Truck accidents in Oklahoma usually cause serious or life-threatening injuries. The large size and weight of trucks means that they almost always destroy anything they crash into. While trucking accidents can happen anywhere, Oklahoma has some dangerous roads that come with an increased risk for accidents.
Additionally, recent statistics show that truck accidents increased in Oklahoma between 2020 and 2021. There was a total of 4,784 truck accidents in 2020 and 5,575 in 2021, reflecting a 16.5 % increase.
Out of these accidents, there were 75 fatalities in 2020 and that number increased to over 100 in 2021. Over 1,000 truck accidents resulted in injuries during both years.
Common causes of truck accidents
These statistics demonstrate the importance of knowing some top causes of truck accidents and what you can do to avoid becoming a truck accident victim.
Some common causes of truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Improperly maintained trucks
- Lack of training
Truck drivers have hectic schedules and often put in long days. This means many drivers may be driving while sleepy or exhausted, creating unsafe conditions for everyone on the road.
The long hours on the road can also contribute to an increase in distracted driving. Truck drivers should never be using their phones while driving, but other activities, such as eating or adjusting a navigation or music system are other forms of distracted driving that can cause accidents.
Trucks must be regularly maintained to keep them safe for highway driving. A poorly maintained or serviced truck can cause an accident, as can incorrectly loaded or secured cargo.
Trucking companies have a duty to properly train drivers before sending them out on the roads. If the idea of drivers operating huge vehicles at fast speeds without the proper training sounds scary, it should.
Weather is another factor involved in many truck accidents. Heavy rain and high winds can make operating a large truck difficult and create a risk for every driver on the road.
What you can do to avoid a truck accident
You can reduce your risk of a truck accident by avoiding risky driving behaviors yourself, such as distracted, drowsy or drunk driving. Follow the traffic laws and do not speed, especially if you are driving around large trucks.
If you get nervous driving near trucks, avoid them as much as you can. Drive safely past them and keep as far ahead of them as you can without speeding. If you cannot safely pass them, pull over into the slow lane and let them pass you.
An accident with a large truck can destroy your entire life. Healing and recovering from your injuries can take a long time. You may be unable to work while you recover or be unable to work ever again depending on your injuries. The entire experience can have a huge mental and psychological impact on you.
You have rights as a truck accident victim, including the right to be compensated for your damages. Compensation requires proving negligence,