Experienced Oklahoma Attorneys Handling Accident Cases Involving Poorly Maintained or Defective Trucks

We've Recovered Millions for Clients

The federal government has established standards for safe operation of trucks, including requirements for their regular inspection, maintenance, and repair. The specific parts and systems subject to this inspection are those which affect safety of operation, including a truck’s frame and frame assemblies, suspension systems, axles and attaching parts, wheels and rims, and steering systems. Every company and employee directly concerned with the inspection or maintenance of commercial motor vehicles must be knowledgeable of and comply with these rules.

If you or a loved one is injured by a truck because its owner or driver negligently failed to inspect and maintain it as the law requires, you should consult one of the Oklahoma truck accident attorneys at the Stipe Law Firm as soon as possible. We have been serving clients both in McAlester and throughout the state for 60 years and have earned the trust of generations of Oklahomans.

Why Some Carriers Cut Corners on Truck Maintenance and Repair

Truck operation is far more expensive than most people think. The average total yearly cost of operating a commercial truck is $180,000, (about $1.38 per mile) and includes, besides the cost of the truck itself:

• A commercial truck can easily consume more than $70,000 of diesel fuel per year.
• Driver salary. Standard commercial truck driver salaries are based on the distance driven, per mile. Although drivers spend a fair amount of time in docks and traffic, their operating costs are only derived from miles traveled. This adds up to approximately 26% of overall expenses ($0.36 per mile).
• Repairs and maintenance. This includes issues with air line/hoses, alternators, wiring, and brakes, which are common in commercial trucks and can cost $15,000 annually ($0.12 per mile).
• There are more than 9 different types of insurance policies for the industry. These can cost over $6,500 per year ($0.05 per mile).
• Tires. An average tire can cost more than $250 and annual tire expenses can exceed $4,000 ($0.03 per mile). Retreading is less expensive than new tires and is a large portion of this cost.
• Permits, licenses, and tolls. Required permits and licenses for the industry and equipment, as well as continuous travel on toll roads, are cause for this expense at $3,600 annually ($0.02 per mile).

All of these costs add up, which can lead to some trucking companies cutting back on maintenance and repairs. Our tenacious Oklahoma truck accident attorneys can help you prove negligence and get compensation for your injuries.