential to understand that the truck driver’s failure to adjust to the weather may have been a contributing factor.

How Weather and Road Conditions Affect Truck Safety

Bad weather is already a challenge for smaller vehicles, but for trucks, it’s an even greater risk. Here’s how poor weather conditions can impact a truck’s ability to stay on the road:

• Rain and Wet Roads: Wet roads are slippery and reduce traction, making it harder for any vehicle to maintain control. Trucks, with their heavy loads, are especially susceptible to hydroplaning. When a truck begins to hydroplane, it’s incredibly difficult for the driver to regain control, especially if they’re driving at high speeds. If a truck driver doesn’t adjust to wet road conditions, it can result in a serious collision.
• Snow and Ice: Snow and ice create even more dangerous conditions for truck drivers. Ice on the road drastically reduces a truck’s ability to stop or change direction. Snow can obstruct the driver’s view, making it harder to see hazards on the road. Unfortunately, many truck drivers fail to slow down in these conditions, thinking their vehicles can handle the snow and ice. The reality is that driving a truck in icy or snowy conditions without taking extra precautions is a recipe for disaster.
• Fog and Reduced Visibility: Fog is another dangerous weather condition that can obscure a truck driver’s vision, making it harder to see the road ahead. Trucks are already difficult to maneuver in good weather, and fog makes it even harder for the driver to see road signs, other vehicles, or hazards. When truck drivers don’t slow down in foggy conditions, they put everyone at risk.
• High Winds: Strong winds can cause a truck to sway or veer off course, especially on highways or bridges. In some cases, high winds can even flip a truck over. If a truck driver doesn’t adjust to windy conditions, by slowing down or taking a different route, they put themselves and others in danger.

Common Types of Trucking Accidents Our Team Handles

Truck accidents come in many forms, each with its unique set of challenges. At Hawkins Law Firm, we handle all types of truck accident cases. Whether you’ve been in a rollover accident or a jackknife crash, we have the experience and knowledge to fight for your compensation.

18-Wheeler and Semi Truck Accidents

Accidents involving 18-wheelers and semi-trucks are among the most catastrophic on the road. Due to their massive size and weight, these trucks can cause severe damage, often leading to life-threatening injuries or fatalities. A collision with an 18-wheeler or semi-truck can crush smaller vehicles, sending shockwaves through the entire road. The impact is often far more intense than typical car accidents, leaving victims with extensive physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens.

The Dangers of 18-Wheelers and Semi-Trucks

When an accident involves a semi-truck or 18-wheeler, the size disparity between the truck and smaller vehicles makes the crash particularly dangerous. Semi-trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, which is about 20 times the weight of a standard passenger car. This massive weight and force can cause severe damage to smaller vehicles and cause catastrophic injuries to the passengers.

The Sheer Size

The size of 18-wheelers and semi-trucks means they are often able to absorb the full impact of a collision, while smaller vehicles take the brunt of the damage. The smaller vehicle may get crushed or pinned beneath the truck, leaving the driver and passengers trapped or at risk of severe injury. A truck’s large frame can block multiple lanes, leading to more cars being involved in the accident, further compounding the damage.

High-Speed Collisions

When these trucks are traveling at high speeds, the risk of death or severe injury increases significantly. A fully loaded truck at highway speeds has difficulty stopping quickly, and any sudden braking or swerving can cause the truck driver to lose control, resulting in devastating crashes. If a truck rear-ends a smaller vehicle, the force can cause massive internal injuries, broken bones, spinal damage, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Delivery Truck Crashes

Delivery trucks are a constant presence on the roads of Jenks, from familiar names like FedEx, UPS, and Amazon to local services making stops throughout residential neighborhoods. While these trucks are typically smaller than large 18-wheelers, they still pose significant risks when involved in accidents. Delivery trucks, often navigating tight streets or making frequent stops, can create unexpected hazards for other drivers. And when a crash occurs, the consequences can be just as severe as those caused by larger trucks.

