Commercial vehicle accidents can be significantly more complex than typical car accidents due to the size and weight of these vehicles and the intricate web of legal responsibilities involved. In Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, the rapid growth in commerce and transportation has led to an increase in commercial traffic on major routes such as the Broken Arrow Expressway (State Highway 51) and other busy corridors like Kenosha Street and Aspen Avenue. Understanding liability in these cases is crucial for victims seeking justice and fair compensation.
What Is a Commercial Vehicle?
A commercial vehicle is any vehicle used for business purposes, which can include delivery trucks, semi-trailers, rideshare service vans, construction vehicles, and more. In Broken Arrow, these vehicles are a common sight on both highways and residential streets, often transporting goods between local businesses and larger hubs in Tulsa or across state lines.
Accidents involving these vehicles are more likely to cause severe damage due to their size and weight. Because these vehicles are often owned by businesses, liability can extend beyond the driver to include other entities, making these cases legally complex.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In commercial vehicle accidents, determining liability involves identifying all parties who may share responsibility for the crash. In Broken Arrow, the following parties are typically considered:
- The Driver:
- The vehicle’s driver may be at fault if the accident resulted from negligent actions such as speeding, distracted driving, or fatigue—common issues for long-haul truckers traveling through Broken Arrow.
- Oklahoma law requires commercial drivers to adhere to stricter standards, such as maintaining a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Violations of these standards could establish negligence.
- The Employer or Trucking Company:
- Companies operating commercial vehicles may be liable if they failed to properly train their drivers, neglected routine vehicle maintenance, or pressured drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations.
- For example, a trucking company operating along the busy corridors of the Broken Arrow Expressway might push its drivers to make tight delivery schedules, potentially leading to unsafe driving conditions.
- Third Parties:
- Liability could also extend to other parties, such as vehicle manufacturers (in cases of defective equipment) or maintenance providers (if poor maintenance contributed to the accident).
- For instance, a local trucking company in Broken Arrow might outsource maintenance to a third party, who could be liable if brakes fail due to substandard repairs.
- Government Entities:
- In some cases, poor road maintenance or unsafe construction zones could place partial liability on the city of Broken Arrow or the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Common problem areas include high-traffic zones like intersections near downtown Broken Arrow or stretches of the Creek Turnpike.
Recent Trends and Cases in Broken Arrow
Commercial vehicle accidents have been on the rise in the Broken Arrow area, partly due to the city's growing population and increasing economic activity. Reports from Tulsa County indicate that a significant portion of these accidents occur during rush hour on major highways and intersections. For example, accidents at intersections such as Lynn Lane and Houston Street have become more frequent, often involving delivery trucks or vans navigating residential neighborhoods.
One notable incident involved a semi-trailer colliding with multiple vehicles on the Broken Arrow Expressway during inclement weather, raising questions about driver training and road safety protocols.
Steps to Take After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Broken Arrow
If you are involved in a commercial vehicle accident in Broken Arrow, follow these steps to protect your rights:
- Call 911: Ensure that the police are called to the scene, and make sure the incident is documented. Broken Arrow Police Department officers are trained to handle accidents involving commercial vehicles.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries. Make a note of road conditions, traffic signals, and any potential witnesses.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, visit a local healthcare provider such as Ascension St. John Broken Arrow or another nearby clinic to ensure proper documentation of your injuries.
- Contact a Local Attorney: Because commercial vehicle accidents often involve multiple liable parties, it's essential to work with an attorney experienced in Oklahoma traffic and liability laws. They can navigate the complexities of dealing with trucking companies and insurance providers.
How Oklahoma Laws Affect Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Oklahoma operates under a comparative negligence rule, which means liability is shared among parties based on their percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by that amount.
In Broken Arrow, victims of commercial vehicle accidents often face challenges in proving negligence due to the involvement of large companies with significant legal resources. However, local attorneys familiar with the Broken Arrow Expressway's hazards and common accident patterns can effectively advocate for victims.
Conclusion
Commercial vehicle accidents in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, require a thorough understanding of local laws and traffic conditions to determine liability. With the growing prevalence of these accidents in areas like the Broken Arrow Expressway, victims must take proactive steps to protect their rights and seek compensation.
If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident in Broken Arrow, reach out to a local attorney who can guide you through the process and help ensure a fair outcome.
