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Eugene Truck Accident Lawyer
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Eugene Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, Goldberg & Loren is here to provide you with the legal support you need. We understand the overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can have on your life.
With over 30 years of combined legal experience, our Eugene truck accident lawyers specialize in complex truck accident cases and have successfully secured millions in compensation for our clients.
We know how to handle the intricacies of truck accident law, including investigating the cause of the accident, identifying liable parties, and negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you get the maximum compensation.
At Goldberg & Loren, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case. We offer free, no-obligation consultations, so you can get expert legal advice without any financial risk.
Contact us at (503) 746-8808 for a free consultation with a Eugene truck accident attorney today.
Our Verdicts and Settlements
$750,000
Settlement
A 35-year-old Eugene resident was rear-ended by a distracted truck driver at the intersection of West 11th Avenue and Chambers Street.
May 2024
$1,200,000
Settlement
A 42-year-old cyclist was struck by a delivery truck while riding in a designated bike lane on High Street in downtown Eugene.
June 2024
$2,800,000
Settlement
A semi-truck driver failed to slow down in heavy rain on Interstate 5 near Eugene, rear-ending a stationary vehicle in traffic. Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury and spinal strain requiring extensive rehabilitation.
October 2024
Truck Accidents in Eugene
Commercial trucking is a key economic activity, but it carries risks due to the size and weight of the trucks, which can lead to severe injuries when there are accidents. There were 27 truck-related accidents were reported in Eugene in 2022 alone. [1]
A truck accident refers to a collision involving a large truck, such as a tractor-trailer, semi-truck, big rig, or commercial vehicle. These accidents typically involve vehicles that exceed a certain weight or size threshold and are used for commercial purposes, such as transporting goods or materials
Truck accidents can happen in multiple forms, each presenting unique challenges and risks to road users. Some common types of truck accidents in Eugene include:
- Jackknife Accidents: This occurs when a truck’s cab and trailer fold inwards, resembling the shape of a folding pocket knife. Jackknife accidents often result from sudden braking, loss of control, or adverse weather conditions.
- Rollover Accidents: These accidents involve a truck tipping onto its side or rolling over onto its roof. Rollovers can occur due to factors such as speeding, sharp turns, overloading, or uneven road surfaces.
- Underride Accidents: In an underride accident, a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. These accidents can occur due to inadequate underride guards or driver negligence.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, or “no-zones,” where smaller vehicles are not visible to the truck driver. Accidents can occur when vehicles enter or remain in these blind spots, leading to collisions during lane changes, turns, or merging.
- Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks require more space to make turns, often swinging wide to the left before making a right turn. Accidents can occur when other vehicles attempt to pass or squeeze past a turning truck, leading to collisions.
- Tire Blowout Accidents: When a truck’s tire blows out at high speed, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, leading to accidents. Tire blowouts can occur due to overloading, underinflation, or tire defects.
What Are The Causes of Truck Accidents in Eugene?
Truck accidents in Eugene can result from a combination of factors. Here are some detailed explanations of the common causes of truck accidents in Eugene:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may be prone to fatigue due to irregular schedules, demanding deadlines, and extended periods of driving. Fatigue can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and increase the risk of accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting GPS devices, eating, or engaging in other activities while driving can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road, leading to accidents.
- Speeding: Driving too fast decreases a truck driver’s reaction time to hazards, lengthens stopping distances, and makes it tougher to handle the vehicle, particularly when facing curves or bad weather.
- Improper Loading or Cargo Securement: Trucks must be loaded and secured properly to prevent shifting or falling cargo, which can affect the vehicle’s stability and increase the risk of accidents, particularly during sudden stops or turns.
- Inadequate Maintenance: Poorly maintained trucks are more prone to mechanical failures such as brake failures, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, or engine problems, which can lead to accidents on the road.
- Driver Error or Inexperience: Inexperienced drivers or those lacking proper training may make errors in judgment, fail to anticipate hazards, or improperly execute maneuvers such as lane changes, turns, or merging, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence: Driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, which can enhance the likelihood of accidents involving commercial trucks.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Oregon’s weather can be unpredictable, with rain, fog, snow, and ice posing significant challenges for truck drivers. Reduced visibility, slippery road surfaces, and poor traction increase the risk of accidents, especially if drivers fail to adjust their driving behavior accordingly.
