Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers
Lake Oswego Truck Accident Lawyer
Find out why we are one of the best Lake Oswego truck accident law firms
Oregon Truck Accident Lawyer
Did you know that in 2020, Lake Oswego had 221 accidents, out of which only 3 were reported truck related accidents? [1] While truck accidents may not happen frequently in Lake Oswego, they can be very serious accidents when they do.
Truck accidents refer to those involving large commercial trucks specifically, such as tractor-trailers, big rigs, or lorries. [2] These accidents may involve auto accidents, motorcycles crashes, pedestrians accidents or they may involve other trucks.
Have you been involved in a truck accident in Lake Oswego, Oregon?
Contact us now to schedule a free consultation with our truck accident lawyers. Don’t wait another moment to seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Goldberg & Loren has over 30 years experience and we have recovered over half a billion dollars in damages for clients.
Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can be very serious accidents due to the weight and size. Here are some of the more common types of truck accidents:
- Jackknife Accidents: Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, resembling the shape of a folding pocket knife. These accidents often happen when the truck driver brakes suddenly or loses control, causing the trailer to skid sideways. Jackknife accidents can result in collisions with other vehicles, rollovers, or blockage of multiple lanes of traffic.
- Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions involve a truck colliding with the vehicle in front of it. These accidents can occur due to various factors, including tailgating, distracted driving, driver fatigue, or sudden stops by the vehicle ahead. Rear-end collisions with trucks can cause significant damage and injuries to the occupants of the impacted vehicle, especially if it is smaller or lighter than the truck.
- Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents involve a truck tipping onto its side or roof, often resulting in catastrophic consequences. Rollovers can occur due to factors such as speeding, taking curves or turns too quickly, overloading improper cargo distribution, or abrupt steering maneuvers. Rollover accidents pose very serious risks to the truck driver, other motorists, and nearby pedestrians.
- Tire Blowouts: Tire blowouts occur when a truck’s tire suddenly bursts or loses air pressure while in motion. Tire blowouts can cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to accidents such as veering into other lanes, colliding with other vehicles, or running off the road. Factors contributing to tire blowouts include improper tire maintenance, overloading, tire defects, road hazards, or extreme weather conditions.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Lake Oswego
Truck accidents in Lake Oswego, can occur due to negligence or reckless actions of drivers, trucking companies, or other parties.
Here are common causes of truck accidents in Lake Oswego in detail:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road and demanding schedules can lead to driver fatigue, a prevalent cause of truck accidents. Fatigued drivers may experience impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and increased likelihood of falling asleep at the wheel, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers may become distracted by various factors, including texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting navigation systems, or engaging in other activities while driving. Distracted driving diverts the driver’s attention from the road, reducing their ability to react to hazards and increasing the risk of accidents.
- Speeding: Excessive speeding is a significant contributing factor to truck accidents. Driving at speeds higher than the posted limits or too fast for road or weather conditions reduces the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, increases stopping distances, and escalates the severity of collisions.
- Improper Lane Changes: Truck drivers may cause accidents when making improper lane changes without signaling, checking blind spots, or yielding the right-of-way. Sudden lane changes can lead to collisions with other vehicles or force other motorists off the road, resulting in accidents.
- Following Too Closely: Tailgating, or following other vehicles too closely, is a common cause of rear-end collisions involving trucks. Inadequate following distances reduce the driver’s ability to stop or react to sudden changes in traffic, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Driver Inexperience or Inadequate Training: Truck drivers lacking proper training or experience may struggle to navigate large commercial vehicles safely. Inexperienced drivers may make errors in judgment, improper maneuvers, or fail to respond appropriately to hazardous situations, leading to accidents.
- Mechanical Failures: Truck accidents can occur due to mechanical failures, such as brake failures, tire blowouts, steering system malfunctions, or other equipment defects. Inadequate maintenance, faulty repairs, or defective parts can contribute to mechanical failures, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Improper Cargo Loading: Improper loading, securing, or balancing of cargo can affect a truck’s stability and handling, leading to accidents. Overloaded trucks, unsecured cargo, or shifting loads can cause trucks to tip over, jackknife, or lose control on the road.
- Negligent Trucking Companies: Trucking companies may contribute to accidents through negligent hiring practices, inadequate driver supervision, pressure to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines, or failure to enforce safety regulations. These factors can compromise driver safety and increase the likelihood of accidents.
Types of Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents in Oregon, Lake Oswego
Here are a few of the types of injuries commonly sustained in truck accidents:
- Abdominal Injuries
- Amputations
- Burn Injuries
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Head Injuries
- Knee and Leg Injuries
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Rib and Chest Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Whiplash
Table of Contents
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Oregon Truck Accident Lawyer
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Types of Truck Accidents
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Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Lake Oswego
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Types of Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents in Oregon, Lake Oswego
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Liable Parties to Consider in Lake Oswego
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Compensatory Damages for Victims of Truck Accidents in Lake Oswego
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Statute of Limitations of Truck Accident Cases in Oregon
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Benefits of Hiring an Accident Lawyer for Your Case
Lake Oswego Practice Areas
Liable Parties to Consider in Lake Oswego
Here are some parties to consider when determining liability in a truck accident case in Lake Oswego:
- Truck Driver: The truck driver may be held liable for the accident if their negligent actions or failure to adhere to traffic laws contributed to the collision. This can include behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, fatigued driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or violating traffic regulations.
- Trucking Company: The trucking company that employs the truck driver may also be held liable for the accident if their negligence, such as inadequate hiring practices, negligent supervision, failure to train drivers properly, or pressure to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines, contributed to the accident.
