Experienced Portland 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
Portland 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys
Find out why we have some of the best Portland 18-Wheeler accident lawyers
Have You Been Involved in an 18-Wheeler Accident in Portland, Oregon?
Goldberg & Loren is here to help you! As experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyers, we understand the complexities of these cases and will fight for your rights. Our team has a proven track record of success in handling these types of accidents, and we are dedicated to getting you maximum compensation.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today for a free consultation. Don’t wait, as there are time limits for filing a claim. Let us fight for you and help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
What Is an 18-Wheeler Accident?
An 18-wheeler accident refers to a collision or accident involving a large truck with 18 wheels.
These massive vehicles, also known as semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, play an important role in the transportation of goods across the country.
Due to their sheer size and weight, 18-wheelers can pose significant risks on the road, often causing devastating accidents.
These accidents can occur for various reasons, including but not limited to driver error, equipment failure, improper maintenance, or even external factors such as bad weather conditions. Due to their size and weight, these trucks can cause catastrophic injuries and significant property damage.
Goldberg & Loren Law Firm offers a free initial confidential consultation to evaluate your case and provide guidance on your next steps. With an experienced lawyer by your side, you can have confidence in the pursuit of justice and fair compensation for your injuries.
The Role of a Portland, Oregon 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
When you hire Goldberg & Loren as your 18-wheeler accident lawyers, you can expect a team of dedicated professionals who will fight tirelessly on your behalf. We have extensive experience in handling these complex cases and understand the unique challenges they present.Â
We have the legal expertise to thoroughly investigate the accident, collect crucial evidence, and build a strong case that can hold the responsible parties accountable. We will work diligently to establish negligence, whether it involves the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the manufacturer of the vehicle.
We understand the physical and emotional pain you may be going through, and we are here to provide empathy, guidance, and reassurance.
Our firm’s compassionate approach ensures that you feel heard, understood, and supported during this challenging time.
Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Portland, Oregon
Driver Fatigue or Distraction
Truck drivers often work long hours, trying to meet demanding delivery schedules and deadlines. This continuous work can result in driver fatigue, which can have dangerous consequences.
When drivers are fatigued, their judgment becomes impaired, and their reflexes slow down. This means they may not be able to react quickly to sudden changes in road conditions or unexpected hazards.
Fatigue can also result in drivers falling asleep at the wheel, a catastrophic situation that can lead to devastating accidents.
Another common cause of 18-wheeler accidents is distracted driving. With the advancements in technology, there are more distractions available to truck drivers than ever before.
They may be tempted to use their electronic devices, such as smartphones or tablets, while behind the wheel.
Poorly Maintained Trucks and Equipment
Commercial trucks and their components are subjected to heavy wear and tear due to their long hours of operation and extensive mileage.Â
When tires are not properly inflated or have worn treads, they are more prone to blowouts, putting both the truck driver and other motorists at risk. A tire blowout can cause the truck to lose control, leading to a chain reaction of collisions.
Brakes are another critical component of a commercial truck. Faulty or poorly maintained brakes can result in longer stopping distances and decreased control over the vehicle.
This can be particularly dangerous when navigating steep inclines or trying to stop suddenly to avoid a potential accident. Brake failures can result in rear-end collisions or the inability to slow down or stop in time to avoid an accident.
Other areas that need regular maintenance include the engine, transmission, suspension, and steering systems. Neglecting these vital components can lead to mechanical failures while on the road.
To address these safety concerns, federal regulations require trucking companies to implement regular maintenance and inspection programs.
Not all companies strictly adhere to these guidelines, either due to negligence or cost-cutting measures. This puts everyone on the road at risk, especially when poorly maintained trucks are allowed to continue operating.
Violation of Federal Regulations for Truck Operation
One violation that occurs is the failure to properly secure cargo. Commercial trucks often transport heavy loads, and if not properly secured, the cargo can shift during transit, leading to severe accidents.
Federal trucking regulations specify the requirements for load securement, including the use of tie-downs, straps, and cargo nets. Some drivers and companies may take shortcuts and fail to properly secure their cargo, jeopardizing the safety of other motorists.
Speeding is a violation that causes accidents which are commonly seen within the trucking industry. Truck drivers are required to follow posted speed limits, which are set based on road conditions and the type of vehicle being operated.
Inadequate Training of Drivers
Operating a commercial truck requires specialized skills that differ from driving a regular passenger vehicle. Trucks have different handling characteristics, require more time and distance to stop, and have larger blind spots.
Without proper training, drivers may struggle to navigate these challenges, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Another area where inadequate training can have serious consequences is defensive driving. Truck drivers need to be aware of their surroundings, anticipate potential hazards, and take necessary precautions to avoid accidents.
Without proper training in defensive driving techniques, drivers may fail to recognize dangerous situations or react appropriately, putting themselves and other motorists in danger.
Aggressive Driving
One common form of negligence is reckless driving. Speeding, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic are all dangerous behaviors that put everyone on the road at risk.
