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West Linn Truck Accident Lawyer
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West Linn Truck Accident Lawyer
Did you know that on average, large commercial truck crashes occur 0.76 times per million vehicle miles traveled, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation? A fatal truck accident occurs 0.025 times per million vehicle miles traveled. [1]
When referring to truck accidents, specifically we refer to collisions involving a large commercial trucks or semi-trucks. These accidents can involve various types of trucks, including tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, tanker trucks, and other commercial vehicles used for transporting goods.
In the aftermath of a truck accident, medical bills can become overwhelming as can be the cost of replacing a damaged vehicle.
Our West Linn truck accident lawyers at Goldberg & Loren are prepared to help you get the compensation you need to relieve post accident financial stress so you can focus on your physical recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur in various ways, each presenting risks to the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Here are some common types of truck accidents:
- Rear-End Collisions: These accidents occur when a truck crashes into the rear of another vehicle. Rear-end collisions can result from factors such as distracted driving, sudden braking, or tailgating.
- Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife accident happens when a truck’s trailer swings outward, forming an angle with the cab of the truck, resembling a partially opened jackknife. This often occurs when the trailer loses traction with the road surface, leading to loss of control.
- Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents involve a truck tipping over onto its side or roof. They can occur due to factors like high speeds, sharp turns, uneven road surfaces, or improper loading of cargo.
- Underride Accidents: Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a truck and slides underneath its trailer. These accidents can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for occupants of the smaller vehicle due to the impact’s severity.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have larger blind spots, known as “no-zones,” where smaller vehicles may not be visible to truck drivers. Blind spot accidents occur when a truck merges, changes lanes, or makes a turn without noticing a vehicle in its blind spot.
- Tire Blowouts: Tire blowouts can cause trucks to lose control, leading to accidents. Factors contributing to tire blowouts include improper maintenance, overloading, and road hazards.
- Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks require more space to make turns due to their size and length. Wide turn accidents occur when a truck swings too wide while making a turn, colliding with vehicles or objects in adjacent lanes.
- Runaway Trailer Accidents: In these accidents, a trailer becomes detached from the truck’s cab and continues moving independently, posing a serious hazard to other vehicles on the road.
- Brake Failure Accidents: Brake failure can occur due to mechanical issues, improper maintenance, or overheating of brakes. Trucks with malfunctioning brakes may be unable to stop or slow down, leading to accidents.
- Hazardous Material Spills: Trucks carrying hazardous materials can be involved in accidents that result in spills, posing environmental and health risks to nearby communities.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can have devastating consequences due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Several factors contribute to these accidents, ranging from driver error to mechanical failures and environmental conditions.
Here are some common causes of truck accidents:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing judgment, reaction times, and overall alertness. Truck drivers are subject to strict hours-of-service regulations, but violations and pressure to meet deadlines can lead to fatigue-related accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions such as using cell phones, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with onboard technology can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds reduces a truck driver’s ability to react to hazards and increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle, especially when navigating curves or adverse weather conditions.
- Improper Loading: Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced or unstable. Overloaded trucks or improperly secured cargo can lead to accidents, particularly during sudden stops or turns.
- Mechanical Failures: Equipment failures, such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, steering system failures, and transmission issues, can cause truck drivers to lose control of their vehicles, leading to accidents.
- Poor Maintenance: Inadequate maintenance and inspections can result in worn-out or malfunctioning parts, increasing the risk of mechanical failures and accidents on the road.
- Driver Error: Common driver errors, including improper lane changes, failure to yield the right-of-way, following too closely (tailgating), and misjudging stopping distances, contribute to a significant portion of truck accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, fog, and high winds can reduce visibility, decrease traction, and create hazardous driving conditions, increasing the likelihood of truck accidents.
- Blind Spots: Trucks have large blind spots (or “no-zones”) where smaller vehicles may not be visible to the truck driver. Failure to check blind spots before changing lanes or making maneuvers can result in collisions with other vehicles.
- Inexperienced or Inadequately Trained Drivers: Truck drivers who lack experience or proper training may be ill-equipped to handle the demands of driving large commercial vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.
Types of Injuries Caused in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can result in a range of injuries, and the severity often depends on factors such as the type of collision, speed, and safety measures in place. A total of 5,788 people died in large-truck crashes in 2021. The number of deaths increased 17% from 2020 and is up 47% in the last 10 years in US. [2]
Here are the types of injuries commonly sustained in truck accidents:
- Ankle & Arm Fractures
- Bruises
- Concussions
- Dental Injuries
- Eye Injuries
- Facial Lacerations
- Fear of Driving
- Foot Injuries
- Hand Fractures
- Impaired Motor Function
- Internal Organ Damage
- Knee Injuries
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Shoulder Injuries
- Skull Fractures
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Wrist Fractures
Table of Contents
West Linn Practice Areas
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Birth Injury
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Bus Accidents
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Car Accidents
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Dog Bites
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Medical Malpractice
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Motorcycle Accidents
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Personal Injury
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Pedestrian Accidents
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Premises Liability
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Product Liability
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Slip and Falls
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Truck Accidents
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Wrongful Death
Damages Available for Victims of Truck Accidents
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to various types of damages to compensate for their injuries, losses, and other impacts resulting from the accident. The specific damages available can vary based on factors such as the severity of injuries, property damage, and the circumstances of the accident.
