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Among the hilly highways in the Pacific Northwest is an unfortunate number of truck accidents. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), in 2020 Oregon had 1,889 crashes involving heavy trucks and in 2021 the city of Portland saw a striking 45% increase in traffic accident fatalities.
The impact behind semi truck or 18-wheeler accidents is significant in injuries, fatalities, and overall damages, due to the large size and weight of commercial trucks. It is rare that victims of these devastating collisions survive, and if they do, the injuries are often life-changing. The Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration pulls data to identify the number one cause of truck accidents in Oregon and the cause is typically “driver error.” What does this mean? This means that the majority of truck accidents are caused by the driver, as opposed to another cause like a product defect.
If you were injured because of the negligence of a trucking driver, then you may be entitled to compensation that can help you pay damages, assist your healing, and get you back on your feet. Navigating these damages after a life-altering truck accident can be frightening and disorienting, it is best to contact a team of experienced truck accident attorneys to guide you through the legal process so you can focus on healing. Most importantly, after you ensure your safety from the collision, contact an experienced team of truck accident attorneys before speaking with anybody from the trucking company or their insurance carrier. At Metier Law Firm, we have a team of Oregon truck accident attorneys who have been advocating on behalf of truck accident victims and their families for more than 30 years - we have secured millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients in the process. So, if you’re looking for reliable truck accident attorneys to come to your aid, contact our office for a free, no-obligation consultation. No cost to you unless we win.
Lately, there’s been a continuous increase of population and traffic in the Pacific Northwest, especially in highly-sought after cities, like Portland, which exists on the cross-country highway, interstate-5. Between the growing population and booming businesses in the Pacific Northwest, there is a natural increase of commercial trucks and 18-wheelers on the roads. While these trucks are transporting necessary goods and materials for the economy, they play a large role in fatal traffic accidents.
In addition to a booming population, Oregon’s climate can be rainy and icy throughout a significant portion of the year - icy roads are unideal weather conditions for any driver and the PNW gray skies can contribute to extra sleepiness and drowsiness behind the wheel. Did you know that one of the top three driving errors in Oregon is driver exhaustion?
More semi-trucks and commercial trucks on the highways mean more truck driver errors to watch out for - these are the top truck driver errors involved in devastating truck accidents in Oregon:
If any of the above errors were the direct cause of your Oregon semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to be reimbursed by the responsible party for any expenses related to your injuries. To file an accident claim, it is advisable to seek out the advice and representation of an experienced Lawyer for a trucking accident, like the ones at Metier Law Firm. Contact us, and let our truck accident attorneys help you through your truck accident claim.
It may be hard to do, but if you or a loved one are injured in a large truck accident in Oregon, taking the following steps can greatly increase the chances of a successful judgment or settlement for your future self. After such a severe accident, and after ensuring that you are out of the way of further injury or harm, take the following actions:
Call the emergency medical services and police.
Exchange information with the semi-truck driver and any witnesses on the scene.
Take photos of your injuries, all damages, and the scene of the accident.
Preserve any evidence from the truck accident, including your clothing and shoes.
Schedule a medical examination.
Don’t talk to anyone about your case until you’ve contacted an experienced commercial truck accident attorney.
A collision with a large semi-truck or 18-wheeler is a terrifying and disorienting experience. Afterward, it is often difficult for victims to think rationally on what steps to take next, and it is unlikely they will be thinking about what they can do to help their future self get the compensation they need to move on.
At Metier Law Firm, we have helped big truck accident victims throughout the PNW in Oregon and Washington - we are confident we can help you, too. Together, we can hold the driver and the company they work for accountable for their recklessness and negligence. Call our dedicated legal truck accident attorneys today for your complimentary case consultation.
Like any collision, Oregon truck accidents can become complicated when determining who is at fault and which damages need to be recovered. Under Oregon law, the actions and negligence of the truck drivers are put upon the trucking company. While the driver made the error that caused the accident, the employer of the driver is responsible for their employee’s actions. There are other affiliated parties that could be responsible for the injuries or fatalities of your family, but typically the responsibility falls on the trucking company.
Oregon law and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires trucking companies operating in the state to carry specific insurance, so more often than not it is the insurance company that victims and their lawyers deal with, not that of the driver. These insurers are typically quite reluctant to pay out fair settlements, so having a personal injury attorney who has seen their tactics before, like the ones at Metier Law Firm have, is extremely helpful toward receiving the compensation you deserve.These legalities can feel overwhelming after such a crisis, so it is advised to contact a team of Oregon truck accident attorneys to make this process less challenging for you. Call our Lawyers of the West at Metier Law Firm to take the first steps in gaining the compensation and justice you deserve. No cost to you unless we win.
Since 1986, Metier Law Firm has been standing with the victims of tractor-trailer, big-rig, and semi-truck accidents throughout Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming. We have a team of truck accident attorneys with a rich history of standing up to negligent trucking companies and their insurers. If you or a family member is hurt or killed in a collision with a semi-truck or commercial truck, we will advocate for you to get the maximum compensation you deserve.
Call us at (866) 377-3800, or visit our Oregon office in Portland to speak with our compassionate legal team about your Oregon truck accident and how we can help.
The moments following a devastating truck accident can be scary, and you may feel confused on what steps to take next. Simply, seek medical attention and once you ensure that you’re safe, then you must contact a reliable truck accident attorney who can guide you through gaining the justice and compensation you’re entitled to.
Generally, Oregon truck accident settlements can be paid out in one of two ways: the settlement can be paid in a one-time large sum, or it can be paid through a series of scheduled payments, commonly known as Structured settlement annuities. Structured settlements can be adjusted to fit the needs of the individual’s situation and are a popular choice for victims of truck accident collisions in Oregon.
It is best to not call the insurance company of the truck driver or trucking company that caused your collision. Insurance companies often take advantage of truck accident victims when they’re most vulnerable and it is not fair to you. To ensure you get compensated and treated fairly, contact an expert Oregon truck accident attorney who can assist you through the process.
There are a lot of unforeseen factors that can contribute to Oregon truck accidents, but these are the top factors you should be cautious of, leading to dangerous collisions:
The sad truth is that all of these factors cause tragic semi-truck accidents that cause severe injuries and loss in Portland and other cities throughout Oregon. If you are the victim of a semi-truck wreck due to the negligence of a trucking driver, contact an experienced Oregon truck accident lawyer to advocate and assist you in healing.
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