- \n
- Why Choose A Portland Truck Accident Lawyer From DuBois Law Group?<\/a><\/li>\n
- Compensation In A Portland Truck Accident Claim<\/a><\/li>\n
- Portland Truck Accident Statute Of Limitations\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- Who Is Liable In A Portland Truck Accident?<\/a><\/li>\n
- Essential Evidence In A Portland Truck Accident Case<\/a><\/li>\n
- Common Types Of Truck Accidents In Portland<\/a><\/li>\n
- Portland Truck Accident Injuries<\/a><\/li>\n
- Dealing With Insurance Companies After A Portland Truck Accident\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- Portland Truck Driving Laws<\/a><\/li>\n
- Truck Accident Client Testimonials<\/a><\/li>\n
- Portland Truck Accident Case Results<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Why Choose A Portland Truck Accident From DuBois Law Group?<\/h2>\n
![\"Truck](\"https:\/\/pdxinjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jpg-4.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n- \n
- Our\u00a0accident attorneys in Portland<\/a> have a strong track record of successful settlements and verdicts on vehicle accident cases. We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our truck crash clients.<\/li>\n
- Truck accident cases often result in severe, life-threatening injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Our firm\u2019s medical expenses department and legal representation can connect you to the treatment and specialists you need for your injuries.<\/li>\n
- Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis for maximum affordability. You will only be charged legal fees if we secure compensation on your behalf. To limit your or your loved ones’ out-of-pocket expenses, our Portland truck accident attorneys will take an agreed-upon percentage of your award as payment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How Can You Recover Compensation Through an Insurance Claim?<\/b><\/h2>\n
After being injured in a truck accident, you may find it difficult to concentrate on your physical recovery while trying to deal with an insurance claim. Insurance companies often begin contacting truck accident victims immediately after the accident, asking them to provide a recorded statement.<\/p>\n
In the shock of the accident aftermath, motor vehicle accident victims may unintentionally admit fault in a recorded statement. As a result, the insurance company may use the statement to deny the victim\u2019s claim or offer them an unfairly low amount of compensation. Therefore, working with an experienced Portland truck accident lawyer is essential to receive fair compensation.<\/p>\n
At DuBois Law Group, our truck accident attorneys are familiar with all the tactics insurance companies use to avoid personal injury victims\u2019 claims. We will negotiate with them to obtain compensation for your injuries. When insurance companies engage in bad faith practices, we hold them accountable in court.<\/p>\n
How Long Do You Have to File an Oregon Truck Accident Lawsuit?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
In Oregon, civil lawsuits are subject to laws known as statutes of limitations<\/a>. These rules set filing deadlines for certain types of claims. If you do not file your lawsuit within the appropriate period, the court will likely dismiss your claim\u2014preventing you from recovering the compensation you deserve.<\/p>\n
For truck accident lawsuits, you have two years from the accident date to file your lawsuit. While there are certain exceptions to the statute of limitations, such as situations involving victims under the age of 18, they are not always common. It is important to speak to a Portland truck accident attorney as soon as possible to identify your filing deadline and protect your right to compensation.<\/p>\n
Who Is Liable in a Portland Truck Accident?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Truck accidents can occur due to several factors. In some cases, dangerous weather conditions or poor visibility may lead to collisions. Negligent driving behavior or failure to follow safety regulations may also cause these accidents. Poorly maintained roads, blind spots, vehicle defects, and business negligence could also contribute to these crashes. Identifying the cause of your truck crash is very important\u2014by knowing the cause of your accident, you can identify the at-fault party and know if you have a case.<\/p>\n
![\"Portland](\"https:\/\/pdxinjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jpg-6.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nMultiple parties may be liable for an Oregon truck accident, including the following.<\/p>\n
Truck drivers:<\/h3>\n
If the accident occurred due to negligent driving behavior or violations of federal trucking regulations on the truck driver’s part, he or she would be liable for the accident. Driving under the influence, faulty safety equipment fatigued driving, unsafe lane changes, and reckless driving are common types of examples of truck driver negligence.<\/p>\n
Trucking companies:<\/h3>\n
