The possibility of getting into a truck accident with a speeding truck can be very daunting for those navigating Oregon roads. Due to their size and weight, trucks pose a variety of risks to other drivers, specifically when they are driving recklessly.
If you have been a victim of a truck accident in Oregon, you need to hire a truck accident attorney who can advocate on your behalf. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of auto accident lawyers has handled hundreds of truck accident cases across Oregon and can help you file a claim so that you get the compensation you deserve.
Keep reading to find out why speeding truck drivers are so dangerous and the things that can contribute to speeding and reckless driving.
Why Do Truck Drivers Speed?
It is very well-known that trucks create a much more significant risk for other drivers if they are not operating correctly. These are very large commercial vehicles, and there are rules in place to ensure that trucking companies maintain specific safety standards. These rules often include things like electronic logging devices, break times, and training requirements for truck drivers.
However, even though there are specific rules in place to hold trucking companies and truck drivers accountable, this still doesn’t prevent speeding and dangerous driving. Trucking companies may not enforce safety practices and may not train their drivers adequately for them to know how to operate the truck safely. Some truck drivers may also be on tight deadlines and speed in order to get to their final destination on time.
Additionally, truck drivers may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or may be experiencing driver fatigue, which can make it difficult to operate the vehicle safely.
Specific Dangers of Speeding Trucks
The dangers of speeding while driving are much more severe when it comes to large trucks since they already create additional risks for others on the road. Speeding in and of itself is dangerous, but it can be a recipe for disaster when combined with other dangerous road conditions. For instance, speeding in bad weather can cause the truck to lose control and strike other vehicles.
Speeding can also result in load shifting, which can result in the driver losing control of the truck as the load swings from one side to the other. Because of how heavy trucks are, speeding will also make it more difficult to get the truck to stop within a reasonable amount of time, which can result in rear end accidents. Even if the driver is adequately trained, trucks can be challenging to control, which is why speeding will ultimately increase the chance of any type of truck accident.
Some common truck accidents due to speeding include things such as:
- Rollovers
- Rear end collisions
- T-bone accident
- Wide turn accidents
- Sideswipes
- Head on collisions
If you have been a victim of a truck accident due to speeding, it is very likely that you have the right to receive compensation. You need to hire a truck accident attorney in Oregon who can help you file your claim, negotiate with the involved parties, and build a strong case if necessary.
Injuries Associated With Speeding and Reckless Driving
The unfortunate reality for those in Oregon is that many truck accidents result in fatalities due to the size and weight of the trucks. This risk will be significantly increased depending on the type of accident and how fast both vehicles were going at the time of the collision. Even more mild truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries that could result in permanent disabilities and long-term medical bills.
Here are some examples of common truck accident-related injuries drivers may experience:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Whiplash
- Flesh wounds
- Internal injuries
- Amputations
- Disfigurement
In order to prove the extent of your injuries after the accident, you will need to keep a record of things like medical bills, doctors notes, receipts, and evidence of emergency room or doctor visits. This evidence can help to prove the extent of your injuries as well as the financial implications after the accident.
Are Speeding Truck Drivers Always Negligent?
If you have been the victim of a speeding truck driver, you may be wondering if this means that the driver is automatically negligent. The good news is that there are several ways of proving that the driver was speeding at the time of the collision. Some ways of proving this include examining the truck, skidmarks, nearby surveillance cameras, dash cams, and eyewitnesses testimonies.
Truck accident cases can be unique in that there may be multiple parties at fault for your injuries. On the surface the driver will usually be found negligent but there may be extenuating factors that could result in the trucking company also being found at fault.
For instance, the trucking company may not have looked into the driver’s background to ensure they didn’t have a history of reckless driving. Or the trucking company may have pressured the driver to reach a specific destination within a very short time frame.
You will need to hire a truck accident attorney in Oregon who can help you gather evidence and file your claim. They will act as your advocate, ensuring the most critical evidence is included in your case so that you have the best possible chance of getting the compensation you need to make a full recovery.
Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
If you have sustained injuries in a truck accident, it is very likely that this experience will come with life-altering implications. Truck accident injuries are often quite severe and can leave you with chronic health problems and excessive medical bills, which is why getting a fair settlement is so crucial.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our truck accident lawyers are committed to defending the downtrodden and advocating on behalf of truck accident victims in Oregon. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
