Portland, Oregon, is one of the busiest areas in the state, which is why it can be a dangerous area for drivers, especially with the prevalence of trucks on the road. If you have been involved in a truck accident, the main reason for this may have something to do with truck maintenance or the lack thereof.
If you are the victim of a truck accident in Portland, Oregon, you need to hire a truck accident attorney. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of truck accident lawyers has handled hundreds of cases across Portland, Oregon, and can help you prove liability when you file your case.
Keep reading to find out how maintenance failures can contribute to truck accidents and how a truck accident attorney can help.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Oregon?
There are many common causes of truck accidents in Oregon that can victimize other vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, there is an abundance of large commercial trucks that we have to share the roadways with and the proper safety precautions aren’t always taken. This can result in truck accidents with extensive injuries and property damage that can come with life altering consequences.
Here are some common truck accident causes that you should be aware of:
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- A lack of driver training
- Maintenance failure
- Overloading
- Roadway conditions
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Falling asleep at the wheel
As you can see, there are many things that can contribute to a truck accident in Portland that put liability on the other party. Pursuing a truck accident case can be more complex, since it may not just be the truck driver who is at fault; fault may also fall on the trucking company. Because of this, it is critical that you hire a truck accident attorney to represent you so that you get the compensation you deserve.
Why is Maintenance Critical For Truck Safety?
Now that you know what causes truck accidents in Portland, Oregon, you may be wondering why maintenance failures are so common. Commercial trucks are very large vehicles that go through a significant amount of wear and tear on a daily basis. Unlike residential vehicles, these trucks drive thousands upon thousands of miles in a short amount of time, which can take a toll on the different truck components.
The FMCSA requires truck drivers to go through a daily written post-trip inspection report after each day of driving. In this report, the drivers are required to report any defects or deficiencies that they believe could impact the vehicle’s ability to operate safely. Once the motor carrier has received this report, they must make the necessary repairs to ensure the truck is safe to be driven again.
Some examples of the type of maintenance trucks have to go through include:
- Fluid flushes
- Oil changes
- Preventative tire maintenance
- Engine maintenance
- Brake repairs
- Electrical system monitoring
Track maintenance is critical for preventing mechanical failures and spotting any mechanical issues that could lead to accidents in the future. Common accidents that are caused from poor maintenance include things like brake failure, excessive tire wear, wheel and axle misalignment, and tire blowouts. These are all the things that can contribute to serious truck accidents that can lead to extensive property damage, injuries, and even fatalities.
How an Attorney Can Help You Prove Truck Accident Liability
If you are the victim of a truck accident in Portland, you need to take the necessary steps to file a truck accident claim to pursue the compensation you deserve. Receiving a settlement is critical so that you can cover the expenses of property damage and any bodily injuries. The types of compensation you can pursue in Oregon include pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, loss of consortium, property damage, and loss of enjoyment in life.
Before you file a truck accident claim, you need to hire a truck accident lawyer to represent you. The legal system can be quite complex, and an attorney will help you navigate the claim process so that you have the best possible chance of getting the settlement you need. Here are some of the ways a truck accident attorney will help:
- Investigating: A truck accident attorney will handle the process of analyzing how the accident occurred to prove that you were not liable. This includes investigating maintenance records and getting evidence that shows neglect or any skipped repairs that could have contributed to maintenance failures.
- Communication: Communicating with trucking companies or insurance providers can be very overwhelming, especially if they are trying to give you a low settlement offer. Your attorney will handle all communication with the other involved parties so that you do not disclose too much information, get harassed, or accept an unfair offer.
- Representation: If the other parties refuse to provide a fair settlement offer, your attorney can take your claim to court as your representative. They will build a strong case and ensure your rights are upheld throughout the process so that you have the best chance of getting the settlement you need to fully recover.
An attorney can also help you with more complex truck accident cases that may involve joint or several liability. For example, your attorney may discover that fault falls equally on the truck driver as well as the trucking company. This would allow you to sue both parties for the chance of getting a higher settlement amount.
Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
There are many regulations that trucking companies have to follow so that the trucks are operational and do not pose a greater risk to other vehicles on the road. Truck maintenance is a big part of this, as the lack of proper maintenance can lead to truck accidents.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our truck accident attorneys are committed to defending the downtrodden and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve if you are the victim of a truck accident in Portland, Oregon. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
