Common Ways a Truck Driver Causes Accidents
Oklahoma might be landlocked, but it’s still a key freight hub thanks to the Tulsa Port of Catoosa and Port Muskogee—two of the most inland river ports in the country. Every year, more than 20 million tons of cargo pass through these entry points. And where the cargo goes, trucks follow. When accidents happen, the damage can be severe. If you’ve been injured in a crash with a semi or big rig, an experienced Oklahoma truck accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation and protect your rights.
In fact, a 2017 study from the Journal Record revealed that approximately 4,100 commercial trucks travel through Oklahoma daily. That number is expected to hit 7,000 within the next two decades. With this volume of freight transport, the risk of truck accidents across Oklahoma highways has also climbed—often with devastating results.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes rose by 18% between 2020 and 2021. Property damage incidents increased by 25% during the same period. When a semi-truck crashes, it often isn’t a fender bender—it’s a life-altering event.
If you’ve been involved in a crash with a semi or tractor-trailer, a truck accident attorney can help determine what went wrong and who’s legally responsible. The auto accident attorneys at Aizenman Law Group are here to help victims across Oklahoma seek the justice and compensation they deserve.
How Truck Drivers Can Cause Accidents
Not all truck accidents are caused by driver negligence—but many are. A small mistake by a trucker can lead to catastrophic consequences for those in smaller vehicles. Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents involving driver error:
Aggressive Driving
Truck drivers often face tight delivery windows, and some resort to speeding, swerving, or braking aggressively to meet deadlines. Road rage, tailgating, or cutting off other drivers can also lead to dangerous crashes. These actions increase stopping distance and reduce reaction time—two things that are already limited in large commercial vehicles.
Driver Error Under Pressure
Truck drivers are expected to maintain long hours behind the wheel. With pressure to meet client deadlines, some drivers panic or make poor decisions—such as taking unsafe turns, misjudging traffic flow, or ignoring blind spots. Unlike a regular car accident, even a small misstep in a semi-truck can mean serious injury or death for others on the road.
Distracted Driving
Truckers may spend 8–11 hours per day on the road, leading to natural lapses in attention. Texting, checking a GPS, eating, or even daydreaming can all shift their focus away from driving. One moment of distraction is all it takes for a devastating collision to occur.
Improper Loading
Improperly secured or overloaded cargo is a major hazard. Unbalanced loads increase the risk of rollover accidents, especially when trucks take turns at speed or face sudden braking. The FMCSA has strict regulations about cargo securement—but when companies cut corners, accidents happen.
Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations
The FMCSA sets strict limits on how long a truck driver can stay behind the wheel. Unfortunately, many drivers push past these limits due to company pressure or financial incentive. Fatigue reduces alertness and delays reaction times, making a crash more likely. Driving while drowsy is just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
Substance Abuse
Although most truck drivers operate responsibly, some have been found operating under the influence of alcohol, amphetamines, or painkillers—often to “push through” long hauls. These substances impair judgment, slow reflexes, and make drivers more likely to engage in reckless behaviors.
Poor Training and Inexperience
Not every company provides adequate training before sending drivers out on the road. Inexperienced drivers may not know how to handle large vehicles in inclement weather, during emergency stops, or in high-traffic areas. This lack of preparation often contributes to preventable crashes.
Equipment Failure
Mechanical issues, such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or faulty lights, are often cited in serious trucking accidents. While some failures are beyond the driver’s control, many stem from skipped maintenance checks or missed inspections. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that trucks involved in injury accidents had at least one mechanical defect in 55% of cases.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Truck Accident in Oklahoma
Getting into an accident with a commercial truck is far more complicated than a typical car crash. Liability often isn’t clear, and the damage is usually more severe. That’s why working with a personal injury lawyer who understands Oklahoma trucking laws is essential.
Here’s what a truck accident attorney can do for you:
- Investigate liability: Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence law (23 Okla. Stat. § 13). If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover compensation. An experienced car accident attorney will investigate the crash, gather evidence, and ensure the fault is placed appropriately.
- Preserve key evidence before it’s lost: Time matters after a trucking accident. The sooner your legal team is brought in, the better the chances of securing crucial evidence like dash cam footage, black box data, and driver logs. Aizenman Law Group’s truck accident attorneys know how quickly that information can disappear—and they act fast to preserve it.
- Deal with multiple parties: In a truck accident case, the responsible party could be the driver, the trucking company, a third-party contractor, or even the vehicle manufacturer. Identifying the correct liable party is crucial—and often requires legal experience.
- Negotiate with insurers: Trucking companies are usually backed by aggressive insurance providers that may wrongfully deny your claim or offer a lowball settlement. A skilled insurance claim lawyer knows these tactics and can fight back.
What to Look for in a Truck Accident Attorney
If you’re searching for a truck accident lawyer in Tulsa or anywhere in Oklahoma, here’s what to prioritize:
Proven Experience
Choose an attorney with a strong track record of handling complex truck accident cases. These cases often involve multiple defendants, commercial insurance policies, and federal transportation regulations. A lawyer with this background will know how to build a compelling claim.
Local Knowledge
Trucking accidents in Oklahoma often involve specific state laws and local ordinances. An Oklahoma personal injury attorney with experience in your area will be better equipped to understand how local courts and insurers operate.
Litigation and Negotiation Skills
Many cases settle out of court—but not all. Your lawyer should be a skilled negotiator who can challenge wrongful denial tactics and take the case to trial if needed. The insurance claim attorneys at Aizenman Law Group are former insurance defense lawyers who understand how these companies think and operate.
Call Aizenman Law Group—Experienced Tulsa Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accidents change lives in an instant. Whether you’re dealing with physical injuries, mounting medical bills, or long-term trauma, the legal team at Aizenman Law Group is here to help. Our truck accident attorneys are skilled in negotiation, litigation, and accident investigation—and we won’t charge a dime unless we win your case.
If you need a personal injury attorney after a serious truck or car accident, we’re ready to fight for you.
Call us at 918-215-8856 any time, day or night for a free consultation. Our experienced truck accident lawyers are here to help you move forward. Let Aizenman Law Group guide you toward the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.
