Car Accident Attorney in Oklahoma CIty, Oklahoma
Can you tell us about a memorable motor vehicle case you handled?
Can you tell us about a memorable motor vehicle case you handled?
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One case that stands out involved representing a family whose mother, aged around 60 or 62, was driving down the turnpike on her way to the lake for the weekend to meet her family. In broad daylight and clear weather, a truck driver ran over six cars. Typically, you’d expect the first car hit by an 18-wheeler to suffer the worst damage, but in this instance, it was like a bowling ball hitting pins. The first five cars were pushed aside, but the sixth car, occupied by our client, was hit directly. Despite being in a large SUV, the impact was severe. We later found video footage showing her car being launched into the air, and the vehicle was shortened to about half its original length from the collision.
Tragically, she did not die instantly. When the highway patrol trooper arrived, people were attempting CPR on her beside the road — it was an incredibly tragic scene. In the deposition, the truck driver initially claimed he needed an interpreter because he did not speak English. However, under federal regulations, obtaining an interstate license requires the ability to speak and read English. Once this was pointed out, the driver suddenly “reacquired” his ability to speak English, and the interpreter was no longer necessary. This entire exchange was captured in a videotaped deposition.
The truck driver was caught in numerous lies. He testified that he was under immense pressure to transport produce from California to the East Coast, leading him to falsify logs and speed. It was likely fatigue that caused him to fall half-asleep and run over six cars. Our investigation revealed that he was operating a fly-by-night company, constantly forming new companies to avoid previous legal issues, and was running the business from his home.
The key to the case was uncovering that a much larger company had hired this small operation to haul its produce. There was no visible indication of this larger company’s involvement on the truck, nor was it listed on the accident report. It required significant investigation to trace the connection to this third party. Once we did, we discovered they had far more than just a minimal insurance policy.
Ultimately, we secured a significant settlement for the family, who had lost their mother — a beloved wife and mother of five — due to sheer greed. Although the settlement amount is confidential, it was one of the largest of its kind in Oklahoma. I’ve maintained a personal friendship with the family, and handling a case like this, where we uncovered hidden truths, was incredibly satisfying.
Oklahoma City, OK personal injury attorney Reggie Whitten tells the story of a memorable motor vehicle case he handled. He recalls a particularly striking case involving a family whose mother, in her early sixties, was driving down the turnpike on her way to the lake for a weekend with her family. In broad daylight and clear weather, a truck driver ran over six cars. Normally, the first car struck by an 18-wheeler suffers the most damage, but in this instance, it was like a bowling ball hitting pins—the first five vehicles were pushed aside, while the sixth car, occupied by their client, was struck directly. Despite being in a large SUV, the impact was catastrophic. Video footage later showed the car being launched into the air and compressed to roughly half its original length.
Tragically, the mother did not die instantly. When highway patrol arrived, bystanders were attempting CPR beside the wreck, a scene described as devastating. During deposition, the truck driver initially claimed he needed an interpreter because he did not speak English. However, federal regulations for obtaining an interstate license require the ability to speak and read English. Once this was pointed out, he suddenly “reacquired” the ability to speak English, negating the need for an interpreter—a contradiction captured on videotape.
Investigation revealed the driver was under extreme pressure to transport produce from California to the East Coast, falsifying logs and speeding, likely contributing to fatigue that caused him to fall partially asleep and strike six vehicles. The driver operated a fly-by-night company, constantly forming new entities to avoid past legal issues, and managed operations from his home.
A pivotal element of the case was uncovering that a much larger company had contracted this small operation to transport its produce. The truck bore no visible indication of this larger company, nor was it listed on the accident report. Through meticulous investigation, the connection was traced, revealing the larger company carried far more than minimal insurance coverage.
Ultimately, the firm secured a substantial settlement for the family, who had lost their mother—a beloved wife and mother of five—due to corporate and individual negligence. While the settlement remains confidential, it was among the largest of its kind in Oklahoma. He maintains a personal friendship with the family, and the case stands out for the satisfaction derived from uncovering hidden truths and achieving justice for those affected.