Although delivery trucks generally carry lighter loads compared to long-haul trucks, their frequent stops and unpredictable movements create dangerous situations. For instance, when an Amazon delivery driver pulls over to drop off packages or a FedEx truck makes a sudden turn without signaling, it can result in a crash. Whether the driver’s actions lead to a sideswipe, rear-end collision, or head-on crash, the potential for serious injury or even death is high. 

Why Delivery Truck Crashes Are Particularly Dangerous

Delivery trucks are a frequent cause of accidents, but their unique operational characteristics make them especially dangerous. These trucks are regularly stopping, starting, and maneuvering in tight spaces, factors that create risks not just for the truck driver, but for other vehicles on the road.

Frequent Stops and Unpredictable Movements

Delivery trucks like UPS vans or local food delivery trucks are always stopping deliveries, often in high-traffic areas or narrow streets. While the driver may pull over to deliver a package, the sudden stop or the truck blocking traffic creates immediate hazards. When other drivers don’t anticipate the truck’s abrupt stop or movement, rear-end collisions are common. With UPS trucks or Amazon delivery vans often stopping in the middle of the street or double parking, other vehicles are forced to maneuver around them unexpectedly, leading to crashes.

Turning Without Warning

Delivery trucks frequently turn onto side streets or residential roads without signaling, or they make sharp turns while trying to fit into tight spaces. For example, when a FedEx truck makes a quick left turn into a neighborhood, drivers on the other side of the intersection may not be prepared for the truck’s maneuver. Delivery drivers don’t always have the luxury of wide roads or clear lanes. A delivery truck turning unexpectedly can cause accidents that other vehicles are unable to avoid in time.

Blind Spots and Limited Visibility

Just like larger trucks, delivery vehicles often have significant blind spots that can prevent drivers from seeing smaller vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. This is especially true for larger delivery vehicles like the ones used by Walmart’s distribution network or local service trucks. When a delivery truck changes lanes or pulls out into traffic, it may not see an approaching vehicle, causing a sideswipe or a more serious collision.

Liability in Delivery Truck Accidents

When a delivery truck is involved in an accident, multiple parties may be responsible, depending on the cause of the crash. Whether it’s the driver’s actions, the company’s negligence, or faulty equipment, determining liability is essential for securing compensation.

The Delivery Driver’s Actions

In many cases, the delivery driver’s behavior is directly responsible for the crash. If the driver was distracted, speeding, or failed to properly signal their turns or stops, they can be held liable. Whether the driver works for a national company like UPS or a local delivery service, they have a responsibility to drive safely. If the driver’s actions directly led to your accident, our team will work to prove their negligence and secure the compensation you deserve.

The Delivery Company’s Responsibility

The company that owns the delivery truck, whether it’s FedEx, Amazon, or a local business, is responsible for maintaining the vehicle and ensuring its driver is adequately trained. If the company failed to maintain the truck, neglected safety protocols, or pressured the driver to rush through deliveries, the company could share liability for the accident. We will investigate the delivery company’s policies and actions to determine if negligence played a role in the crash.

Third-Party Liability

In some cases, third parties such as the truck’s maintenance provider or loading company may share liability. If the truck was improperly maintained, had worn-out brakes, or suffered from a mechanical failure, the maintenance provider could be held accountable. Similarly, if the truck’s cargo was improperly loaded and caused an imbalance, the company responsible for loading the vehicle might be liable.

Jackknife Accident

A jackknife accident is one of the most perilous types of truck accidents. It occurs when the trailer of the truck swings out of control, forming a “V” shape with the truck’s cab. This sudden loss of control creates a massive hazard on the road, blocking lanes and potentially causing a chain reaction of collisions. The sheer size and weight of the truck make this type of accident especially dangerous, as it can leave behind a trail of destruction.

The aftermath of a jackknife accident is catastrophic, not just for the truck driver, but for everyone else involved. Secondary crashes, injuries, and vehicle damage often pile up, making it difficult to gauge the full extent of the destruction. 

