Truck Accidents Attorney in Oklahoma CIty, Oklahoma
How are truck accident cases different from other motor vehicle accident cases?
How are truck accident cases different from other motor vehicle accident cases?
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Trucking cases are different from regular automobile accidents in a few key ways. First, trucking companies must adhere to federal regulations, which typical drivers do not have to follow. For example, truck drivers are required to keep logs, while everyday drivers are not. Additionally, truck drivers often face immense pressure to deliver goods quickly, which creates challenges not experienced by the average person on the road. Although regular car accidents can involve other factors, such as alcohol or drug use, trucking cases require more extensive investigation due to the high-pressure environment truck drivers work under.
In trucking cases, thorough discovery is crucial, as truck drivers are often under the control of their employers. If safety were truly the priority, trucking companies would enforce it, but the reality is that profits often outweigh safety concerns, putting the public at risk. Many people have witnessed trucks speeding on highways, sometimes 20 or 30 miles per hour above the limit. Additionally, many drivers take stimulants to stay awake and alert.
One particular case involved a truck driver who rear-ended and killed a grandmother. Initially, the truck driver claimed that the woman pulled out in front of him, causing him to crash into her. However, after a thorough deposition, it was revealed that the driver had actually fallen asleep at the wheel. The trucking company’s safety director instructed the driver to lie about the incident, and he followed those instructions. During cross-examination, the driver broke down, admitted to lying under oath, and confessed to being pressured to fabricate the story. The case ultimately settled for the insurance policy limits after this revelation.
Oklahoma City, OK personal injury attorney Reggie Whitten discusses how truck accident cases are different from other motor vehicle accident cases. Trucking cases differ significantly from regular automobile accidents in several ways, he explained. One notable distinction is the presence of Federal Regulations that apply to trucking, regulations not applicable to typical personal vehicle accidents. Truck drivers are obligated to adhere to these regulations, including maintaining driving logs. This added layer of scrutiny arises from the unique pressures on truck drivers, who often face intense demands to transport products swiftly from one point to another.
He emphasized that these pressures are not faced by everyday drivers. While typical car accidents may involve other issues, such as intoxication or substance use, they don’t entail the same level of external pressure as trucking cases. Each accident is unique, necessitating thorough investigation.
In trucking cases, the process of Discovery becomes particularly vital. Truck drivers often operate in accordance with their employers’ instructions, and their actions can be influenced by profit motives rather than safety concerns. While safety should be the paramount consideration, their experiences have shown that this isn’t always the case.
He recounted a trucking case where a truck driver claimed that an accident occurred because a little old lady had abruptly pulled in front of him, leaving him unable to stop in time. However, during the deposition, the truth emerged. The driver had actually fallen asleep at the wheel, resulting in a fatal rear-end collision with the elderly woman’s vehicle. Under cross-examination, the driver confessed to fabricating the initial story, revealing that he had been instructed to lie about the incident. This revelation led to a settlement for the insurance policy limits, ultimately highlighting the significance of thorough investigation and cross-examination in trucking cases.