If the truck driver is an employee of a truck company, his or her employer would also be liable for any accidents he or she causes on the job. Some accidents may also occur due to negligence on behalf of the trucking company; for example, the company may hire unlicensed drivers, encourage truckers to break regulations, or fail to maintain its vehicles. In these situations, the company would be liable for the accident.<\/p>\n
Manufacturers:<\/h3>\n
If the accident occurs due to a defective auto part or a defective truck, or improper maintenance,\u00a0 the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the defective product would be liable for the accident. If this is the case, please contact one of our product liability lawyers in Portland.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
Government agencies:<\/h3>\n
If a government agency is the employer of the truck driver, it may be liable for any accidents these drivers cause while performing their job duties. Additionally, if the accident occurred due to poorly maintained or designed roads, the agency in charge of that road would be liable for the collision, which our premises liability lawyers in Portland<\/a> can also help with.<\/p>\n
If you are unsure who is liable for your accident, the attorneys at DuBois Law Group can help. Our personal injury lawyers in Portland<\/a> will conduct a full investigation into your collision to determine how it occurred. We may also enlist the help of expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists, who can help identify the liable party.<\/p>\n
What Evidence Do You Need in a Truck Accident Injury Claim?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
To prove a trucking accident lawsuit, you will need to gather several types of evidence. For example, the police report created at the accident scene, the testimony of witnesses who saw the accident, and surveillance footage are valuable pieces of evidence. Your medical expenses records will also be critical pieces of evidence in your case.<\/p>\n
![\"Truck](\"https:\/\/pdxinjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3000-2000-max-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\nProving a truck accident claim can be more complex than a typical car accident. This is because the trucking company often has access to many pieces of evidence that could help prove your injury claim. However, the company may be unwilling to provide you with this information to avoid liability. Your Portland injury attorney from DuBois Law Group can use his or her resources, skills, and experience to obtain this evidence from the trucking company and craft a compelling case in your favor.<\/p>\n
Some common pieces of evidence in truck accident lawsuits include the following.<\/p>\n
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- The truck driver\u2019s logs, which include hours-of-service documentation<\/li>\n
- The driver\u2019s work history, driving records, and personnel file<\/li>\n
- Weigh station and loading dock reports<\/li>\n
- Truck inspections reports<\/li>\n
- Black box information<\/li>\n
- On-board computers and GPS devices<\/li>\n
- The truck driver\u2019s phone records<\/li>\n
- Dispatch instructions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Common Truck Accident Injuries<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Commercial trucking vehicles are significantly larger and heavier than the average motor vehicle. As a result, collisions between these trucks and smaller cars, pedestrians, or cyclists can be catastrophic.<\/span><\/p>\n
Victims of truck crashes can suffer from many types of losses, such as the following common injuries:<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- Brain injuries <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
- Amputation injuries\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
- Burn injuries<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
- Spinal cord injuries<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
- Broken bones\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Lacerations and abrasions<\/span><\/li>\n
- Internal organ injuries and bleeding<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you were a pedestrian and were struck by a commercial trucking vehicle, please reach out to our Pedestrian accident lawyers in Portland<\/a> and seek medical attention immediately. We help all forms of injured victims.<\/p>\n
What Are Some Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In Portland?<\/h2>\n
![\"Portland](\"https:\/\/pdxinjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jpg-7-1.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nTruck Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving in Portland<\/b><\/h3>\n
Distracted driving is a common cause of truck accidents in Portland. Drivers are more tempted than ever by electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, iPads, and GPS devices. Even though drivers are aware of the dangers of texting while driving, many Portland drivers continue to text or talk on the phone. Distracted driving does not always involve electronic devices, however. Drivers can become distracted by children, pets, talking to passengers, or merely staring out the window.<\/p>\n
Truck Accidents Caused by Drunk Driving<\/b><\/h3>\n
