2 Injured in 18-wheeler Accident on 129th Avenue in Tulsa, OK

Tulsa, OK — May 30, 2024, two people were injured following an 18-wheeler accident at around 5:00 a.m. along 129th Avenue.

According to initial details about the accident, it happened on S. 129th Avenue East at the intersection of the eastbound I-44 off-ramp.

Investigators said that two people were in an SUV which was going northbound along 129th Avenue. In the area of the interstate intersection, a semi-truck was across northbound lanes attempting to go southbound. The SUV hit the trailer as a result. EMS took both occupants in the SUV to a hospital with unspecified injuries.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

While the exact cause of the crash is unconfirmed right now, I took a look at the most up-to-date images of this stretch of road I could find. Unless I’m missing something, there doesn’t seem to be many scenarios where this happens without a truck driver making a big mistake. But even if authorities say that is indeed what happened here, it’s important to actually have evidence to ensure there’s no room for doubt.

For example, I handled a truck wreck not long ago where an 18-wheeler crossing the highway caused a t-bone wreck. The trucking company insisted their driver wasn’t responsible for two main reasons: they said the victim was speeding, and they said the victim wasn’t wearing their seatbelt. Well, thanks to our independent accident reconstruction, those blame-shifting tactics didn’t hold water.

To the first claim, a reconstruction of the scene and an analysis of the victim’s vehicle showed it was all but impossible the victim was speeding. To the second, multiple emergency responders testified that they actually had to cut through the victim’s seatbelt to get them out of the wreckage. And just to drive the point home, we were able to prove the reflective tape on the 18-wheeler trailer was so dirty and caked in mud that it may as well have been invisible at the time of the accident.

Now, I’m not saying these specific details relate to this crash, but it’s an example of what victims and families need at the ready if they’re going to tell their side of the story. Knowing the truth is one thing, but proving it is another matter entirely. That’s especially true when there’s someone on the other side of the table doing everything in their power to avoid responsibility. Whatever led to this crash, it’s best to take steps as early as possible to secure evidence and prepare for those potential barriers.