Oilfield Worker Vehicle Crashes

The oil and gas industry is an essential part of the Texas economy, but it is also one of the most hazardous. Oilfield workers face serious risks every day, and the potential consequences can be life-altering or even deadly. While fires, explosions, falls, and exposure to hazardous chemicals are all significant threats, motor vehicle accidents represent the greatest risk of all.

For over 30 years, The Callahan Law Firm has proudly protected the rights of injured people like oilfield workers hurt in motor vehicle accidents and families whose loved ones have lost their lives to these tragedies. We are here to advocate for the justice and compensation you deserve as you face this difficult time.

Contact us online today or call us 24/7 at (713) 589-7767 to schedule a free consultation with an oilfield vehicle accident attorney at our law firm. Also, our office is conveniently located at 440 Louisiana St #2050, Houston, TX. We can help!

What Is the Most Common Fatal Accident Type in the Oil and Gas Extraction Industry?

Oilfield worker vehicle crashes are the greatest risk for oil and gas extraction workers. According to the CDC, 26.8 percent of worker fatalities in the oil and gas industry resulted from vehicle accidents, making them the most prevalent type of fatal oilfield accident.

Even when oilfield traffic accidents do not prove fatal, they often result in life-altering injuries. During a recent seven-year period, the CDC reported that vehicles were involved in 157 severe injuries in the oil and gas extraction sector. Such injuries are defined as any injury resulting in amputation, loss of an eye, or inpatient hospitalization.

The attorneys at The Callahan Law Firm have seen firsthand the devastation that oilfield crash deaths and injuries can cause, and we are dedicated to holding any at-fault parties responsible when collisions occur. Let us investigate the cause of the accident, gather the evidence needed to build a compelling case, and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

What to Do If You or a Loved One Has Been Hurt in a Texas Oilfield Crash

Your actions following an oilfield traffic accident can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your case. Your priority should always be seeking medical attention, even if injuries seem minor at first.

To further protect your rights, you should also do the following:

Contact a lawyer from our law firm. An experienced personal injury lawyer at The Callahan Law Firm can assess your case and explain your best legal options for seeking compensation. If you choose to pursue a claim, we can lead you through the process and help you avoid critical errors along the way. Contact us as soon as possible after the crash.
Document the accident scene. Take photos and videos of vehicles, skid marks, the surrounding area, and visible injuries. These could serve as crucial visual evidence to support your claim.
Gather witness information. If there were any witnesses, collect their names and contact information. Third-party testimony can reveal key details of the accident and lend credibility to your own account.
Keep careful records. To recover compensation, you must prove the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the accident and your injuries. Keep an organized file of all medical records, financial documents, invoices, receipts, bills, evidence of lost wages, and any other relevant documents.
Do not speak with insurers. Insurance companies or the oil company itself may contact you seeking recorded statements, offering lowball settlements, or asking you to sign release forms. These are all attempts to weaken your claim and minimize your payout. Do not speak with them without seeking legal counsel. Let our lawyers handle it for you.

Legal Rights of Oilfield Workers After a Vehicle Crash

In Texas, injured oilfield workers typically pursue personal injury claims rather than workers’ compensation, as Texas does not require employers to provide workers’ compensation coverage. In many cases, injured oilfield workers have claims against third parties responsible for the crash, either in addition to or instead of claims against their employers.

Fortunately, personal injury claims offer a wider range of compensation than workers’ comp benefits.

For example, workers injured in oilfield accidents can potentially recover compensation for:

Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress

In cases involving oil and gas worker deaths in motor vehicle crashes, surviving loved ones may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Compensation in these claims may include:

Funeral and burial expenses
Lost earning capacity of the deceased
Loss of benefits
Medical expenses related to the final injury
Loss of companionship and love
Loss of support, guidance, and care

Oilfield injury or death cases often involve complicated liability issues, as responsibility can fall on multiple parties, including other drivers, the victim’s employer, third-party companies, vehicle or equipment manufacturers, and site owners.

Pursuing a claim on your own can be overwhelming. That is why it is crucial to work with our skilled personal injury attorneys when seeking compensation.

Why Oilfield Vehicle Crashes Are So Common in Texas

Given how many oil and gas workers die or get hurt in the oilfields every year due to transportation accidents, it is fair to wonder what makes these crashes so common.

Here are some of the common reasons:

Traffic volume around oil operations
Fatigue and long shifts
Driver inexperience
Dangerous roadways
Low seat belt usage
Poor enforcement of safety standards

Determining the cause of a Texas oilfield accident is crucial for establishing liability and pursuing compensation. Our attorneys do this by investigating the accident, consulting experts, and gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical and financial records, and accident scene photos and videos.

Injuries and Deaths Caused by Oilfield Vehicle Accidents

The consequences of an oilfield vehicle accident can be devastating not only to the injured workers but also to their families.

The consequences include the following examples:

Catastrophic injuries – Crashes frequently cause broken bones, internal organ damage, neck and back injuries, spinal cord damage, joint damage, traumatic brain injuries, and other severe conditions. Psychological and emotional trauma are, unfortunately, common as well. That can include anxiety, depression, acute stress reactions, and PTSD symptoms.
Motor vehicle-related fatalities – Vehicle incidents are the leading cause of death among oilfield workers. Losing a loved one in such a tragedy is unthinkable, and the emotional impacts can last a lifetime.
Multiple-fatality events – Many crashes involve multiple workers in large, heavy vehicles such as pickups and semi-trucks. The sheer force of these accidents can lead to multiple fatalities at once.
Loss of income and support – While the emotional toll of losing a loved one in an oilfield vehicle accident is always the highest, families who depended on their loved ones for their income also face serious financial distress after these tragedies.

How The Callahan Law Firm Helps Victims of Oilfield Crashes

If you have suffered injuries or a loved one has lost their life in an oilfield vehicle accident, The Callahan Law Firm wants to help you now. We offer compassionate support and tenacious representation as you seek accountability and fair compensation.