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to devastating truck accidents. Semi-trucks are more dangerous than passenger vehicles, and it is crucial that truck drivers are alert, rested, and sober when they get on the road. Any kind of impairment, significantly being impaired by drugs or alcohol, can lead to serious injuries or death.<\/p>\n
If you have been involved in a truck accident and you suspect that the semi-truck driver is intoxicated, share your concerns with the law enforcement officer at the scene. The officer may decide to conduct a field sobriety test or breathalyzer test on the truck driver. An experienced Portland drunk driving accident attorney<\/a> can help you gather evidence proving that the truck driver was intoxicated at the time of your accident.<\/p>\n
Truck Accidents Caused by Fatigue in Oregon<\/b><\/h3>\n
Long-haul trucking can be exhausting. Despite Federal Regulations prohibiting truck drivers from driving long stretches, many truck drivers do not take their mandated rest periods. Truck drivers who work as independent contractors are focused on getting as many jobs completed as possible in a short amount of time. They do not get paid unless they complete a job. This system makes it tempting for truck drivers to skip their mandatory rest periods and drive while fatigued.<\/p>\n
Driving while\u00a0fatigued<\/a> is dangerous for anyone, but it is hazardous for truck drivers. Truck driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents in the United States. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, as many as 13% of truck accidents involve fatigue.<\/p>\n
According to the\u00a0Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<\/a>, as many as six thousand deaths are caused by fatigued driving every year. Physical or mental exertion, long hours, and inadequate sleep can all contribute to dangerous truck accidents caused by fatigue. If a fatigued truck driver has injured you, you need a skilled lawyer at your side who will thoroughly investigate your case.<\/p>\n
Other Causes of Truck Accidents in Portland<\/b><\/h3>\n
Drunk driving, distracted driving, and fatigued driving account for many Portland truck accidents. There are various other causes of truck accidents, however. Inclement weather, mechanical failure, or negligent loading of the cargo can also cause truck accidents. Drivers may have been speeding at the time of the accident or making other bad decisions. At DuBois Law Group, our Portland truck accident lawyers thoroughly investigate our clients\u2019 cases to prove the at-fault driver\u2019s negligence.<\/p>\n
If a truck accident resulted in the death of a loved one, please reach out to our wrongful death attorneys in Portland.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
How Do I Prove a Truck Accident Claim in Oregon?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
In a commercial truck accident lawsuit, you will need to provide sufficient evidence that establishes the at-fault party\u2019s negligence. In cases involving negligent drivers or trucking companies, you will need to prove four important elements of your legal rights.<\/p>\n
- \n
- The at-fault party owed you a duty of care.<\/li>\n
- The at-fault party breached his or her duty of care through a negligent act or failure to act.<\/li>\n
- The at-fault party\u2019s breach of duty caused your accident.<\/li>\n
- You sustained damages due to the accident that you can collect in your lawsuit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For example, say that you are driving along a highway when a semi-truck in front of you starts swerving unnaturally. The truck driver suddenly loses control of his or her vehicle and collides with you. In the accident, you sustain broken bones and traumatic brain damage. A subsequent review of the driver\u2019s logs discovers that he violated federal hours-of-service regulations and fell asleep at the wheel.<\/p>\n
In this situation, the driver owed you a duty to follow traffic laws and federal trucking regulations. He breached that duty by driving for a more extended period than federal law allows, which caused him to fall asleep at the wheel. The accident would not have occurred if the driver had taken his required breaks and respected the regulations process. As a result, he is liable for your accident and damages.<\/p>\n
How Insurance Companies Trick You After Motor Vehicle Accidents<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Portlad](\"https:\/\/pdxinjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/849-565-max-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\nOne of the most common questions after a truck accident is whether you should speak to the insurance company. The trucking industry often have insurance carriers that protect their interests in the event of a collision involving their employees.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
It is important to remember that an insurance company must protect its bottom line. Providing a maximum settlement to every client would harm this goal. As a result, insurance policies sometimes employ tactics to limit the compensation that you could claim.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Inconsistent Statements<\/strong><\/h3>\n
