State and Federal Trucking Regulations in Oklahoma
Commercial trucks include semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, big rigs, and other similar vehicles. Accidents involving large trucks cause catastrophic injuries and deaths. Over 70% of the fatalities and injuries are sustained by accident victims other than the truck driver.
Our Oklahoma City truck accident lawyers at McGuire Law Firm have over 60 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases. Trucking companies and their insurance providers have unlimited resources to fight claims. Hiring our law firm evens the playing field by putting our considerable resources, skills, and expertise to work for you.
Contact our law firm at (405) 513-5658 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
How Our Oklahoma City Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Commercial Truck Accident
Trucking accidents are complicated personal injury cases. They involve state and federal trucking regulations. Our Oklahoma City truck accident attorneys understand trucking regulations and how they can impact your personal injury case.
We have recovered millions of dollars at McGuire Law Firm for our clients throughout Oklahoma City, OK. Our founding attorney previously defended insurance companies. We use this personal knowledge of how insurance companies handle claims to fight for your right to fair compensation for damages.
When you hire our award-winning lawyers to handle your case, you can expect us to:
- Perform an independent accident investigation to determine fault and identify all liable parties
- Monitor the truck accident investigation by state and federal agencies
- Work with accident reconstructionists, trucking experts, and other professionals to gather evidence to build a solid case
- Document your damages and the severity of your injuries
- Calculate how much your claim is worth and aggressively pursue that amount during settlement negotiations
- File a lawsuit and pursue the case in court when necessary
Call us to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Oklahoma City personal injury attorney. Let’s work together to hold the parties responsible for the truck accident liable for your losses and damages.
Who Regulates the Trucking Industry in Oklahoma?
The federal government sets rules and regulations to govern the trucking industry and interstate commerce. The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) enforces trucking regulations.
Federal trucking regulations include, but are not limited to:
- Hours of services for truck drivers
- The weight and size limits for commercial trucks
- Qualifications, education, and training requirements for truck drivers
- Requirements for record keeping and logs
- Inspections, maintenance, and repair of vehicles
- Conducting drug and alcohol tests for truck drivers
- Monitoring driving violations and other infractions for truck drivers
In addition to the federal trucking regulations, Oklahoma enacted state trucking regulations that apply to commercial trucks operating within the state. The Transportation Division enforces the state regulations.
Examples of state trucking regulations include:
- State weight laws
- Registration requirements
- Permits for transporting hazardous waste or materials
- Requirements for obtaining a state-issued commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Permits for overweight or oversize loads
- Traffic laws, speed limits, and weight limits on specific bridges and roads
- Maintenance and inspection of trucks
- Requirements for a fuel permit
Even with strong enforcement efforts, trucking companies and truck drivers continue to violate state and federal trucking regulations. Unfortunately, some violations could lead to or contribute to a commercial truck accident.
How Do State and Federal Trucking Regulations Impact a Truck Accident Claim?
Violating trucking regulations can contribute to the cause of a truck accident. For example, federal law restricts the number of hours a truck driver can operate a vehicle without taking breaks or rest periods.
The hours of service regulations are intended to reduce the risk of drowsy truck driving. Likewise, the restrictions on alcohol and drug use by truck drivers are intended to prevent drunk driving truck accidents. Additionally, maintenance regulations help prevent truck crashes caused by defects, faulty repairs, and inadequate maintenance.
Recovering Compensation After a Truck Accident in Oklahoma City, OK
Commercial truck accidents cause severe injuries.
Common truck accident injuries include:
- Multiple fractures and broken bones
- Loss of limbs and amputations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Severe burns and disfigurement
- Injuries to internal organs
- Crushing injuries
- Permanent nerve damage
A truck accident victim may incur millions of dollars in economic damages because of their injuries.
Monetary losses in a truck accident case could include:
- The cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Cost of household assistance and personal care
- Long-term nursing and skilled care
- Loss of income, benefits, and earning capacity
Additionally, physical and psychological injuries can cause extreme emotional distress, mental anguish, and physical pain. A victim can seek compensation for these non-economic damages. They may also receive compensation for decreased quality of life and permanent impairments.
Who Is Liable for Damages Caused By a Commercial Truck Accident in Oklahoma?
The truck driver is liable if their negligence contributed to the cause of the truck accident. The trucking company can also be liable, especially if violations of state and federal trucking regulations led to the truck crash.
Other liable parties could include:
- Shippers
- Repair shops
- Loaders
- Maintenance facilities
- Truck manufacturers
Our Oklahoma City truck accident attorneys will carefully analyze each piece of evidence to determine the factors that led to the truck crash. Determining causation helps us identify the parties liable for your damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Oklahoma City Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accidents can cause devastating injuries that can change your life forever. We are here to help you receive the money you deserve so you can continue to heal and move forward with your life. Our lawyers accept cases on a contingency fee basis. Contact our law office to schedule a free consultation with an Oklahoma City truck accident lawyer to discuss your case.