Injuries Caused by Jackknife Accidents

When a jackknife accident occurs, the injuries sustained can be life-changing. The truck’s momentum, combined with the chaos of multiple vehicles colliding, often results in severe injuries for all parties involved. The force of impact, the size of the truck, and the speed at which these accidents happen increase the risk of catastrophic harm.

Severe Whiplash and Spinal Injuries

One of the most common injuries from a jackknife accident is whiplash, which occurs when the body is jerked forward and backward upon impact. This sudden movement can strain the neck, back, and spinal cord, leading to chronic pain, loss of mobility, and long-term rehabilitation. In severe cases, spinal cord injuries from a jackknife accident can result in paralysis or permanent disability.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

When the head is impacted by the force of a collision or when the victim is thrown against hard surfaces in the vehicle, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering injuries that impact cognitive abilities, memory, and motor functions. Severe TBIs can cause long-term disabilities, and the recovery process can take years, if not longer. The emotional and mental toll of such injuries is immense, and they often require ongoing care.

Fractures and Broken Bones

The force of a jackknife accident can cause victims to be violently thrown around inside their vehicles or crushed by debris. This leads to broken bones in areas like the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis. Some fractures require immediate surgery, while others may need extensive physical therapy to heal properly. In cases of severe fractures, permanent disability may occur, affecting a person’s ability to work and perform everyday activities.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries, such as internal bleeding, organ damage, or punctured lungs, are common in truck accidents. Because of the sheer size of the truck and the violent nature of the crash, it’s not uncommon for victims to suffer damage to internal organs. Internal injuries may not always be immediately apparent, which is why it’s critical to seek medical attention right after an accident, even if you don’t feel severe pain. Left untreated, internal injuries can be fatal.

Psychological and Emotional Impact

In addition to physical injuries, jackknife accidents take an emotional toll. Victims of these accidents often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The trauma of being involved in such a catastrophic event, witnessing horrific injuries, or losing a loved one in a crash can lead to long-term psychological effects. The financial burden, along with the emotional distress, makes it difficult for victims to recover fully from the accident.

Liability in Jackknife Accidents

In any truck accident, determining liability is crucial to securing compensation for the victim. In jackknife accidents, multiple parties can be held accountable, depending on the cause of the crash. Understanding who is liable helps ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

The Truck Driver’s Responsibility

The first party that is typically considered responsible in a jackknife accident is the truck driver. Truck drivers are expected to drive safely, maintain control of their vehicles, and adjust to changing conditions. If the driver was speeding, braking too hard, or failing to pay attention to road conditions, their actions could have directly led to the jackknife accident. If driver error is involved, we will work to prove negligence and hold the driver accountable.

The Trucking Company’s Liability

Trucking companies are responsible for the maintenance, training, and overall safety of their drivers and vehicles. If a jackknife accident is caused by a failure to properly maintain the truck, such as inadequate brake inspections or faulty tires, the trucking company can be held liable. Additionally, if the company pushed the driver to work beyond legal hours or failed to provide proper training on how to handle bad weather conditions or emergencies, the company’s negligence may also be a contributing factor.

Liability of Third Parties

In some cases, liability may extend to third parties, such as the truck’s maintenance provider or the company responsible for loading the truck. If the truck was improperly maintained, whether it was the brakes, tires, or other critical components that failed, maintenance providers could be held liable for the accident. Similarly, if the truck was overloaded or improperly loaded, causing the driver to lose control and jackknife, the company that loaded the cargo could be responsible.

Product Manufacturers

Sometimes, the cause of a jackknife accident lies in a defect in the truck’s equipment. If the accident was caused by a defective part, whether it’s the braking system, tires, or steering mechanism, the manufacturer of that part could be held liable. Proving product liability in truck accidents can be complex, but at Hawkins Law Firm, we have the experience and resources to investigate these claims thoroughly and fight for your compensation.

