Who Is Liable for a Fixed-Object Collision?

Fixed-object collisions can be just as harmful and financially ruinous as any other type of car accident, even if the crash involves only one vehicle.

Just because you struck a fixed object doesn’t necessarily mean that your injuries are your fault. The Oklahoma car accident lawyers at our firm have over 40 years of experience with personal injury claims and have helped crash victims recover millions in compensation.

Contact the offices of Edwards & Patterson Law in McAlester or Tulsa today for a free initial consultation.

When we think of a car accident, most of us picture two or more vehicles colliding. While it’s true that accidents involving two or more vehicles make up about 71 percent of all crashes nationwide, about 14 percent of all accidents involve vehicles colliding with a fixed object, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What Does a Collision with a Fixed Object Mean?

A fixed-object collision is an accident that occurs when a vehicle collides with something that’s permanently placed wherever it is instead of another vehicle.

Examples of fixed objects found on or near roadways include light poles, traffic lights, telephone poles, road signs, curbs, fences, walls, buildings, mailboxes, and bridges. Depending on the size and weight of the object in question, fixed-object collisions can cause injuries that are just as severe as those you’d find in a two-vehicle crash.

Who Is Liable for a Fixed-Object Collision in Oklahoma?

If someone hits an immovable object during an accident, their injuries are likely their fault, right? In some cases, the answer is yes, but not always. Depending on the particulars of the crash, other parties who could be liable for a fixed-object collision include:

• Other drivers – Fixed-object collisions are frequently caused by drivers having to swerve out of the way of another vehicle. If another driver’s negligent actions caused you to hit a stationary object, they could be held liable for the accident.
• Trucking companies – Another common cause of fixed-object accidents is drivers running into cargo that’s spilled or come loose from a tractor-trailer or another large truck. If you hit loose cargo in the road or strike another object while attempting to avoid displaced cargo, the trucking company could be found liable for the crash.
• Property owners – Landlords who own commercial or residential property near a roadway have a duty to keep the road clear of objects and debris. If you must swerve to avoid colliding with a structure, parked vehicle, or another object in the road, you could file a claim against the property owner. You could also hold the owner liable if you hit a pet or livestock on the road.
• Vehicle and parts manufacturers – Some fixed-object collisions result from a mechanical defect in a vehicle, such as problems with its engine, brakes, or steering system. If you hit a fixed object because of a mechanical issue, you could hold the manufacturer of your vehicle or whoever made the defective part liable for the crash.
• Government agencies – Local city, county, and state governments are responsible for maintaining most roadways, which includes designing roads so that they’re as safe for motorists as reasonably possible. If a government agency fails to maintain the road adequately or places hazardous objects or structures too close to it, they could be held liable for a fixed-object collision.

If you were a passenger in a car involved in a fixed-object collision and the driver was negligent, you could be entitled to compensation from the driver’s auto insurance policy.

Common Causes of Fixed-Object Accidents in Oklahoma

There’s no one cause of fixed-object accidents in Oklahoma, but some of the more common causes include:

• Driver intoxication — Drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol often make erratic maneuvers when they’re behind the wheel. That could lead another driver to swerve out of their way and strike a fixed object.
• Driver fatigue — Motorists who have gone for many hours without rest, especially truck drivers, are more prone to mistakes and may even nod off behind the wheel. If a tired driver makes a serious error, it could cause someone else in their path to swerve and collide with a fixed object.
• Reckless driving — Drivers who speed, make unsafe turns or lane changes, don’t use their turn signals, follow too closely, or are otherwise negligent can create a hazardous driving environment, leading other motorists to collide with a fixed object as they’re trying to get out of the reckless driver’s way.
• Distracted driving — As with drivers who are impaired, distracted drivers have slower reflexes and impaired judgment. They can cause a crash if their behavior causes other motorists to swerve and hit a fixed object.

Compensation for People Injured in Fixed-Object Accidents in Oklahoma

You could potentially recover compensation for:

• Any medical bills stemming from the crash
• Your lost wages and reduced future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Damaged personal property, such as your vehicle

What Should You Do Following a Fixed-Object Accident in Oklahoma?

Taking the right steps after a fixed-object collision is just as important as it is after any other type of auto accident. Here’s what you need to do:

• Call 911 so the police can file an accident report, and medical personnel can evaluate you.
• See a doctor and start medical treatment.
• Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the broader crash scene.
• Get names and contact information from eyewitnesses.
• Don’t talk to any insurance companies.
• Hire a personal injury attorney.

The McAlester and Tulsa car accident attorneys at Edwards & Patterson Law have extensive experience helping people just like you with injury claims, including fixed-object collisions. Contact us today by phone or online for a free consultation to discuss your situation with us in detail.

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