How Do You Determine Truck Accident Liability in Oklahoma? 

In an at-fault state like Oklahoma, determining liability is the key to recovering the compensation you deserve after a crash. But when it comes to commercial trucks, liability can be complicated. There’s often more than one person or company who shares the blame. 

At Colbert Cooper Hill, we know how to untangle even the toughest cases. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been hurt in a truck accident and want to understand who’s at fault and what your next steps should be. 

And if you need to speak with an Oklahoma truck accident lawyer, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free case review and consultation. 

What Does “Liability” Mean in a Truck Accident Case? 

In simple terms, liability means legal responsibility. If someone’s careless or reckless actions caused your crash and your injuries, then they’re liable. You can pursue financial compensation from them or their insurance. 

But unlike a simple fender-bender between two cars, truck accident liability can involve multiple layers of responsibility. A truck driver may have made a mistake, but their employer, a parts manufacturer, or even a cargo company may share part of the blame. 

That’s why investigating a truck accident takes experience, persistence, and the strength of a legal pack that knows how to hunt down the truth. 

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Truck Accident in Oklahoma? 

Truck accidents are rarely straightforward. Here are the parties that may be responsible and how each could have contributed to your crash: 

• The Truck Driver may have been speeding, driving while fatigued, distracted by a phone, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They might also have failed to perform required inspections or ignored safety rules. 

• The Trucking Company may have violated their responsibilities by cutting corners on training, ignoring regular maintenance, or pressuring drivers to meet impossible deadlines. 

• The Truck Owner may have failed to inspect or maintain the vehicle. The truck owner may be someone other than the driver or carrier. 

• Outside Vendors and Maintenance Providers might have failed to properly handle vehicle maintenance, vehicle repairs, or drug testing for drivers. 

• Vehicle Part Manufacturers might have provided a defective tire, brake, or steering component that contributed to the disaster. 

• Cargo Loaders or Shipping Companies might have overloaded or poorly balanced cargo in the truck, causing it to tip, jackknife, or lose control. 

• Government Entities might have contributed to a crash through poor road design, unmarked hazards, or construction zone errors. 

• Bars or Restaurants might have overserved a visibly drunk truck driver, holding them accountable under Oklahoma’s dram shop law if that driver then causes a crash. 

Can More Than One Party Be at Fault for a Truck Accident? 

Yes. It happens more often than you might think. 

In many truck accidents, several parties can share responsibility. For example, following a crash it is discovered that a truck driver was drowsy, but their employer also pushed them to work beyond legal limits, and a maintenance provider failed to inspect the brakes. 

When multiple parties are at fault, it can increase your chance of full compensation. That’s because there may be multiple insurance policies to draw from. The key is proving exactly how each party shares the truck accident liability. 

What If I Was Partly at Fault? 

Even if you make a mistake, that doesn’t always negatively affect your chances of receiving compensation. 

Oklahoma follows a rule called “modified comparative negligence.” This means: 

• You can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault for the crash. 

• Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. 

So, if you were 20% at fault, you could still collect 80% of your damages. But if the insurance company can convince a jury that you were 51% or more at fault, you get nothing. 

That’s why trucking companies work so hard to shift the blame onto you. They’ll comb through your statements, police reports, and social media posts looking for anything to reduce what they owe. Our Oklahoma truck accident lawyers fight back. We protect your rights and your story from being twisted against you. 

RELATED: Whose Insurance Pays in a Multi-Car Accident in Oklahoma? 

How Do You Prove Who’s at Fault in a Truck Accident? 

A thorough truck accident investigation includes gathering: 

• Police reports and accident scene evidence 

• Photos and videos from traffic cameras or dashcams 

• Electronic data from the truck’s “black box” recorder 

• Maintenance and inspection records 

• Driver logbooks and hours-of-service documentation 

• Witness statements and expert reconstructions 

Trucking companies and their insurers will start investigating immediately after the crash—sometimes within hours. Their goal is to protect themselves, not you. 

That’s why it’s critical to have your own legal team that fights for you from day one. Colbert Cooper Hill immediately sends out investigators, preserves key evidence, and demands the trucking company hand over records before they can be destroyed. 

How Long Do Trucking Companies Keep Their Records? 

Not long. 

By law, trucking companies are only required to keep certain records for a limited time—sometimes as little as six months. After that, they can legally destroy them. This includes logbooks, inspection reports, and other evidence that could prove their negligence. 

Once you hire The Wolf Pack™, we send legal notices that force companies to preserve this evidence. Waiting too long could mean losing it forever and making your truck accident liability case more difficult to win. 

When Should I Call a Truck Accident Lawyer? 

Right away. 

The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to build a strong case. Physical evidence gets lost, witness memories fade, and trucking companies close ranks to protect themselves. 

Calling a lawyer early means: 

• Evidence can be preserved 

• Experts can reconstruct the crash 

• Medical documentation can begin immediately 

• The insurance company can’t take advantage of your confusion or pain 

At Colbert Cooper Hill, we start working for you the moment you call. From investigating the crash to negotiating your medical bills, our goal is simple: to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. 

What Damages Can I Recover After a Truck Accident? 

Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for: 

• Medical bills and rehabilitation costs 

• Lost income and loss of earning capacity 

• Property damage 

• Pain and suffering 

• Emotional distress 

• Long-term care needs 

• Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one 

Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries that require lifelong care. That’s why you need lawyers who understand the full financial impact. That not only includes today’s bills, but what you’ll need for years to come. 

RELATED: What is An Average Semi-truck Accident Settlement Worth in Oklahoma? 

Why Choose The Wolf Pack™? 

Because when you’re up against big trucking and insurance companies, you need a pack that fights back. 

At Colbert Cooper Hill, our Oklahoma truck accident lawyers: 

• Investigate every angle of your crash 

• Identify every liable party 

• Deal with insurance companies so you don’t have to 

• Fight for full and fair compensation 

• Never charge a fee unless we win for you 

We’ve helped countless Oklahomans recover after devastating truck accidents. We’re ready to fight for you, too. 

Injured in a Truck Accident? Call The Wolf Pack™ Today 

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident, don’t try to take on the trucking company alone. Let The Wolf Pack™ protect you. 

Call Colbert Cooper Hill today or fill out our online form for a free case review. We’ll investigate who’s at fault, build your case, and fight for every dollar you deserve. 

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.