Oregon Truck Accident Attorney

From the snow-capped forests of the Cascade Mountains, across the rolling high desert, the Willamette Valley, through the busy streets of Portland, and all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The vast expanse of Oregon’s highways is the trucking lifeline of goods and services for the people of the Pacific Northwest.

Unfortunately, along with this constant flow of commerce, come the inevitable accidents and crashes involving commercial vehicles.  These truck accidents can be devastating, leaving victims grappling with injuries, financial losses, and legal complexities.

When facing such challenging circumstances, seeking the guidance of an experienced Oregon truck accident lawyer at Trucking Injury Law Group becomes crucial.

Let’s take a look at the role that these legal professionals have in navigating the aftermath of truck accidents and securing the compensation and justice victims deserve.

Understanding Truck Accidents in Oregon

Before delving into the legal aspects, it’s crucial to understand the dynamics of truck accidents in Oregon.

Oregon’s Department of Transportation reports that in 2021, there were:

• 62 Truck Crash Fatalities
• 360 Non-fatal Injury Crashes (requiring emergency transportation)
• 1,146 Non-Injury Property Damage Only Crashes

The most common of these fatal crashes were head-on collisions, making up nearly 30%.

With its extensive network of highways and bustling commercial activity, our state clearly sees its fair share of truck-related incidents. Factors such as driver fatigue (ignoring hours-of-service rules),  improper maintenance, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and inclement weather contribute to the heightened risk of crashes involving large trucks.

Lack of training has been another factor in these accidents. In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration now requires completion of the Entry Level Driver Training Program for all new drivers testing after February 7, 2022

Several types of truck accidents occur frequently on Oregon’s roads and highways. Some of the most common include:

• Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck strikes the vehicle in front of it. They can happen due to various reasons, including distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden stops.
• Jackknife Accidents: This occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, resembling the angle of a folding jackknife. It typically happens when the truck driver brakes suddenly or loses control, often on slippery roads or due to equipment failure.
• Underride Accidents: These accidents happen when a smaller vehicle gets wedged underneath the trailer of a truck. They can result in severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. Underride accidents often occur due to inadequate underride guards on trucks or sudden stops by the truck driver.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents involve a truck tipping over onto its side or roof. They can happen due to factors like speeding, sharp turns, uneven road surfaces, or overloading. Rollover accidents can cause significant damage and injuries to both the truck driver and other vehicles on the road.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, especially on the sides and rear. Accidents can occur when a truck driver fails to see a vehicle in these blind spots and makes a lane change or turn, resulting in a collision.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks require more space to make turns compared to smaller vehicles. When truck drivers fail to account for this and make wide turns, they can collide with vehicles in adjacent lanes or clip objects on the roadside.
• Tire Blowouts: Tire blowouts on trucks can lead to loss of control and accidents. Improper maintenance, overloading, or road hazards can contribute to tire blowouts.
• Brake Failure Accidents: Brake failure can occur due to various reasons, including inadequate maintenance, defective parts, or driver error. When a truck’s brakes fail, it can lead to a serious accident, especially on steep grades or crowded highways.

These are just a few examples of common types of truck accidents. Each type can result in serious injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage.

 

The Importance of Legal Representation

Overall, hiring an Oregon truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and increase your chances of receiving the justice you deserve after a devastating accident.

The benefits of professional guidance can also include:

• Legal Expertise: Truck accidents involve a complex web of state and federal regulations governing the trucking industry. From hours-of-service rules to vehicle maintenance standards, understanding and applying these laws requires specialized knowledge. A skilled lawyer can navigate these complexities on behalf of their clients, building a strong case for compensation.
• Investigation: Truck accidents often require extensive investigation to determine liability. A lawyer will have the resources and experience to conduct a thorough investigation, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reconstructing the accident scene.
• Negotiation: Following a truck accident, victims often find themselves up against powerful insurance companies and legal teams representing the trucking companies. Having your own lawyer levels the playing field and ensures you have someone fighting for your best interests during negotiations. They can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to secure fair compensation for your injuries and damages. A truck accident attorney serves as a trusted advocate for your rights, ensuring you’re not taken advantage of during negotiations.
• Court Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer will represent you in court. They will build a strong case, present evidence, and argue on your behalf to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
• Maximize Compensation: A truck accident lawyer will assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future expenses. They will work to ensure you receive fair compensation that covers all your current and future needs.

The Legal Process

The journey toward obtaining compensation begins with a thorough investigation of the accident scene.

Lawyers work alongside accident reconstruction experts and investigators to gather crucial evidence, such as witness statements, black box data, and vehicle damage assessments.

Armed with compelling evidence, your lawyer enters into negotiations with the insurance company or opposing legal counsel. While the best-case scenario is usually a fair settlement out of court, they remain prepared to take the case to trial if necessary to ensure that you receive just compensation for their losses.

Challenges and Considerations

In Oregon, there is a limited time frame within which accident victims can file a lawsuit, typically two years, known as the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline can result in losing your rights to seek compensation. This is a big reason for prompt consultation with a truck accident lawyer, to make sure that you avoid such pitfalls.

Also, Oregon follows the modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that even if the victim shares some degree of fault for the accident, they may be able to still recover damages.

However, the amount of compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of fault attributed to them. Understanding and utilizing these shared fault laws requires skilled legal representation.

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident in Oregon is a daunting task, but it’s not one that you need to face alone. With the support and expertise of an experienced truck accident lawyer, you can seek the compensation and justice you rightfully deserve.

From conducting thorough investigations to advocating for clients’ rights in negotiations or courtrooms, the legal professionals at Trucking Injury Law Group can play a crucial role in helping you and your family rebuild your lives and move forward with confidence.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Oregon, don’t hesitate to contact us today for your free consultation.

We’re ready to fight on your behalf.