Portland Truck Accident Lawyers

EXPERIENCED TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING INJURED PERSONS IN THE GREATER PORTLAND, OREGON AREA

Did you or someone you love get into a truck accident in Portland? If so, you already know the devastation that often follows these traumatic accidents. In the blink of an eye, you may face an uncertain future with disabilities and impairments you never imagined.

When this happens, it is important to know that you are not alone. At Schauermann Thayer, our Portland truck accident attorneys offer caring and compassionate legal guidance after serious crashes. We know how to handle large trucking companies and their insurers. If you need to bring your case to court, we are seasoned litigators with nearly 40 years of experience doing so.

To learn more about your legal options and explore your rights to compensation, call us to schedule a free initial consultation. You can contact us today by filling out a contact form, or calling now (360) 695-4244 to schedule a free consultation.

Top Causes of Truck Accidents in Portland

A truck accident is any type of crash involving a commercial truck, such as an 18-wheeler, big rig, tractor-trailer, Amazon or FedEx delivery truck, tanker, or garbage truck. These commercial vehicles spend a lot of time on our community’s roads delivering goods and providing services. When they get into an accident, however, they can cause significant injury and damage.

There are many causes of truck accidents in Portland, but some are more common than others.

• Driver error: This is the most common cause of truck accidents. Drivers may be tired, distracted, or simply not paying attention, which can lead to severe accidents. Driver error includes:
  • Distracted driving;
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
  • Driver fatigue;
  • Speeding ;
  • Reckless driving; and/or
  • Road rage.
• Poor road conditions: Bad roads can make it difficult for trucks to stay on the roadway, leading to accidents. Cities, states, and counties may be responsible for maintaining the roadway. When they fail to do so, they can bear liability for the accident.
• Mechanical problems: If a truck’s brakes fail or another mechanical problem occurs, it can lead to an accident.
• Weather: Snow, rain, sleet, and ice can make the roads unsafe for large commercial vehicles. When drivers do not take necessary safety precautions, truck accidents can occur.
• Cargo shift or unsecured load: If a truck’s cargo shifts or is not secured properly, it can cause the truck to lose control and crash.

These are just some of the most common causes of truck accidents. If you got injured in a truck accident, it is crucial to speak with an experienced attorney at Schauermann Thayer. We can investigate your truck accident carefully to determine what caused the accident and who may be liable for your injuries.

Types of Truck Accidents

At Schauermann Thayer, our lawyers have successfully represented injured truck accident victims throughout Portland. From jackknife accidents to rear-end collisions, we know that no two truck accidents are ever quite the same. However, here are some of the more common types of truck accident cases we can handle.

• Head-on collisions: These accidents often occur when a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel or drives recklessly. Head-on collisions can be extremely dangerous and often result in serious injuries or even death.
• Jackknife accidents: Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer of a truck swings outward and collides with another vehicle. Sudden braking, swerving, and cargo shifts can cause these accidents.
• Rollover accidents: Speeding, improper loading, or defective tires are the most common causes of rollover accidents.
• Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions often occur because of distracted driving or following too closely. These can be serious accidents because they often involve high speeds and sudden stops.
• Side-impact collisions: Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, occur when the side of a truck collides with the side of another vehicle.

Who Is Liable for Truck Accidents?

Trucking accidents are often complex. At first, it may seem like an irresponsible truck driver causing your crash is pretty straightforward. However, through extensive investigation, our law firm can identify all parties that might bear liability. In many truck accidents, several entities may share the blame for the accident, including:

• The truck driver: If the truck driver is at fault for the accident, they can face liability for any damages caused.
• The trucking company: If the trucking company is negligent in hiring or training the driver, failed to maintain the truck properly, or violated any safety regulations, it can face liability for the accident.
• The truck manufacturer: If there was a defect in the truck or its parts that caused the accident, then the manufacturer may be held liable.
• The loading or shipping company: If the company that loaded the truck overloaded it or failed to secure the load correctly, they may be held liable for the accident.
• Other parties: There may be other parties that could be held liable for a truck accident, such as the truck owner or the government entity responsible for maintaining the road.

Contact Our Portland Truck Accident Lawyers Today

If you suffered harm in a truck accident in Portland, you may need to speak to an experienced truck accident lawyer at Schauermann Thayer. We know the uphill battle you face trying to collect fair compensation. Let us help.

It can be critical to involve an attorney, as soon as possible after your injury, so we can preserve critical evidence.  For example, the dash camera video or black box data from the at-fault truck driver’s truck may be destroyed or lost if not preserved.

Contact Schauermann Thayer to explore your legal options in a free consultation. You can contact us today by filling out a contact form, or calling now (360) 695-4244 to schedule a free consultation.