Rollover Accident

Rollover accidents are among the most severe and deadly types of truck accidents. These accidents occur when a truck tips over onto its side or roof, often with devastating consequences. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make rollovers particularly hazardous, not just for the truck driver, but for everyone on the road. When a truck flips over, it can crush vehicles, block multiple lanes of traffic, and cause catastrophic damage. Pedestrians and other drivers are often caught in chaos, and the resulting destruction can be immense.

A rollover is more than just a tip over, it’s a high-impact accident that has far-reaching consequences. Whether you’ve been injured because of the rollover itself or in the subsequent chain of events, the impact can leave you physically, emotionally, and financially scarred.

The Devastating Injuries from Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents are often fatal or result in catastrophic injuries. The force of a truck tipping over can crush other vehicles or pedestrians, while the truck driver is at risk of being ejected or trapped inside the cab. The injuries that result from these accidents are often severe and life-altering. Here are some of the most common injuries seen in rollover accidents:

Head Trauma and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Head injuries are common in rollover accidents. When a vehicle is overturned, passengers are often thrown around inside the cabin or even ejected from the vehicle. These impacts can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI), ranging from concussions to severe brain damage. In the most severe cases, TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive issues, including memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and personality changes.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The violent nature of a rollover accident can cause passengers and drivers to be slammed against the interior of the vehicle, resulting in broken bones. Common fractures include broken arms, legs, ribs, and even the spine. Some fractures may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation, and the recovery process can be long and painful. In the case of severe fractures, permanent disability may occur, drastically affecting the victim’s ability to return to work or participate in daily activities.

Internal Injuries

The force of a rollover accident can also cause internal injuries, such as bleeding or damage to vital organs. Internal injuries may not be immediately visible, and they can worsen if they are not treated right away. Victims of rollover accidents often require immediate medical attention to identify and treat internal injuries. These injuries can be life-threatening and often require long-term treatment and monitoring.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe injuries caused by truck rollover accidents. When the body is thrown with force or compressed during the rollover, the spinal cord can be damaged. These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, drastically affecting the victim’s quality of life. Spinal cord injuries often require long-term medical care, including physical therapy, rehabilitation, and sometimes full-time assistance.

Determining Liability in Rollover Accidents

When a rollover accident occurs, the responsibility may fall on more than one party. Determining liability is a critical step in securing compensation for your injuries and losses. Several potential parties could be held accountable for a rollover accident:

The Truck Driver’s Role in the Accident

In many cases, the truck driver’s actions, or lack thereof, are directly responsible for the rollover accident. If the driver was speeding, making unsafe turns, or failed to maintain control of the vehicle, they may be liable for the crash. Additionally, if the driver fails to adjust their driving to the road conditions (such as wet or icy roads), they may be found negligent.

The Trucking Company’s Negligence

Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure their trucks are properly maintained, their drivers are adequately trained, and their cargo is safely loaded. If the truck rollover was caused by poor maintenance, improper loading of cargo, or inadequate driver training, the trucking company could be held responsible. We will investigate the company’s practices to determine if they contributed to the crash.

Cargo Loaders and Maintenance Providers

In some cases, liability can extend to third parties, such as the companies responsible for loading the truck or the maintenance provider that serviced the truck. If the cargo was improperly loaded or if the truck wasn’t properly maintained, these parties may be responsible for the accident.

Underride Accident

Underride accidents are among the most devastating types of truck collisions, and they often occur without warning. These accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck, typically because the truck’s underride guards, intended to protect smaller vehicles, are inadequate, poorly maintained, or completely missing. What makes underride accidents particularly horrifying is the sheer impact they have on the vehicle’s occupants, as the smaller vehicle often becomes trapped underneath the truck. This leads to catastrophic damage to the roof and can cause life-threatening injuries or fatalities.