When these actions are taken near a commercial truck, the consequences can be even more severe due to the size and weight disparity between the truck and other vehicles. A sudden stop or maneuver by a truck can lead to catastrophic accidents.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving, whether due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue, is a dangerous and negligent behavior that affects all motorists, including truck drivers. However, when other drivers are operating under the influence or while fatigued, they may exhibit impaired judgment, delayed reactions, and poor vehicle control.Â
Drowsy Driving
A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimated that 328,000 drowsy driving crashes occur annually. That’s more than three times the police-reported number.Â
The same study found that 109,000 of those drowsy driving crashes resulted in an injury, and about 6,400 were fatal. The researchers suggest the prevalence of drowsy driving fatalities is more than 350% greater than reported. [1]
General Negligence
Negligent truck drivers may also fail to recognize and respect the limitations of commercial trucks. They may misjudge the distance needed for a truck to stop or fail to account for the truck’s larger blind spots. This lack of awareness can lead to dangerous situations where other motorists inadvertently put themselves in the path of an oncoming truck.
Over 16% of fatal crashes involving large trucks involved a passenger car rear-ending the truck, but the most common type of accident was head-on collisions. In 17.9% of accidents, a passenger car veered or swerved into the path of an oncoming truck. Only 2.2% of accidents were caused by trucks swerving in front of other vehicles. [2]Â
Types of Damages Associated With 18-Wheeler Accidents in Portland, Oregon
Property Damage to Vehicles Involved in the Accident
The force of the collision can result in severe damage to the victim’s vehicle, often rendering it inoperable or in need of extensive repairs. In some cases, the damage may be so extensive that the vehicle is deemed a total loss. Replacing or repairing a vehicle can be a costly affair, and the financial burden can be overwhelming for the victim.
Compensation for property damage in an 18-wheeler accident claim aims to alleviate this burden and ensure that the truck accident victim can get back on the road as soon as possible.Â
Medical Expenses Resulting from the Incident
Victims may experience a range of injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, and severe burns.
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
The cost of medical care can quickly accumulate for victims of semi-truck accidents. From the initial emergency room visit to long-term rehabilitation, the financial burden can be overwhelming. Many victims find themselves facing mounting medical bills and the stress of how to pay for the treatment they need.
Compensation for medical expenses is available to accident victims through a personal injury claim. This compensation is designed to cover the cost of past, current, and future medical care related to the accident.Â
Accident victims should start documenting their medical expenses from the moment they seek medical care. This includes keeping a record of all medical bills, receipts, and any other related costs associated with their injuries. Having a comprehensive record will help establish the extent of the medical expenses and strengthen the claim for compensation.
Lost Wages Due to Injuries Suffered During the Accident
Without a steady income, paying bills, meeting financial obligations, and covering everyday expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, and groceries become major challenges.
The emotional stress of not being able to provide for oneself and the family only adds to the difficulties faced by the injured individual.
Financial compensation for lost wages is meant to cover the income that would have been earned had the accident not occurred. It takes into account the individual’s current salary, including bonuses and benefits, as well as any future earning potential that may be compromised.
Pain and Suffering
The physical pain and emotional trauma caused by an 18-wheeler accident can be immeasurable. Victims may experience chronic pain, disfigurement, disability, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Compensation for pain and suffering aims to provide monetary relief for these intangible losses and the overall distress endured as a result of the accident.
Loss of Consortium Â
Loss of consortium refers to the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy suffered by the spouse due to the injuries sustained in the accident.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are meant to punish the responsible party and serve as a deterrent to others, preventing similar acts of negligence in the future.
Statute of Limitations for an 18-Wheeler Accident in Portland, Oregon
In Portland, Oregon, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit arising from an 18-wheeler accident is generally two years. This means that you must file your claim or lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident.
If you fail to file your claim within the specified timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and other damages resulting from the accident.Â
Have you recently been involved in an 18-wheeler accident and need legal representation?
When you’re facing the aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident, you need an experienced personal injury attorney in Portland who will fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Goldberg & Loren, we are dedicated to helping clients like you navigate the legal process and recover both physically and financially.
Contact us at Goldberg & Loren today and schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We are here to advocate for you and provide the legal support you need during this challenging time.
Sources:
[1] Fatigued Driving – National Safety Council. (n.d.). https://www.nsc.org/road/safety-topics/fatigued-driver?
[2] Ortiz, P. (2023, January 17). 16 Truck Accident Statistics And Facts – 2023 Update. House Grail. https://housegrail.com/truck-accident-statistics/
Goldberg & Loren
6500 S Macadam Ave #300,
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
Have you been injured by an 18-Wheeler? You may have a right to claim compensation. Contact our law firm to see if you have a case.
We Represent Those Injured by 18-Wheeler Accidents in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Oregon.
- Beaverton, OR
- Hillsboro, OR
- Vancouver, WA
- Clackamas County, OR
- Clark County, WA
- Columbia County, OR
- Multnomah County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Washington County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Yamhill County, OR
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