- Tailgating and Aggressive Driving: Following too closely or engaging in aggressive behaviors such as sudden lane changes, improper passing, or road rage can lead to rear-end collisions, sideswipes, or other accidents involving commercial trucks.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Violations of traffic laws such as running red lights, ignoring stop signs, speeding in construction zones, or failing to yield the right of way increase the likelihood of accidents involving commercial trucks.
Steps To Take After a Truck Collision in Eugene
After a truck collision in Eugene, Oregon, taking immediate and comprehensive action is key. Here are some steps to take after a truck accident:
1. Ensure Safety
Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, immediately call 911 to request medical assistance. If it’s safe to do so, move vehicles to the side of the road or a nearby safe location to prevent further accidents and traffic disruptions. Activate hazard lights to alert other drivers.
2. Contact Law Enforcement
Call the Eugene Police Department or Oregon State Police to report the accident. [2] Wait for authorities to arrive. Cooperate fully with law enforcement officers and provide accurate information about the accident. Request a copy of the police accident report, as it will be imperative for insurance claims and legal proceedings. This will cost you $5.
3. Exchange Information
Exchange contact details, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, with all involved parties, including the truck driver, their employer, and any witnesses. Additionally, exchange insurance information, including policy numbers and contact details for insurance companies.
4. Document the Scene
Document the accident scene thoroughly. Take photos or videos from various angles, capturing vehicle damage, debris on the road, traffic signs, and road conditions. Note the date, time, and location of the accident. Collect contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
5. Seek Medical Attention
Even if injuries seem minor or non-existent, seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not manifest immediately. Follow medical advice regarding treatment and follow-up care. Keep detailed records of all medical treatment received, including doctor’s visits, tests, and prescribed medications.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the truck accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide accurate details of the accident and any injuries sustained. Follow the instructions provided by your insurance company for filing a claim. Be sure to keep records of all correspondence and documents related to your claim.
7. Consult a Truck Accident Attorney
Consult with our Eugene truck accident attorney, who will seek compensation for injuries, provide legal guidance, advocate on your behalf, and help you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Common Truck Accidents Injuries in Eugene
Truck accidents can yield severe consequences due to the substantial mass and force involved. Here are some of the truck accident injuries we have seen:
- Amputations
- Broken Bones
- Burn Injuries
- Concussions
- Facial Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Knee Injuries
- Neck Injuries
- Psychological Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Whiplash
If you or a loved one has been affected by a wrongful death resulting from a truck accident in Eugene, seek legal guidance and support. Contact our wrongful death attorney to discuss your case and options for seeking justice and compensation.
Reporting Accident in Eugene, Oregon
After a truck collision, you are required to submit an Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report to the DMV within 72 hours. The report must include:
- Your full name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and mailing address.
- Details about the vehicle you were driving, including the license plate number, state of registration, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), year, make, and model.
- Your insurance company’s name (not the agent) and policy number.
Failure to provide the necessary vehicle and insurance information may result in the DMV issuing a notice of suspension of your driving privileges.
You must file a collision report with the DMV if the incident resulted in any of the following:
- Injury or death to any person.
- Damage exceeding $2,500 to the vehicle you were driving (even if it was the only vehicle involved).
- Damage exceeding $2,500 to property other than a vehicle.
- Damage exceeding $2,500 to any vehicle, and if any vehicle is towed from the scene due to collision damage.
If you do not submit a report when required, Oregon law mandates that the DMV suspend your driving privileges for five years or until the report is filed, whichever occurs first (ORS 809.417(1)).
Table of Contents
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Eugene Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our Verdicts and Settlements
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Truck Accidents in Eugene
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What Are the Causes of Truck Accidents in Eugene?
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Steps To Take After a Truck Collision in Eugene
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Common Truck Accidents Injuries in Eugene
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Reporting Accident in Eugene, Oregon
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Types of Damages Available for Truck Crash Victims in Eugene
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Who Can Be Held Liable For a Truck Accident in Eugene?
