Oklahoma has multiple interstate highways that carry large commercial trucks across the state and on part of their journeys from one part of the country to another. It can be daunting and even frightening for drivers of cars and other smaller vehicles to have to share the road with them. Truck vs. car crashes typically leave those in the car worse off than those in the truck.
Drivers are more likely to encounter commercial trucks on these busy highways than on rural roads, which are common throughout the state. However, the chances of suffering fatal injuries in a collision with a truck are actually greater on these less-traveled roads.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2023, over 55% of fatal large truck crashes were on rural roads. Just over 75% occurred on non-interstate roads.
These statistics might be surprising since vehicles of all sizes are traveling at higher speeds on interstate highways. Further, there are simply more vehicles, which increases the chances of a crash.
The unique dangers of driving in rural areas
Rural roads have their own unique dangers that can make a deadly crash with a truck more likely. For example:
- The lanes are more likely to be narrow.
- There are more likely to be curves and sharp turns.
- Rural roads often have just one lane in each direction, making passing particularly dangerous.
- Rural roads are more likely to be far away from a hospital or other medical facility.
- First responders can have a hard time reaching victims if the crash has caused a traffic pile-up or the truck has spilled its load.
For victims of truck collisions and surviving loved ones of those killed, obtaining compensation when the truck driver or the vehicle itself was responsible can be challenging. Various parties often try to shift the blame. The driver, their employer, the company that owns the truck, the manufacturer, the cargo loader and more may bear some responsibility, depending on what caused the crash.
Trying to get fair compensation for medical bills and other expenses and damages can feel like an overwhelming job – especially for families dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophic truck crash. Experienced legal professionals can navigate this maze and help families get the justice and compensation to which they’re entitled.