Here are common types of damages available for victims of truck accidents:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, current, and future medical expenses related to injuries sustained in the truck accident, including hospital bills, surgeries, doctor’s visits, medication costs, rehabilitation, therapy, and assistive devices.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to missed work days, temporary or permanent disability caused by the accident, diminished earning capacity, and potential future earnings that would have been earned if not for the injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages to compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and the overall decrease in the quality of life experienced as a result of the accident and injuries.
- Property Damage: Compensation for repair or replacement costs for vehicles, personal belongings, and other property damaged in the accident, including the truck, passenger vehicle, and any cargo involved.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to compensate for the loss of companionship, support, intimacy, and other benefits of a spousal relationship due to the injuries sustained by the victim.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In cases where a truck accident results in the death of the victim, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
- Punitive Damages: In certain cases involving gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct by the truck driver, trucking company, or other parties, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Goldberg & Loren can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses by building a strong case, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing your interests in court if necessary.
Statute of Limitations of Truck Accident Cases in Oregon
In West Linn, Oregon, the Statute of Limitations for filing a lawsuit related to a truck accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This time limit applies to personal injury claims arising from truck accidents, as well as claims for property damage resulting from the accident. [3]
Be aware of the Statute of Limitations and take timely action if they wish to pursue legal action against the responsible parties. Failing to file a lawsuit within the specified time frame may result in the loss of the right to seek compensation for injuries, property damage, and other losses incurred as a result of the truck accident.
There may be exceptions to the two-year Statute of Limitations in certain circumstances, such as cases involving government entities or claims based on specific legal theories. Evidence and witness testimony may become more difficult to obtain as time passes, so consult with our personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident to ensure that your rights are protected and that you meet all relevant deadlines.
Benefits of Hiring Our Truck Accident Lawyer for Your Case
In the aftermath of a truck accident, navigating the legal process can be overwhelming, especially while coping with physical recovery and financial burdens. Our West Linn personal injury lawyers are ready to listen to you and we offer our:
- Experience and Expertise: Our truck accident lawyers have extensive experience and specialized expertise in handling truck accident cases. We understand the complexities of trucking regulations, insurance policies, and liability issues, allowing us to effectively navigate the legal process and advocate for your rights.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We conduct thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding your truck accident, gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, driver logs, maintenance records, and electronic data from the truck’s onboard systems. This comprehensive approach strengthens your case and enhances your chances of securing fair compensation.
- Legal Representation and Advocacy: Our truck accident lawyers provide skilled legal representation and advocacy throughout every stage of your case. From negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, we are dedicated to protecting your interests and maximizing your recovery.
- Resource Accessibility: We have access to a network of resources, including accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, economists, and other specialists who can provide valuable insights and testimony to support your case. These resources strengthen the evidence and arguments presented on your behalf.
- Understanding of Insurance Tactics: Insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Our truck accident lawyers have experience dealing with insurance adjusters and are familiar with their strategies. We work tirelessly to counter these manipulations and ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.
- Customized Legal Strategies: We understand that every truck accident case is unique. Our lawyers take the time to understand your specific circumstances, concerns, and goals, developing customized legal strategies tailored to your individual needs and objectives.
- Peace of Mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming and stressful. By entrusting your case to our experienced truck accident lawyers, you can have peace of mind knowing that seasoned professionals are handling every aspect of your legal matter, allowing you to focus on your recovery and well-being.
- Contingency Fee Arrangement: We understand that pursuing a truck accident case may involve financial concerns. That’s why we offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorney fees if we successfully recover compensation for you. This arrangement ensures that our interests are aligned with yours and removes the financial burden of upfront legal fees.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our dedicated team is here to provide compassionate support, skilled representation, and unwavering advocacy to help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.
Book a free consultation today!
Sources:
[1] Oregon Gov. (n.d.). https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Crash_Rate_Tables_2020.pdf
[2] Large Trucks – Injury Facts. (2023, April 25). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/
[3] Chapter 12 — Limitations of Actions and Suits 2023 EDITION. (2023). Oregon State Legislature. Retrieved May 10, 2024, from https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors012.html
We fight hard for our clients who have been injured in a truck accident in West Linn, Oregon. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
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