A recent fatal crash in Oklahoma, once again, puts the spotlight on the dangerous results when a big-rig truck collides with a much smaller motor vehicle. Every day, these colossal vehicles that weigh several tons criss-cross the highways and roads, hauling cargo throughout the country.
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In that incident, a 19-year-old man died on Jan. 28 on Interstate Highway 44 in Mayes County. The teenager lost control of his westbound car on the interstate in the late morning crash. His vehicle left the road, hit a guardrail before re-entering the highway and was struck by a big-rig truck, also traveling west. After impact, the two vehicles left the road.
More than 100 died in Oklahoma truck crashes
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 5,000 people died in crashes in 2019 involving large trucks.
The outcome is not good for other drivers in semi-truck collisions. An estimated 71% of the people killed in such crashes in 2019 were occupants of other vehicles just like the recent crash that killed the Oklahoma teen. Occupants of large trucks accounted for 18% of the deaths, and non-occupants such as pedestrians and bicyclists accounted for 11% of the deaths.
Oklahoma recorded 101 fatalities in 2019 related to large truck crashes, ranking No. 19 in the country. Neighbor Texas with 652 deaths had the most such fatalities in the nation.
Remain alert and give them space
When sharing the road with large trucks, drivers must remain alert, keep their distance and potentially expect the unexpected to happen. Other issues may contribute to a large truck accident. They may include an inexperienced, drowsy, or reckless truck driver, shifting loads and defective truck parts. In another critical NHTSA statistic: Drunk driving among truck drivers contributed to 2% of all fatal crashes in 2019.
Who Is Legally Responsible After an Oklahoma Truck Collision?
A truck crash in Oklahoma rarely has a single responsible party. While driver error is a leading cause — fatigue, distraction, impairment, and speeding top the list — the motor carrier itself often bears independent liability for negligent hiring, failure to enforce federal hours-of-service rules, or cutting corners on maintenance to increase profit margins. Third-party contractors who maintained the truck, companies that loaded or secured cargo, and even truck manufacturers may each share responsibility when equipment failures or improperly secured loads contribute to a crash.
This multi-party structure matters because each party carries separate insurance. Federal regulations require most interstate carriers to hold at least $750,000 in liability coverage; carriers hauling hazardous materials must carry significantly more. Identifying all responsible parties and accessing every available insurance policy is one of the first things a truck accident attorney does — and one of the key differences between a truck accident claim and a standard car crash claim.
What to Do After a Truck Collision in Oklahoma
The period immediately after a truck crash is critical for evidence preservation. If you are physically able, take photographs of all vehicles, road conditions, debris patterns, skid marks, and any visible injuries before the scene is cleared. Get the names and contact information of witnesses before they leave. Ask for the police report number and note the name of the truck driver’s carrier from the truck’s markings or the driver’s paperwork.
Seek medical attention the same day, even if injuries feel minor. Adrenaline commonly masks soft-tissue injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal trauma that become apparent hours or days later. A same-day medical record ties your injuries to the crash and closes the door to insurer arguments that injuries came from a different cause. Do not provide a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster before speaking with an attorney — early statements are used specifically to limit claim value.
The trucking carrier’s insurer will begin its own investigation the moment it learns of the crash. The carrier’s goal is to minimize exposure; yours is to preserve evidence and understand your rights before anything is signed or settled. Time matters because the truck’s electronic control module (“black box”) captures critical pre-crash data — speed, braking, engine throttle — that can be overwritten or destroyed without a legal preservation demand.
Compensation Available in Oklahoma Truck Accident Claims
Oklahoma truck accident victims may recover medical expenses (emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and future care), lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, and — in cases where the carrier’s conduct shows reckless disregard for safety — punitive damages designed to punish the corporation. Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence rule allows recovery as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%, but insurers routinely push fault onto victims to reduce payouts.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Oklahoma is two years from the crash date. For wrongful death claims, the same two-year period runs from the date of death. A truck accident attorney can begin protecting your claim long before the deadline approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster? No — you are not required to give a recorded statement to the opposing carrier’s insurer, and early statements routinely contain phrases adjusters use to reduce settlement offers. Consult an attorney first.
What if the crash happened on an interstate highway rather than a local road? Interstate crashes involve federal motor carrier regulations in addition to Oklahoma law. An attorney experienced in FMCSA violations knows which federal rules apply and how to use them as evidence of negligence.
What does it cost to hire Warhawk Legal? Nothing upfront. Warhawk Legal handles truck accident cases on contingency — no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Call (405) 397-1717 for a free consultation.
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If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our experienced Oklahoma City truck accident attorney at Warhawk Legal. We offer free consultations and only get paid when you win.