- Truck Owner: In some cases, the owner of the truck may be held liable for the accident, especially if they were negligent in maintaining the vehicle or ensuring it was safe for operation. This can include failure to perform regular inspections, repairs, or maintenance on the truck, leading to mechanical failures or defects that contributed to the accident.
- Cargo Loaders/Shippers: Parties responsible for loading and securing cargo onto the truck may be held liable if improperly loaded or unsecured cargo contributed to the accident. Overloaded trucks or improperly balanced cargo can affect the truck’s stability and handling, increasing the risk of accidents such as rollovers or jackknife incidents.
- Maintenance Providers: If the truck’s maintenance provider, such as a mechanic or repair shop, negligently performed maintenance or repairs on the vehicle, leading to mechanical failures or defects that contributed to the accident, they may be held liable for their negligence.
- Manufacturers: If a defective truck part or component contributed to the accident, such as faulty brakes, tires, steering systems, or other mechanical components, the manufacturer of the defective product may be held liable for injuries and damages resulting from the defect.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities responsible for designing, constructing, or maintaining roadways may be held liable if dangerous road conditions, inadequate signage, or other hazards contribute to the accident. Claims against government entities may involve complex legal procedures and shorter deadlines for filing notice of claims.
Consulting with our Lake Oswego personal injury attorneys who specializes in truck accident cases can help you understand your legal rights and options for holding responsible parties accountable for their negligence. We will investigate the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence, and advocate for fair compensation.
Compensatory Damages for Victims of Truck Accidents in Lake Oswego
Compensatory damages are financial awards intended to compensate victims of truck accidents for the losses they have suffered. These damages aim to restore the injured party to the position they were in before the accident occurred.
Here are the types of compensatory damages that may be available to victims of truck accidents in Lake Oswego:
- Medical Expenses: Compensatory damages may cover past, current, and future medical expenses related to injuries sustained in the truck accident. This can include costs for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, doctor’s visits, medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy, assistive devices, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages: Victims may be entitled to compensation for income lost due to missed work days, reduced earning capacity, or disability resulting from injuries sustained in the truck accident. Lost wages can include compensation for both past and future income that the victim would have earned if not for the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensatory damages may include compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life experienced as a result of the truck accident and resulting injuries. These damages aim to address the intangible suffering endured by the victim due to the accident’s impact on their physical and emotional well-being.
- Property Damage: Victims may seek compensation for the repair or replacement of their damaged property, including vehicles, personal belongings, and other items damaged in the truck accident. This can include the costs of vehicle repair, rental car expenses, and replacement of damaged personal property.
- Disability and Disfigurement: Compensatory damages may cover the physical and emotional effects of permanent disabilities, scarring, or disfigurement resulting from injuries sustained in the truck accident. These damages aim to address the long-term impact of visible injuries on the victim’s appearance, self-esteem, and quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: In cases where the victim’s injuries impact their relationship with a spouse, compensatory damages may be available for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy provided by the injured individual. These damages aim to compensate the spouse for the loss of the victim’s affection and contributions to the household.
- Funeral Expenses and Wrongful Death: In cases where a truck accident results in the wrongful death of a loved one, compensatory damages may cover funeral and burial expenses, as well as compensation for the loss of financial support, companionship, and guidance provided by the deceased individual.
The specific amount of compensation awarded will depend on the nature and extent of the injuries, the impact on the victim’s life, and other factors unique to each case. Seeking guidance from our experienced personal injury attorney can help victims understand their rights and pursue fair compensation for their losses.
Statute of Limitations of Truck Accident Cases in Oregon
In Lake Oswego, Oregon, the Statute of Limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit related to a truck accident is two years from the date of the accident, according to Oregon’s general personal injury Statute of Limitations. [3]
In the case of wrongful death lawsuits resulting from a truck accident, the Statute of Limitations is also two years, starting from the date of the individual’s death.
Benefits of Hiring an Accident Lawyer for Your Case
The aftermath of a truck accident can leave you reeling. Pain, confusion, insurance calls and mounting bills add to the stress of dealing with insurance companies and navigating a complex legal system. Our experienced accident lawyer can be your support, protecting your rights and fighting for the fair compensation you deserve.
Here’s why having an accident lawyer on your side matters:
- Expertise in Accident Law: We understand the intricacies of accident law and have over 30 years of experience and thousands of 5 star reviews, ensuring your case is built on a solid foundation. We know how to gather evidence, analyze legal precedents, and present your case effectively.
- ️Thorough Investigation: We’ll leave no stone unturned in investigating your accident. We’ll gather witness statements, analyze police reports, and consult experts to build a strong case that identifies all responsible parties and maximizes your potential compensation.
- Aggressive Negotiation: Insurance companies prioritize their bottom line, not your well-being. Our legal team will fight tirelessly to negotiate a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We won’t back down until you receive what you deserve.
- Protection from Unfair Practices: Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. We’ll be your shield, protecting you from their tactics and ensuring you receive fair treatment.
- Save Time and Stress: Dealing with legal matters after an accident can be overwhelming. We’ll handle the legal complexities and insurance communications, allowing you to focus on recovery and healing.
Choosing our truck accident attorneys in Lake Oswego is an investment in your future. We fight for maximum compensation to ensure you can cover your expenses, rebuild your life, and move forward with peace of mind.
Contact us today!
Sources:
[1] Oregon Gov. (n.d.) https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Crash_Summary_2020.pdf
[2] Large trucks. (n.d.). IIHS-HLDI Crash Testing and Highway Safety. https://www.iihs.org/topics/large-trucks
[3] ORS 131.125 – Time limitations. (n.d.). https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_131.125
We fight hard for our clients who have been injured in a truck accident in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
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