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Is There a Deadline to File a Truck Accident Claim in Oregon?
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Deceptive Practices Employed by Commercial Drivers and Trucking Companies in Eugene
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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us - Client Reviews
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Get a Free Consultation From A Eugene Truck Accident Lawyer Today
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Eugene Resources
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FAQs
Types of Damages Available for Truck Crash Victims in Eugene
Victims of truck crashes in Eugene may be entitled to various types of damages to compensate for their losses and injuries. Here are some common types of damages available for truck accident victims:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for past and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, therapy, and other necessary treatments related to the injuries sustained in the truck crash.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for wages lost due to missed work time resulting from injuries sustained in the truck accident. This may include compensation for partial or total disability that affects the victim’s ability to work in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life experienced as a result of the truck crash and resulting injuries. These damages are non-economic and can vary depending on the severity and impact of the injuries.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of damaged property, including vehicles and personal belongings, as a result of the truck accident.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy suffered by the spouse of the truck crash victim due to the injuries or wrongful death resulting from the accident.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In cases where the truck crash results in the wrongful death of a victim, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional pain and suffering caused by the loss of their loved one.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or willful misconduct by the truck driver or trucking company, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.
- Future Damages: Compensation for future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and ongoing pain and suffering resulting from long-term or permanent injuries sustained in the truck crash.
Consult with our experienced truck accident attorneys, who can evaluate your case, assess the full extent of your damages, and advocate for maximum compensation on your behalf. We can help you understand your rights and options for pursuing a claim against the negligent parties responsible for the truck crash.
Who Can Be Held Liable For a Truck Accident in Eugene?
In Eugene, various parties may be liable for a truck accident, depending on the circumstances surrounding the collision. Determining the parties at fault is necessary to seek compensation for any harm or losses caused by the incident.
Here are some parties that may be held liable for a truck accident in Eugene:
- Truck Driver: The truck driver may be held liable for the accident if their negligence, recklessness, or misconduct contributed to the collision. This could include violations of traffic laws, distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or fatigue resulting from violations of hours-of-service regulations.
- Trucking Company: The trucking company that employs the truck driver may also be held liable for the accident, especially if the accident occurred while the driver was acting within the scope of their employment. The trucking company may be held vicariously liable for the actions of its employees or directly liable for its own negligence, such as inadequate hiring practices, negligent training, or failure to maintain the truck properly.
- Truck Owner: If the truck involved in the accident is owned by a party other than the truck driver or the trucking company, such as a leasing company or owner-operator, the owner of the truck may be held liable for the accident if their negligence contributed to the collision. This could include failure to properly maintain the vehicle, negligently entrusting the truck to an unfit driver or other acts of negligence.
- Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider: In cases where a mechanical failure or defect in the truck contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the truck or its components, as well as the entity responsible for maintenance and repairs, may be held liable for the accident under product liability laws. Examples of potential defects include brake failure, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, or faulty safety systems.
- Cargo Loaders or Shippers: If improper loading or securing of cargo contributed to the accident, the entity responsible for loading or shipping the cargo may be held liable for the collision. Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks can affect vehicle stability and maneuverability, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities responsible for designing, constructing, or maintaining roads and highways may be held liable for a truck accident if hazardous road conditions, inadequate signage, or other roadway defects contributed to the collision.
Determining liability in a truck accident case is a complex process that may involve investigation by professionals such as accident reconstruction experts and legal counsel.
Consulting with our experienced commercial truck accident attorneys who understand trucking regulations and liability laws is key for identifying all potentially liable parties and pursuing a successful compensation claim.
Is There a Deadline to File a Truck Accident Claim in Oregon?
In Oregon, the Statute of Limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from truck accidents, is two years from the date of the accident. (ORS 12.110)
This means that individuals who have been injured or suffered losses as a result of a truck accident in Eugene must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident to preserve their right to seek compensation through the legal system.
The Statute of Limitations serves as a strict deadline, and failing to file a claim within this timeframe can have serious consequences. If the deadline passes, you may lose your legal right to pursue a claim for compensation.
