Ylla Gosney Attorneys at Law helps anyone injured in a truck accident in Oklahoma City. A truck accident is always challenging, but it’s also incredibly tragic because it frequently results in fatal injuries to you or your loved ones. For as difficult as these accidents are, you can still benefit from the help of our legal team. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
Should You Get a Lawyer After a Fatal Truck Accident in Oklahoma City?
Whenever there’s a fatal accident of any kind in Oklahoma City, it’s almost unthinkable. Even though it’s not hard to see how a truck accident can end up being fatal, you still don’t expect to lose a loved one (or your own life) in one.
But if you find yourself in this situation (or your family does), you might be wondering if you should get a lawyer. The answer is probably yes. A fatal truck accident might be legally similar to any other accident, but in reality, it’s much more difficult. It takes experience and the right team to make sure you or your family have what you need to get through the process. Our team at Ylla Gosney is the right team, and can help you or your family by:
- Investigating the accident
- Explaining how the claims process works
- Helping you or your family get important evidence and information
- Negotiations with insurance companies or filing wrongful death lawsuits
We understand what you and your family are going through after a fatal truck accident, and we can customize our approach to your particular situation. More than anything, we want to make this tragic situation a bit easier for you and your loved ones.
Who’s Liable When There’s a Fatal Truck Accident in Oklahoma City?
One of the toughest parts of any truck accident claim is figuring out liability. Yet, when one is fatal, it makes the stakes that much higher. Unfortunately, though, it can still be difficult to figure out. Thankfully, the legal standard remains the same: showing negligence.
It basically all boils down to what caused the accident to happen. In most truck accidents, this means liability is going to fall on:
- Truck driver – The driver will be mostly liable in an accident, especially if they were speeding, drowsy, under the influence, or otherwise negligent.
- Trucking company – The company that employs the driver could be held responsible for the driver’s actions while on the job.
- Truck or parts makers – If a defect in the truck or a faulty part caused the accident, the manufacturer might be liable.
- Cargo loaders – If improperly loaded cargo led to the accident, those who loaded it could be at fault.
- Truck maintenance – If poor maintenance caused the accident, the maintenance crew may be responsible.
As you can see, several factors influence liability in a fatal truck accident. Once negligence is established, it helps narrow down who is responsible. But there’s a big issue here: fatal injuries to you or someone you’re with.
What Types of Fatal Injuries Happen in Truck Accidents?
Another extremely unfortunate part of a truck accident is that any single one of them can end up being fatal. What’s worse, though, is the fact that a higher percentage of these accidents are fatal. It’s not hard to see why: the sheer size and weight difference between a semi truck and a normal passenger vehicle is quite staggering. Then, when you factor in all the normal issues with vehicle accidents, combined with potentially dangerous cargo, it adds up to severe injuries for you or a passenger.
Usually, though, the following injuries in these accidents end up being fatal:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spinal damage
- Internal organ damage
- Crush injuries
- Chest and head trauma
- Burns
- Severely broken bones
While these injuries are typical, they also highlight why truck accidents in Oklahoma City are often fatal. That said, every situation is different–meaning different injuries can result. But, what’s important for you and your family to understand is that there are steps that need to be taken to protect a potential claim.
How Can You Protect Your Claim After a Fatal Truck Accident in Oklahoma City?
After a fatal truck accident in Oklahoma City, it’s crucial to protect and strengthen your claim, even though the process can be incredibly difficult, especially when a loved one has passed away. However, the legal system requires that you or your family prove what happened–to show the extent of the loss. So, if you or your family want to file a wrongful death claim after one of these accidents, the following steps have to be taken in one form or another:
- Call 911 – As with any accident, you or someone should call 911 immediately for an ambulance, and let them know that you think there are fatal injuries so they can urgently respond. Let EMTs treat any non-fatal injuries at the scene.
- Tell the police what happened – Move to a safe area and report the accident to the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) or the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP). They will secure the scene and collect important information from everyone involved.
- Start collecting evidence – Take detailed notes and photos of the accident, including the date, time, weather conditions, and the vehicles involved. Exchange contact and insurance information with others at the scene, including any witnesses.
- Preserve evidence – Keep all crucial documents, such as medical records, hospital bills, funeral expenses, and repair estimates. These will be key to your insurance claim or any legal actions your family may take.
Even in the aftermath of a fatal truck accident, it’s vital to clearly show what happened, along with the extent of your damages to build a strong claim. But remember, you can also count on our Oklahoma City truck accident lawyers for guidance and support during this challenging time.
Contact Ylla Gosney After a Fatal Truck Accident in Oklahoma City
There’s no denying that a fatal truck accident is one of the most challenging things you and your family can face in Oklahoma City. But, there is a legal process in place for a reason. At Ylla Gosney, our team will be there to guide you through the process and support a wrongful death claim so your family can start moving on with their lives. Contact us today for a free consultation if you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident.
