Car Accident Cases Attorney in Oklahoma CIty, Oklahoma
Can you tell us about a memorable motor vehicle case you handled?
Can you tell us about a memorable motor vehicle case you handled?
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One case that stands out involved representing a family whose mother, aged around 60 or 62, was driving down the turnpike on her way to the lake for the weekend to meet her family. In broad daylight and clear weather, a truck driver ran over six cars. Typically, you’d expect the first car hit by an 18-wheeler to suffer the worst damage, but in this instance, it was like a bowling ball hitting pins. The first five cars were pushed aside, but the sixth car, occupied by our client, was hit directly. Despite being in a large SUV, the impact was severe. We later found video footage showing her car being launched into the air, and the vehicle was shortened to about half its original length from the collision.
Tragically, she did not die instantly. When the highway patrol trooper arrived, people were attempting CPR on her beside the road — it was an incredibly tragic scene. In the deposition, the truck driver initially claimed he needed an interpreter because he did not speak English. However, under federal regulations, obtaining an interstate license requires the ability to speak and read English. Once this was pointed out, the driver suddenly “reacquired” his ability to speak English, and the interpreter was no longer necessary. This entire exchange was captured in a videotaped deposition.
The truck driver was caught in numerous lies. He testified that he was under immense pressure to transport produce from California to the East Coast, leading him to falsify logs and speed. It was likely fatigue that caused him to fall half-asleep and run over six cars. Our investigation revealed that he was operating a fly-by-night company, constantly forming new companies to avoid previous legal issues, and was running the business from his home.
The key to the case was uncovering that a much larger company had hired this small operation to haul its produce. There was no visible indication of this larger company’s involvement on the truck, nor was it listed on the accident report. It required significant investigation to trace the connection to this third party. Once we did, we discovered they had far more than just a minimal insurance policy.
Ultimately, we secured a significant settlement for the family, who had lost their mother — a beloved wife and mother of five — due to sheer greed. Although the settlement amount is confidential, it was one of the largest of its kind in Oklahoma. I’ve maintained a personal friendship with the family, and handling a case like this, where we uncovered hidden truths, was incredibly satisfying.
Oklahoma City, OK personal injury attorney Reggie Whitten tells the story of a memorable motor vehicle case he handled. A particularly memorable case involved representing a family whose mother, aged around 60 to 62 years old, was tragically killed in a horrific accident. She was driving to meet her family at the lake on a bright day when a truck driver caused a devastating collision involving six cars. Surprisingly, the most severe damage occurred to the sixth car, which was the client’s large SUV. The impact was so intense that it left the car severely shortened.
Despite not succumbing immediately to her injuries, the situation was dire. When the highway patrol Trooper arrived at the scene, bystanders were desperately performing CPR. It was a profoundly tragic event.
Through legal efforts, they deposed the truck driver, who initially claimed language difficulties necessitating an interpreter. However, a reminder of federal regulations requiring proficiency in English for interstate drivers led him to miraculously regain his English-speaking abilities. His deposition, recorded on video, exposed a web of lies as he faced mounting pressure.
The investigation revealed that the truck driver was operating under a fly-by-night company he had formed, repeatedly cycling through companies due to prior issues. In a shocking revelation, they discovered that he was hauling produce on behalf of a larger, undisclosed company, which was absent from the accident report. This discovery was pivotal in the case.
After diligent work, they ascertained that the responsible parties held more substantial insurance coverage than initially thought. As a result, they secured a substantial settlement for the family who had lost their beloved mother. The family consisted of five children and a loving husband, and the tragedy was rooted in sheer greed. The settlement, one of the largest of its kind in Oklahoma, remains confidential, sealed by agreement. The experience fostered a close, enduring connection between him and the grieving family, emphasizing the immense satisfaction that comes from uncovering concealed truths in such cases.
