If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a truck defect or malfunction, call the trucking accident lawyers at Abel Law Firm today. Accidents involving large trucks can have catastrophic consequences for those involved. The sheer weight and size of the 18-wheelers and commercial trucks mean they can cause more damage than an average vehicle.
Being in an accident with a large truck can be physically and emotionally devastating. You may suffer broken bones, torn ligaments, head trauma, or spine and neck injuries, among other things. Serious injuries like these can mean frequent visits to doctors and specialists as you try to heal. You are likely unable to go to work and engage in social activities you once enjoyed. Mounting medical bills combined with lost time at work can add extra stress. All these things can take their toll on you. That’s why the legal team at Abel Law Firm is here to help.
You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one has been injured (or worse, killed) in an accident involving a large truck. While we understand that money will not change the fact that you have been through a traumatic event, it may help ease some of your financial burdens and allow you time to heal. The experienced and compassionate Oklahoma City truck malfunction attorneys at Abel Law Firm are here to assist you in your time of need.
Our attorneys have represented clients in Oklahoma City truck accident cases for years. With over 130 years of combined legal experience, you can trust that the attorneys at Abel Law Firm have the know-how to get results. Over the years, we have secured over $250 million for clients. You can trust that we won’t stop fighting until we get you the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a defective or malfunctioning large truck, contact Abel Law Firm today for a free consultation. You can reach us by calling (405) 239-7046, filling out a contact form, or starting a live online chat now.
Truck Accidents
A truck is a commercial motor vehicle generally used for business, transporting goods or people. Commercial motor vehicles can include 18-wheeler semis, big rigs, chartered buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous waste. Due to their size, weight, and the heavy materials they are carrying, accidents involving trucks can have devastating consequences. While federal agencies are tasked with ensuring that trucks operate safely and accidents are kept to a minimum, truck accidents do occur with some frequency.
From 2012 to 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that the number of fatal and non-fatal trucking accidents had increased. In 2015, 11.9% of fatal vehicle crashes involved at least one large truck, and 7.6% of nonfatal crashes involved at least one large truck. As the need to transport goods grows, more trucks are on the roadways. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that the number of large trucks on the road has been steadily increasing as well over 50% of goods moved in the United States are moved by commercial vehicles. Ultimately, this means the possibility of more accidents involving large trucks.
Truck Defects and Malfunctions
A variety of factors can cause truck accidents. Two of the most common causes are factor is truck defects and malfunctions. Truck defects and malfunctions can contribute to an accident and enlarge the scope of liability for any damages.
Defects
Vehicle defects result from the manufacturer failing to properly assemble a vehicle or using faulty parts in assembling the vehicle. According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, a defect includes “any defect in performance, construction, a component, or material of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment.” A safety defect generally poses a risk to motor vehicle safety. The defect exists in a group of motor vehicles manufactured by the same company or items of equipment that the same company makes. Some examples of safety defects in trucks include the following:
- Accelerator controls that may break or stick
- Wheels that crack or break
- Steering components that cause the vehicle to lose control
- Issues with fuel system components, including those that cause a fire after an accident
- Airbags that deploy when they are not supposed to
- Wiring systems that cause loss of light or a fire
If an accident occurs because of a defect, the injured party may have a legal cause of action under product liability law, which falls under the broader category of negligence. In a product liability case, the injured party may have a claim for damages against numerous parties, including the maker of the vehicle, the maker of the parts, the carrier, and possibly others depending on the particular facts surrounding the accident. Product liability law can be confusing and complex. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident because of a defect in a truck, your best bet is to contact an experienced lawyer at Abel Law Firm. We know how to handle your case efficiently and get you the compensation you deserve.
Malfunctions
Malfunctions are another common cause of large truck accidents. They can occur because the vehicle was improperly maintained or faulty parts were used in assembling the vehicle. Under the rules of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), commercial vehicle operators have certain laws they must abide by to keep their trucks safe and road-ready. The FMCSA reports that in 2016, 2,323,533 roadside vehicle inspections were conducted, during which 3,666,987 safety violations were found. Failure to abide by the rules can result in stiff penalties; more importantly, improper maintenance can cause crashes. If a truck was not properly maintained and caused an accident, the injured party may be entitled to compensation.
Accidents resulting from truck defects or malfunctions fall under the broad category of negligence. Knowing how to proceed in a negligence cause of action will vary depending on the accident’s circumstances. Negligence law can be confusing, and the parties responsible for the defect or malfunction will undoubtedly have their lawyers on the case. Contact the trucking accident attorneys at Abel Law Firm and even the playing field.
Contact Us
Being injured in a truck accident is a traumatic experience. While trying to heal, you may also feel stressed because of mounting bills, lost time at work, and an inability to do the things you enjoy. You do not need to go through this difficult period alone. At Abel Law Firm, we are here to help alleviate some of your stress. You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in OKC due to a defect or malfunction. Call Abel Law Firm today at (405) 239-7046 for a free consultation.