Deceptive Practices Employed by Commercial Drivers and Trucking Companies in Eugene
Commercial drivers and trucking companies navigate a complex web of regulations and challenges in their daily operations. However, amidst the legitimate endeavors to transport goods efficiently, there exists a darker undercurrent of deceptive practices.
Some individuals and companies in the industry are engaging in practices that undermine safety standards, exploit loopholes, and deceive regulators and clients.
- One common deceptive practice involves falsifying logbooks to exceed hours of service regulations, putting both drivers and other road users at risk.
- Commercial drivers may manipulate weigh stations by bypassing them or using illegal load-shifting techniques to avoid fines or penalties.
- Another trick is tampering with electronic logging devices (ELDs) to fabricate records of driving time and rest breaks, circumventing regulations.
- Certain companies exploit loopholes in safety inspections by concealing or temporarily fixing vehicle defects instead of addressing them properly.
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us – Client Reviews
Get a Free Consultation From A Eugene Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Trust Goldberg & Loren to deliver the dedicated representation and results you deserve after a truck accident. Here is why you should choose us:
- Over 30 Years of Experience: Our firm has a proven track record spanning three decades, providing us with unparalleled expertise in handling truck accident claims.
- $500 Million in Damages Recovered: We have obtained over $500 million in damages for our clients affected by truck accidents, demonstrating our ability to secure significant compensation.
- Expert Legal Representation: Our team of skilled truck accident attorneys possesses a deep understanding of the complexities involved in truck accident cases, allowing us to navigate the legal process with precision and skill.
- Personalized Approach: We customize our strategies for each client based on their individual needs and circumstances.
- Compassionate Guidance: We assist our clients with care and offer guidance through the legal process, ensuring they can handle challenges with assurance.
- Client-Centered Advocacy: Our goal is not only to secure maximum compensation for our clients but also to help them rebuild their lives and move forward with confidence.
- Professionalism and Dedication: Our truck accident attorneys are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of professionalism, dedication, and expertise in every aspect of their case.
- Reputation for Excellence: Goldberg & Loren is recognized for our reputation for excellence in the legal community, earning the trust and respect of clients and peers alike.
- Contingency Fee: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay us if we successfully recover compensation for you. This ensures that our clients can pursue their claims without any upfront costs or financial risks.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve.
Eugene Resources
Local Hospital
Mckenzie Medical Center
Address: 1460 G St, Springfield, OR 97477
Phone: (541) 726-4400
Eugene Chiropractor
Body of Light Family Chiropractic
Address: 396 E 18th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
Phone: (541) 687-7775
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
After a truck accident, ensure your safety first. Call 911, seek medical attention if needed, and document the scene. Take photos, collect witness information, and avoid admitting fault at the scene.
Truck accidents often involve larger vehicles, which can lead to more severe injuries and property damage. Due to the size and weight of trucks, these accidents can result in complex liability issues, including potential violations of federal trucking regulations.
Yes, you may be able to hold the trucking company responsible if their driver or maintenance crew was negligent. This could include issues like inadequate training, improper vehicle maintenance, or violations of safety regulations.
Proving liability may involve gathering evidence such as the truck’s black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, witness statements, accident reports, and any footage from nearby surveillance cameras. A truck accident lawyer can assist in obtaining and presenting this evidence effectively.
Sources:
[1] Bonnett, J. & Oregon Department of Transportation. (2024). Oregon Traffic Crash Summary. In Oregon Department of Transportation. https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Crash_Summary_2022.pdf
[2] Police | Eugene, OR Website. (n.d.). https://www.eugene-or.gov/4423/Police
Goldberg & Loren
Phone: (503) 746-8808
If you have recently been in a truck accident, contact our Eugene truck accident lawyers today. We fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
We Represent Truck Accident Victims in the Following Cities and Communities Near Eugene, Oregon.
- College Hill, OR
- Fairmount, OR
- Friendly Area, OR
- Harlow, WA
- Southeast Eugene
- Southwest Eugene
- Fox Hollow, WA
- North Gillman, OR
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