Portland Commercial Trucking Accident Lawyer

What Causes Commercial Trucking Accidents?

Commercial truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, many trucking accidents result from negligence, leading to preventable harm for innocent individuals. Common causes of trucking accidents due to negligence include: 

• Distracted driving: This is one of the most common causes of trucking accidents. Examples include using a cell phone, eating, or simply not paying attention to the road. Any momentary lapse in focus can lead to disastrous consequences.
• Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, leading to fatigue. This can slow reaction times, impair decision-making abilities, and even cause drivers to fall asleep at the wheel.
• Reckless driving: Some truck drivers may resort to speeding or reckless driving to meet tight deadlines. This dangerous behavior significantly increases the likelihood of an accident.
• Improper loading: Trucks should be loaded following specific safety guidelines. If a truck is improperly loaded, it can lead to instability, making it harder to control and increasing the chance of an accident.
• Insufficient maintenance: Trucks require routine maintenance to ensure they are safe for the road. Failure to properly maintain a truck can lead to mechanical failures, which can cause accidents.

Common Injuries in Commercial Trucking Accidents

Some of the most common injuries sustained in commercial trucking accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): The force of a collision can cause severe head injuries, ranging from concussions to more serious brain trauma. TBIs could have long-term effects on cognitive function, memory, and personality.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Harm to the spinal cord can result in partial or full paralysis. These injuries often require comprehensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, significantly impacting the victim's quality of life.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact of a trucking accident can easily lead to broken bones and fractures, which may require surgical intervention and lengthy recovery periods.
• Internal Injuries: The force of a crash can cause damage to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding and other life-threatening conditions that necessitate immediate medical attention.
• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Even at lower speeds, the sudden jolt from a collision may cause whiplash and other neck injuries, resulting in chronic pain and limited mobility.
• Burns and Lacerations: Truck accidents can cause fires and explosions, leading to severe burns. Additionally, shattered glass and metal debris can result in deep cuts and lacerations.

Who Is Liable in a Commercial Trucking Accident?

Liability is a legal term that refers to who is responsible or at fault for the accident. When at-fault parties are found liable in court, they must compensate victims for damages and injuries resulting from their negligence. 

Determining liability in a commercial trucking accident can be complex due to the number of parties involved. Foster Law can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident to identify all liable parties and bring them to justice, maximizing the value of your claim to recover total damages. 

Various parties can be held liable in a commercial trucking accident, including: 

• The truck driver: If the driver was negligent or violated traffic laws, they can be liable for resulting injuries.
• The trucking company: The company employing the truck driver may be liable if they fail to comply with legal regulations, such as enforcing required rest periods or conducting routine vehicle inspections and maintenance.
• The manufacturer: If a defect in the truck or one of its components contributed to the accident, such as faulty brakes, defective tires, or flawed safety equipment, then the manufacturer may be liable for the accident.
• Cargo loaders: The workers who load cargo onto the truck may be liable in an accident if it occurred due to improper loading practices, such as if the cargo was unevenly distributed or exceeded weight limits.
• Maintenance providers: If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure that should have been reasonably detected and fixed during routine maintenance, the maintenance provider can be liable for resulting injuries.

Remember, determining liable parties can vary greatly depending on the specific details of the accident. It’s imperative to seek sound counsel from an experienced trucking accident attorney to gain a better understanding of your legal options. Our seasoned lawyer can help you pursue damages effectively and efficiently.