How Truck Accident Lawyers in Oklahoma Handle Cases Involving Drunk Drivers

Truck accidents are some of the most devastating incidents on the road, and when they are caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the impact can be even more severe. Whether you’re dealing with a collision involving a large semi-truck, delivery vehicle, or any other commercial truck, the consequences of a truck accident are often life-altering. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Oklahoma caused by a drunk driver, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer who can help you navigate the legal complexities of such a case.
In this blog post, we will explore how truck accident lawyers in Oklahoma, such as J. Jackson Law Offices, handle cases involving drunk drivers and how they fight for victims’ rights and compensation.
1. Understanding the Severity of Truck Accidents Involving Drunk Drivers
When a truck accident is caused by a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the risks increase exponentially. Commercial trucks are large, heavy vehicles, and even a minor collision can lead to catastrophic injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even death. The force of impact is often much higher than accidents involving passenger vehicles, which is why these crashes can result in life-threatening injuries for those involved.
Drunk driving is considered a serious criminal offense in Oklahoma, and when a truck driver is caught driving under the influence (DUI), they can face criminal charges. However, for victims, the focus should be on getting fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. This is where an experienced truck accident lawyer in Oklahoma can make all the difference.
2. Investigating the Accident
One of the first steps a truck accident lawyer in Oklahoma will take after a drunk driving accident is to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident. This is crucial, as gathering evidence quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case.
A lawyer will obtain all relevant information, including:
- Police reports: The report will include whether the truck driver was arrested for DUI and any field sobriety tests that were conducted.
- Dashcam footage or surveillance videos: Trucking companies often install dashcams on their vehicles, and these recordings can provide critical evidence of the truck driver’s behavior leading up to the crash.
- Eyewitness testimony: Gathering statements from anyone who witnessed the accident or the truck driver’s behavior prior to the crash can be valuable.
- Toxicology reports: If the truck driver was taken to the hospital after the accident, a toxicology report can determine if they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash.
The goal of the investigation is to confirm that the driver was intoxicated and that their impaired state was a direct cause of the accident.
3. Establishing Liability
In truck accident cases involving drunk drivers, establishing liability is typically straightforward when there is clear evidence of intoxication. However, in these cases, the lawyer must also take into account the responsibility of the trucking company. If the company failed to properly screen or supervise its drivers or encouraged unsafe driving behaviors, they may also share liability in the case.
A truck accident lawyer will determine whether the driver’s employer was negligent in any way. For instance, if the trucking company didn’t enforce regulations about alcohol consumption or didn’t properly train its drivers, they could be held liable in addition to the drunk driver. In cases where the driver was under the influence of prescription drugs or illegal substances while on the job, the trucking company’s policies or lack of oversight can also be scrutinized.
4. Pursuing Compensation
After liability is established, the next step is to seek compensation for the victim’s injuries and damages. Truck accident lawyers in Oklahoma work with insurance companies, trucking companies, and other parties to ensure that the victim is compensated for the following:
- Medical expenses: This includes past and future medical bills for treatment of injuries sustained in the accident, including surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Lost wages: If the victim is unable to work due to their injuries, compensation can be pursued to cover lost income and future earnings.
- Pain and suffering: The emotional distress and physical pain caused by the accident are also considered in compensation claims.
- Property damage: Victims may also be entitled to compensation for damage to their vehicle and personal property.
In cases involving drunk drivers, punitive damages may also be awarded. These damages are meant to punish the defendant for particularly reckless or malicious behavior and to deter others from committing similar offenses. In the case of a drunk driver, the court may impose punitive damages if the driver’s actions were egregious.
5. Dealing with Insurance Companies
After a truck accident involving a drunk driver, the victim will typically deal with the driver’s insurance company to file a claim. However, trucking companies often carry substantial insurance policies, and the insurance company may attempt to minimize the payout or deny the claim altogether.
An experienced truck accident lawyer in Oklahoma knows how to handle the tactics used by insurance companies to reduce or deny compensation. A skilled attorney will fight for the full compensation that the victim deserves, ensuring that they are not taken advantage of in the settlement process.
6. Taking the Case to Trial
While most personal injury cases are settled outside of court, some cases involving drunk drivers may require litigation. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or if the trucking company is unwilling to take responsibility, a truck accident lawyer may recommend taking the case to trial.
In such cases, the lawyer will present the evidence gathered during the investigation, including the driver’s DUI conviction and any other relevant information, to prove negligence and liability. A skilled attorney will ensure that the victim’s interests are represented and fight for the maximum compensation available.
Why Choose J. Jackson Law Offices?
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by a drunk driver in Oklahoma, J. Jackson Law Offices is here to help. With years of experience in handling truck accident cases, Attorney Jackson and his team are dedicated to advocating for victims and fighting for the justice they deserve.
J. Jackson Law Offices understands the unique challenges of truck accident cases, and they are ready to help you every step of the way. From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, they will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.
For more information on drunk driving laws and safety, visit this helpful resource: National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration
Contact J. Jackson Law Office Today
Truck accidents caused by drunk drivers are serious and often result in severe injuries. When facing such a situation, hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer in Oklahoma is essential. A skilled attorney will help you navigate the legal process, gather critical evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact J. Jackson Law Offices today for a consultation and get the legal representation you need to hold the responsible parties accountable.