After your accident, a representative from the insurance company may contact you and ask for a statement. He or she may claim that providing a statement would help settle your claim faster, or that you are required to provide one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
However, you should never provide a statement or speak to an insurance company until you contact a Portland truck accident attorney. In the days after the accident, you are not likely to have a clear picture of your injuries or damages. You still have a significant amount of investigation and healing to do.<\/span><\/p>\n
By obtaining a statement from you at this stage in your case, the insurance company establishes a record that it can use to compare with future statements. If you learn new information, later on, the insurer can point to discrepancies in your story and potentially use it to deny your claim.<\/span><\/p>\n
Low Settlement Offers<\/strong><\/h3>\n
An insurance company may propose a settlement early in your case. As truck accident claims can take a long time to settle, you might want to accept this offer of financial compensation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
You should not accept any offer before consulting with a lawyer. Your attorney will want you to wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), or the stage where your condition has healed to the furthest possible point.<\/span><\/p>\n
At MMI, you are more likely to know what long-term medical care you will need and the extent of other damages. By accepting an early offer, you may face financial hardship in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n
Oregon Truck Driving Laws<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Truck drivers and trucking companies in Oregon need to follow state law. Oregon law<\/a> states that drivers must adhere to hours-of-service rules, which limit the amount of time that a trucker can operate. Fatigue can contribute to serious truck accidents, so these rules are important.<\/span><\/p>\n
For drivers who drive across state borders, the hours-of-service rules are as follows.<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- Truckers cannot drive more than 11 hours within 14 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Truckers cannot drive after 60 hours of work within seven days or 70 hours over eight days<\/span><\/li>\n
- The 60- or 70-hour period restarts after the driver takes 34 consecutive hours off duty.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Drivers who operate within Oregon must abide by the following rules.<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- Truckers can drive for 12 consecutive hours during a 16-hour workday.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Truckers may not drive after 70 hours within seven days or 80 hours within eight days.<\/span><\/li>\n
- The 60- or 70-hour period restarts after 34 consecutive hours off duty.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Portland Truck Accident Client Testimonials<\/h2>\n
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- ” Minimal meetings and paperwork have been great due to my busy schedule. Everyone was very welcoming, very professional. “<\/li>\n
- “Fast reply to all my questions and concerns, clear and reasonable explanations about my case. Professional, courteous, knowledgeable, responsive, helpful, and patient. “<\/li>\n
- “To have somebody else take care of it when you\u2019re trying to deal with all the things that you have to deal with in relation to the car accident and trying to go to physical therapy and everything else.”<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Truck Accident Case Results In Portland<\/h2>\n
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- $104k received in a truck accident case with a bicyclist<\/li>\n
- $100k in a rear-end collision claim<\/li>\n
- $399k in a rear-end accident involving a truck<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Contact a Portland Truck Accident Lawyer Today<\/b><\/h2>\n
If you have been injured in a Portland truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In Oregon, successful personal injury plaintiffs are entitled to economic damages for their medical bills and treatments, lost wages, and other expenses related to their personal injury cases. They are also entitled to non-economic damages for the pain and suffering they have endured from their injuries. Contact<\/a> the experienced truck accident lawyers at DuBois Law Group today to schedule your free initial consultation and receive the value of compensation you deserve. Call (503) 222-4411 today!<\/p>\n
- Truckers may not drive after 70 hours within seven days or 80 hours within eight days.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Truckers cannot drive after 60 hours of work within seven days or 70 hours over eight days<\/span><\/li>\n
- Truckers cannot drive more than 11 hours within 14 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Amputation injuries\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
- Brain injuries <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
- Compensation In A Portland Truck Accident Claim<\/a><\/li>\n