The weight and size of a commercial truck create a dangerous environment when the smaller vehicle slides underneath. The force of the collision can crush the vehicle, pushing it under the truck’s frame, and the resulting damage to the roof and structure of the smaller vehicle is often severe. If you’ve been involved in an underride accident, it’s important to understand that these accidents are not only avoidable but often caused by the failure of truck owners and companies to follow safety regulations.

The Dangers of Underride Accidents

When an underride accident occurs, it’s not just another crash, it’s a potential death sentence. The risks are much greater than in a typical collision because of the way the smaller vehicle can become wedged underneath the truck. The damage is concentrated on the roof of the car, which lacks the structural integrity to withstand such a force. The occupants of the vehicle often experience crushing injuries, and the consequences can be life-altering.

Crushing Injuries

The most common and severe injuries in underride accidents are head and neck injuries, which occur when the smaller vehicle’s roof is crushed by the truck’s frame. The sudden compression can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), broken necks, spinal injuries, and in some cases, instant death. Since the vehicle is trapped beneath the truck, it’s often difficult to get the victims out, leading to delayed medical intervention. This increases the risk of further injury or fatality.

In addition to head trauma, victims often suffer from severe broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, due to the crushing force of the truck. The likelihood of life-threatening internal injuries also rises, as the compressed car can cause damage to vital organs such as the lungs, heart, and kidneys.

The Secondary Dangers of Underride Collisions

Beyond the immediate injuries, there’s also the risk of secondary accidents. When the smaller vehicle becomes trapped beneath the truck, it can block traffic lanes, creating a hazardous situation for other drivers. Other vehicles might crash into the trapped car or be forced to make sudden maneuvers to avoid it, triggering further accidents in the process. This chain reaction can cause a series of collisions, complicating the situation and increasing the overall damage and injury toll.

The Role of Underride Guards

Underride guards are designed to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath trucks in the event of a collision. These safety devices are mounted on the back of a truck and are supposed to absorb the impact and keep the smaller vehicle from getting wedged under. However, when underride guards are inadequately maintained or missing, the risks of these accidents are dramatically increased.

Inadequate or Missing Guards

The trucking industry is governed by safety regulations, which include standards for underride guards. However, many trucks are equipped with inadequate or outdated guards, while some trucks fail to have them installed altogether. A common cause of these accidents is when an older truck, or one that has not been properly maintained, has an underride guard that either doesn’t meet the required safety standards or is absent.

When an underride guard isn’t properly installed or fails to function as intended, a smaller vehicle has no protection against sliding underneath the truck. This is a scenario that should never happen. Our experienced team takes a close look at the safety features of the truck involved in the accident, and we examine whether the underride guard was defective, improperly maintained, or missing. This is a critical part of our investigation, as we fight to ensure that the trucking company and manufacturers are held accountable for their failure to comply with safety regulations.

Regulations and Standards

Trucking companies are legally required to maintain their vehicles by federal safety regulations, which include ensuring their trucks have properly functioning underride guards. These regulations are in place to protect drivers from unnecessary risks, and when trucking companies ignore them, they place everyone on the road in danger.

If the underride guard was improperly installed, missing, or defective, the trucking company or manufacturer may be liable for the accident. Our job is to investigate the truck’s compliance with federal safety standards and make sure those at fault face the consequences for their negligence.

Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts are one of the most common and dangerous causes of truck accidents. Given that trucks are responsible for carrying heavy loads, often tens of thousands of pounds, tire blowouts can be disastrous. The weight of the cargo places a tremendous amount of strain on the truck’s tires, and if one of them blows out while the truck is in motion, the results can be catastrophic. When a tire blows out, the truck driver loses the ability to control the vehicle, which can lead to a deadly crash.

The danger of a tire blowout is that it often occurs suddenly and without warning, leaving the driver with little time to react. A sudden loss of control on a heavy truck can cause the vehicle to veer into other lanes, jackknife, or crash into barriers, other vehicles, or pedestrians. The violent nature of a blowout, combined with the truck’s massive size and weight, increases the severity of the crash.

