Crashes with large commercial trucks frequently lead to serious, and sometimes permanent, injuries and damage. Given the size and weight of these vehicles, injuries are often severe, and property damage can be significant. If you were injured in a truck crash in Oklahoma, you may be wondering: Can I sue the trucking company for the accident? The short answer is yes—under certain conditions, you may have grounds for suing trucking company for accident-related damages.
Here’s what you need to know about your rights, responsibilities, and options under Oklahoma law.
Under What Circumstances Can a Trucking Company Be Held Liable for an Accident?
Trucking companies can be held liable for accidents caused by their drivers or related operations in several scenarios. This typically falls under a legal concept called vicarious liability, which allows a company to be held responsible for the actions of its employees while they are on the job.
Common examples of when suing a trucking company for accident damages may apply include:
- The driver was negligent (e.g., speeding, distracted driving, or fatigue)
- The company failed to properly train or supervise the driver
- The vehicle was not properly maintained or had existing mechanical problems
- Driving logs were falsified to avoid mandatory rest periods
- The company encouraged unsafe delivery schedules or overloaded cargo
In these cases, the trucking company may share or bear full responsibility for the accident.
See also: Is It Against the Law to Hit a Woman
Suing a Trucking Company for Accident vs. Suing the Driver
It’s natural to assume that only the truck driver should be sued after a crash. However, the trucking company may also be directly or indirectly liable, depending on the circumstances.
For example, if the driver was operating within the scope of their job when the crash occurred, and the accident was caused by negligence, the company can be sued under Oklahoma’s respondeat superior doctrine. You may also sue the company directly if it was negligent in hiring, training, or maintaining the vehicle.
This distinction matters because trucking companies often carry larger insurance policies than individual drivers, which could significantly impact your ability to recover damages.
What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Oklahoma
If you’ve been involved in a collision with a commercial truck, it’s critical to take the right steps immediately afterward. These will help protect your health and your legal case:
- Call 911 and Get Medical Attention:
Make sure to report the accident and get medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor at first. - Gather Evidence at the Scene:
If you’re able, take photos of the crash, vehicles, road conditions, and any injuries. Also, collect contact information from witnesses. - Do Not Admit Fault:
Avoid making statements to the truck driver, their employer, or insurance representatives that could be used against you. - Contact an Attorney:
Truck accident claims come with specific legal challenges and tight deadlines that must be carefully managed. A lawyer familiar with these cases can help you build a strong claim.
Evidence You Need to Prove Your Case
When suing a trucking company for accident-related injuries, the success of your case depends on the quality and availability of evidence. Your attorney may help collect and preserve:
- Police accident reports
- Black box (ECM) data from the truck
- Driver logs and employment records
- Maintenance records for the vehicle
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Medical records and medical opinions
- Witness statements
Preserving this evidence quickly is essential. Trucking companies and their insurers often move fast to protect their interests, which is why early legal representation is so important.
How Federal and State Regulations Affect Your Case
Truck drivers and their employers are regulated by both Oklahoma law and federal agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations govern:
- Maximum hours a driver can operate a truck
- Maintenance and inspection requirements
- Drug and alcohol testing policies
- Driver qualifications
If the trucking company or driver violated any of these rules and it contributed to the crash, it could significantly strengthen your case.
Damages You May Recover in a Trucking Accident Lawsuit
Suing a trucking company for accident-related injuries allows you to seek compensation for a range of damages, which may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage (vehicle and belongings)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium (in wrongful death cases)
In some situations, punitive damages may also be awarded—particularly if the company’s actions were reckless, such as knowingly putting an unqualified or dangerous driver on the road.
Time Limits: Oklahoma’s Statute of Limitations
In Oklahoma, you generally have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a lawsuit. This is referred to as the legal deadline, or statute of limitations. Failing to take legal action within this window could mean losing your right to recover compensation entirely.
There are limited exceptions—such as for minors or those with certain incapacities—but the deadline is typically strict. That’s why acting quickly is critical to preserving your case.
What If the Driver Is an Independent Contractor?
Not all truck drivers are employees of the company whose name is on the vehicle. Some may be classified as independent contractors, which can complicate the question of liability.
However, Oklahoma courts look at several factors when determining whether the company can still be held liable, including:
- Who controlled the driver’s schedule
- Whether the company supplied the truck
- If the driver wore the company’s logo or uniform
- Whether the driver maintained an ongoing working relationship with the company
Even if the company claims the driver is independent, they may still bear responsibility depending on the facts.
Final Thoughts: Holding Trucking Companies Accountable
If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a large commercial vehicle, suing a trucking company for accident-related losses may be your best route to securing the financial support you need to recover.
Trucking companies have a legal duty to maintain safety protocols and comply with strict regulatory guidelines. When they fail in that duty, and someone gets hurt, they should be held accountable.
222 Injury Lawyers can help injured individuals and families across Oklahoma understand their rights, navigate complex trucking laws, and pursue justice with confidence. Don’t wait—talk to a legal professional today about your options for suing a trucking company for accident-related harm.
