Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys in Oregon

Commercial vehicle accidents can have life-changing consequences, and when large trucks such as 18-wheelers or big rigs are involved, the risks become even greater. If you are involved in such an accident in Oregon, understanding your legal rights and knowing how to seek help is crucial. This article will guide you through the types of accidents that occur, common causes, legal steps you should take, and how an experienced truck accident lawyer can assist you.

Why Are Commercial Vehicle Accidents Dangerous?

Truck Driver Accident Attorney: Why These Accidents Are More Dangerous

Commercial vehicles, such as semi-trucks and 18-wheelers, are much larger and heavier than regular cars. Their sheer size and weight make accidents involving them more likely to cause serious injuries or fatalities.

Here are a few reasons why commercial vehicle accidents are so dangerous:

Size and Weight Differences: Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while regular cars usually weigh around 3,000 pounds. This significant difference means that collisions with commercial vehicles can result in severe damage to smaller vehicles and occupants.
Longer Stopping Distances: Due to their size and load, trucks need more time and distance to stop. This can result in rear-end collisions or other accidents when the driver is unable to stop in time.
Blind Spots: Trucks have large blind spots around them where smaller vehicles are not visible to the driver. This makes it easier for accidents to occur, especially when changing lanes.
Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road, which can lead to exhaustion. Fatigued drivers are more likely to make mistakes or fall asleep at the wheel, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
Hazardous Materials: Some commercial vehicles carry hazardous materials, and if an accident occurs, these materials can spill, causing fires, explosions, or toxic leaks.

Understanding these risks can help you see why commercial vehicle accidents require a different level of legal attention, and why a Truck Collision Lawyer can help protect your rights and interests.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Oregon

Top Truck Accident Lawyers Discuss Common Causes

There are many different factors that can contribute to a truck accident. While weather and road conditions play a role, human error is often the biggest factor. Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Oregon:

Driver Fatigue: One of the most common causes of truck accidents is fatigue. Long hours on the road, combined with tight deadlines, can lead to truck drivers feeling tired and making dangerous decisions on the road.
Distracted Driving: Truck drivers may be distracted by texting, eating, adjusting their GPS, or engaging in other activities while driving. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents for all vehicles.
Speeding: Truck drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for conditions are more likely to lose control of their vehicles and cause an accident.
Improper Loading: Trucks that are improperly loaded can become unbalanced, making them harder to control, especially when going around sharp turns or making quick stops.
Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and icy roads can make driving hazardous, especially for large trucks that need more time to stop and maneuver.
Mechanical Failures: If a truck’s brakes, tires, or other crucial parts malfunction due to poor maintenance, it can lead to an accident. Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicles properly.

A Best Truck Accident Attorney can investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and help determine what caused the accident, as well as who should be held liable.

Steps to Take After a Commercial Vehicle Accident

Truck Accident Injury Attorneys Advise on What to Do

If you're involved in a commercial vehicle accident, the steps you take immediately after the crash can impact your ability to seek compensation. Here are the essential steps to follow:

Call Emergency Services: Always call 911 to report the accident and request help. This will ensure that medical assistance and law enforcement are on the scene promptly.
Get Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, you should see a doctor. Injuries such as whiplash or internal injuries may not show immediate symptoms, but could worsen over time.
Document Everything: If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any injuries you or others sustained. Get contact information from witnesses as well.
Avoid Admitting Fault: Never admit fault for the accident at the scene. It’s important to let investigators and insurance companies determine liability.
Contact a Lawyer: Consult with a Truck Accident Attorney who specializes in commercial vehicle accidents. They can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Truck Accident?

Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers Discuss Liability

In truck accidents, determining who is responsible can be complex. Several parties may be held liable for the crash, depending on the circumstances. These include:

The Truck Driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or fatigued, they could be held responsible for the accident.
The Trucking Company: If the trucking company pushed the driver to violate safety regulations or failed to maintain the truck properly, they could be held liable.
Truck Manufacturers: If a mechanical failure due to a defective truck part (such as brakes or tires) caused the accident, the manufacturer of the truck or its components could be at fault.
Cargo Loaders: If improper loading caused the truck to be unstable or unbalanced, the company responsible for loading the cargo may be liable.

A Truck Driver Accident Lawyer can investigate the cause of the accident and help identify the responsible parties, whether they are the driver, the company, or other entities.

Types of Compensation After a Truck Accident

Truck Accident Injury Attorneys Fight for Your Compensation

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Here are the types of compensation you may be able to recover:

Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical treatment needed due to the accident.
Lost Wages: If you miss time from work because of your injuries, you may be able to recover the wages you’ve lost as a result of the accident.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath.
Property Damage: Compensation for repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it was damaged in the accident.
Wrongful Death: If the truck accident resulted in the death of a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation for funeral costs and loss of companionship.

A Big Rig Accident Lawyer Near Me can help ensure you receive fair compensation by negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to court.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

Best 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys Provide Legal Support

Navigating a truck accident claim can be difficult. An experienced Commercial Truck Accident Attorney can provide valuable assistance in the following ways:

Investigation: A lawyer will gather evidence from the scene of the accident, including police reports, witness statements, and camera footage.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often offer low settlements to accident victims. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to make sure you get a fair offer.
Litigation: If necessary, your lawyer can take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Finding the Right Truck Accident Attorney in

Oregon

Best Truck Accident Lawyers Share Tips for Choosing the Right Attorney

When looking for a Truck Accident Lawyer in Oregon, there are a few factors to consider:

Experience with Truck Accidents: Choose an attorney who has experience specifically handling truck accident cases, as they often involve complex issues.
Reputation: Research the attorney’s reputation by reading reviews and checking references. A trusted lawyer will have a track record of success.
Contingency Fees: Many truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront costs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in Oregon

Truck Accident Attorneys Answer Common Questions

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Oregon? Oregon law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident? Oregon follows a comparative fault system, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you are partially at fault for the accident.
Can I sue the trucking company? Yes, if the trucking company was negligent in its actions, such as pushing the driver to break rules or failing to maintain the truck, they can be held liable.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident in Oregon, it’s crucial to consult with a Best Truck Accident Lawyer as soon as possible. Whether you need a Semi Accident Lawyer or a Big Truck Accident Attorney, the right legal representation can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me today to discuss your case.

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