How Tire Blowouts Lead to Truck Accidents

When a tire blows out on a truck, it’s not just a minor inconvenience, it’s a disaster waiting to happen. A truck’s tire is under constant pressure, with the weight of the load always pushing down on it. Over time, wear and tear, improper maintenance, or manufacturing defects can cause the tire to fail. When the tire bursts while the truck is in motion, the driver’s ability to control the vehicle is compromised, and a crash often follows.

Loss of Control

A tire blowout can cause the truck to swerve uncontrollably, and the driver may not have enough time to correct the steering before the vehicle hits something or someone. A blowout on a heavily loaded truck, especially at high speeds, puts the driver in a vulnerable position. The loss of control can lead to catastrophic consequences, including multi-vehicle accidents, rollovers, and jackknife crashes. The size and weight of the truck make it particularly dangerous in these situations, as even a small mistake can result in life-altering injuries or fatalities.

Increased Stopping Distance

One of the most dangerous aspects of tire blowouts is the increased stopping distance. A blown-out tire, particularly on the rear axles, can affect the truck’s braking performance. With one or more tires compromised, the driver may not be able to stop as quickly as needed to avoid a collision. This delay can be the difference between an accident and a near miss. Tire blowouts can also cause the truck to tip or roll, especially if the truck’s load shifts during the event.

Why Choose Hawkins Law Firm for Your Truck Accident Case

Choosing the right attorney is crucial after a truck accident. At Hawkins Law Firm, we understand the complexities of these cases and provide you with personalized legal representation. We focus on the specific details of your accident, ensuring that your case receives the attention it deserves. Our team has extensive experience handling truck accident claims, and we use our knowledge to protect your rights throughout the entire process. We don’t just handle cases, we fight for our clients. We know the challenges you face after a truck accident, from medical bills to insurance disputes. Our firm is committed to standing by you, offering the legal support you need to move forward with confidence.

Legal Strategies for Your Truck Case

At Hawkins Law Firm, we take a customized approach to every case. We recognize that no two truck accidents are the same, so we develop a legal strategy tailored specifically to your situation. Our team conducts thorough investigations, gathering key evidence, reviewing trucking company records, and consulting experts to build the strongest case possible. Whether negotiating with insurers or preparing for trial, we make sure every angle is covered to secure the best possible outcome for you.

How We Secure the Most Compensation Possible for Your Injuries

Securing the best result in a truck accident case requires a focused, aggressive approach. At Hawkins Law Firm, we leverage our years of experience to pursue maximum compensation for our clients. Whether through skillful negotiation or in the courtroom, we fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable. Our team is committed to protecting your financial future and helping you recover from the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the accident.

Bilingual Support

We understand the importance of clear and effective communication, especially when it comes to navigating complex legal processes. That’s why we offer bilingual services to ensure that Spanish-speaking clients fully understand every aspect of their case. Whether it’s explaining legal terms, discussing strategies, or addressing any concerns, we make sure you are informed and confident in the decisions you make. At Hawkins Law Firm, we ensure that language is never a barrier to the justice you deserve.

Contingency Fee Structure

At Hawkins Law Firm, we believe that access to quality legal representation should never be out of reach. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay unless we win your case. You can focus on your recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve, knowing that there are no upfront costs or hidden fees. This structure allows you to pursue justice without worrying about financial strain. We only succeed if you succeed, so we are fully motivated to achieve the best result possible for your case.

Contact Hawkins Law Firm to Get the Help You Deserve Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it’s vital to act quickly. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather important evidence, interview witnesses, and secure the best possible outcome for your case. At Hawkins Law Firm, we understand the urgency of truck accident claims and are committed to starting work on your case immediately. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can begin fighting for the compensation you deserve, whether through negotiation or in the courtroom.

Our team will work tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected and that you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies. Contact Hawkins Law Firm today for a free consultation and let us guide you through the process. Call 918-583-6007 or reach through our website to get started. We’re ready to take on the legal battle while you focus on healing.