Ylla | Gosney represents cement truck accident victims in Oklahoma City. If you or a loved one has been injured in a cement truck accident, our law firm can help you recover the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Oklahoma City is currently undergoing a construction boom, and you’ve most likely seen numerous cement trucks rumbling down the downtown roads and highways. So, the likelihood of a cement truck accident is much higher in OKC than most other cities.
If you are injured due to a careless cement truck driver, you will most likely be able to sue the construction company or the independent driver’s insurance for financial compensation. However, receiving fair compensation for medical bills, missed time at work, and the pain of recovering can be difficult on your own. But that’s where the team of Truck Accident Attorneys at Ylla | Gosney can help.
Our law firm can manage your case on your behalf and make sure you get your life back on track after being involved in this traumatic incident. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take legal action. Contact Ylla | Gosney Attorneys at Law for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
When to Contact a Lawyer for a Cement Truck Accident
Determining whether you need a lawyer after being injured in a cement truck accident in Oklahoma City will depend on a number of factors. We recommend getting a free consultation from one of our attorneys at Ylla | Gosney after a cement truck accident if:
- Your insurance does not fully cover your damages
- You suffered injuries that required medical care
- Your injuries caused you to miss time at work
- The insurance company is offering you a low settlement
If any of these scenarios apply to your situation, we can help you. Our law firm understands how important it is for accident victims to make a full financial and physical recovery after being involved in a cement truck accident. At Ylla | Gosney, we’ll build a strong case and recover fair compensation on your behalf for the following damages:
- Special Damages: medical bills, ongoing treatment, costs that accumulate when you’re unable to work, like rent or mortgage payments
- General Damages: these are non-economic hardships like pain and suffering, anxiety, depression, mental trauma
- Wrongful Death Damages: these damages may be sought by a spouse or close relative for funeral arrangements, burial expenses, and medical treatment before a loved one’s death
- Punitive Damages: these damages are rare, but if the driver engaged in reckless driving with the intention of hurting you, then you could sue for punitive damages
Get a Free Consultation
At Ylla | Gosney, we offer all injured victims in Oklahoma City a free consultation. Knowing if you have a legitimate personal injury claim after being injured in a cement truck accident is the first step toward compensation. Our law firm is here to help you get through this tough time and explain your legal options completely free of charge.
Why Cement Trucks Are So Dangerous in Oklahoma City
Cement trucks are a common sight on downtown Oklahoma City roads, mainly due to the active construction occurring around the city on a daily basis. Landmark developments like the new arena for the OKC Thunder, the Legends Tower in Bricktown, and the redesign of the Oklahoma City Zoo are just a few of the major construction projects attracting so many cement trucks to the city. So, this can put many drivers’ lives at risk when a cement truck driver is careless.
Unlike standard semi-trucks, cement trucks are far more dangerous and prone to accidents due to having a constantly rotating drum of heavy wet cement, shifting their center of gravity at all times. The shape of their vehicle also creates unusual blind spots, making last-minute turns and lane changes an extremely dangerous maneuver.
Below are other common reasons for cement truck accidents in OKC:
- Extreme weight: Although cement trucks can be small compared to some 18-wheelers, they often weigh the same due to the large amount of cement stored in the drum. This means much longer stopping distances and far more destructive impact force.
- Cement spills and debris: Wet cement can leak or splash onto the roadway, creating slippery surfaces that cause other drivers to lose control, even far from the truck itself.
- Construction zone hazards: Cement trucks frequently operate in and around active construction zones, where lanes are narrow, and traffic is rerouted.
- Mechanical failures: The drum mechanism, hydraulics, and braking systems on cement trucks are complex and require regular maintenance. Brake failure on a heavily loaded truck is especially catastrophic.
Common Liable Parties for a Cement Truck Accident
With the number of cement trucks traveling across Oklahoma City’s roads every day, drivers in the city are at a much higher risk of trucking accidents than in most other places in Oklahoma. The most common liable parties that cause cement truck accidents include:
- The truck driver: As is the case for most truck drivers, they will most likely not be held liable because the company they drive for is responsible for their actions. However, if the employee is an independent contractor and not associated with a company, then you may be able to bring a claim against the individual driver.
- The cement truck company: This will most likely be a construction company that employs the driver or has contracted them. As stated above, the cement truck company is liable for the actions of its employees when they commit a careless or wrong act within the scope of employment, according to Oklahoma’s Respondeat Superior Law, which states:
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- “The employer or a principal could be held vicariously liable for an unlawful or unjust act of an employee or an agent. For the employer or the principal to be vicariously liable under the respondeat superior, the employer or the agent must commit the wrongful act while working in the scope of the employment agency.”
- A third party: Another driver, a government body, a road construction crew, or a truck maintenance company could also be liable if their reckless or careless actions resulted in an accident.
Establishing Carelessness in a Cement Truck Accident
Construction companies and their cement truck drivers owe a “duty of care” when it comes to other drivers on the road. Duty of care isn’t just a suggestion for truck drivers; it is a law that applies to manufacturers, distributors, and maintenance companies as well. To establish a construction company or driver caused your accident, you would need to prove the following:
- Had an obligation to act with reasonable care: If a person is driving a car or a cement truck they are expected to follow traffic laws, as well as be aware of other drivers on the road.
- Breached their “duty of care:” The injured party (plaintiff) must demonstrate they were owed a duty of care by the person at fault (defendant). For example, in a cement truck accident, the duty of care would have been ignored if a truck driver broke a traffic law, or was driving dangerously before the collision. In this case, they would have breached their duty of care.
- Acted careless or reckless: If the driver failed to follow the law or safety protocols and caused another’s death, the plaintiff must prove the other’s careless or reckless actions resulted in their injuries. An attorney can help you provide proof through interrogatories and depositions.
- Damages: The plaintiff must be able to prove they suffered damages due to their injuries. This can be medical bills, missed time at work, and mental trauma.
Damages Truck Accident Victims Can Claim
Damages in a cement truck accident are often extensive, resulting in costly medical bills, missed time at work, and possible permanent damage to your health and well-being. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not look at your future damages and will often offer a low amount to only cover your immediate expenses. That’s where Ylla | Gosney comes in.
We ensure injured truck accident victims get fair compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses for future and present treatment
- Other medical costs needed to facilitate your injuries, such as a wheelchair, crutches, or in-home care
- Pain and suffering, which include trauma, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life due to the accident.
- Re-vocational training if you’re unable to return to your job
- Damage or destruction to your property
- Loss of income if your injuries prevent you from working
- Wrongful death benefits if a life was lost in the accident
Contact a Cement Truck Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma City
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to the carelessness of a cement truck driver in Oklahoma City, Ylla | Gosney can help you obtain the compensation you need to get your life back. We understand that this is your one chance at receiving fair compensation, which is why wel exercise every legal avenue to help you fully recover your physical and financial damages.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to take legal action after your cement truck accident. Contact Ylla | Gosney today for a free consultation and case evaluation. There are no upfront fees for our services, and you don’t pay a dime until your case is won.