Any type of truck accident can come with devastating consequences, especially for the smaller vehicle involved. But the risks become that much greater with multi-vehicle truck accidents in Portland.
So, if you’re the victim of a truck crash involving multiple cars, you need to seek the help of a Portland semi-truck accident lawyer. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of truck accident lawyers has extensive experience handling truck accident claims across Oregon, even if multiple parties are at fault.
Keep reading to find out what causes multi-vehicle truck accidents in Portland and what your rights are when filing a claim.
When Multi-Truck Accidents Can Occur
Thankfully, multi-vehicle truck accidents in Portland are not incredibly common. However, these types of crashes can occur, involving multiple other vehicles, and leading to significant damage and physical injuries.
And although every truck accident is unique, there are a few common scenarios that can cause these types of collisions:
- Distracted driving: If drivers are distracted, they may not notice a collision up ahead, resulting in a chain reaction.
- Speeding: If drivers are speeding, they won’t be able to react as quickly to stop a pile-up from occurring.
- Drowsy driving: If drivers are fatigued or falling asleep at the wheel, they are less likely to react quickly to prevent colliding with the vehicles in front of them.
- Aggressive driving: Drivers who are tailgating or driving erratically are more likely to contribute to pile-ups either directly or indirectly.
Keep in mind that not all chain reaction truck accidents can be prevented. Sometimes there simply isn’t enough time for other vehicles to react to prevent colliding with the vehicles in front of them. Or if trucks or vehicles swerve, they may strike vehicles in other lanes before the drivers have a chance to react.
How to Prove Liability When Filing a Claim With Multiple Parties
Oregon is an at-fault state, which means that you can hold the at-fault driver liable for your damages after a chain reaction crash. This is different from no-fault states, which essentially require drivers to fall back on their own insurance policies rather than seeking damages from other drivers.
Additionally, Oregon uses comparative negligence to determine who holds the highest percentage of fault if multiple parties are involved. For multi-car accidents specifically, this is usually necessary since many of the drivers may hold some degree of fault for another driver’s damages.
For example, you may be 30% at fault for the accident, which would reduce your right to compensation down to 70%. Because of how comparative negligence works, it’s essential that you are able to prove who is the most at fault so that you can still pursue damages.
Here are some examples of the types of evidence you can use to prove liability:
- Police reports
- Traffic citations
- Eyewitness statements
- Medical records
- Collision scene photos
- Dashcam and surveillance footage
- Blackbox data
- Truck driver logs
- Truck maintenance logs
Steps to Take Directly After a Multi-Truck Accident in Portland
All Portland residents should take certain steps after being involved in a chain reaction truck crash. These steps are meant to protect you, ensuring you aren’t seriously injured, as well as protect your right to pursue compensation later on.
- Call 911: After checking on your passengers and navigating off of the road, if possible, you should call 911. Calling 911 allows you to report the accident as well as request an ambulance.
- Exchange information: You are legally required to exchange information with all of the involved parties, unless you are seriously injured. However, take care that you do not discuss the accident with any of the other drivers when you do this.
- Collect evidence: If you aren’t injured, directly after the accident is one of the best times to collect evidence. Get the information of any eyewitnesses, take photos of injuries and the collision scene, and make note of any surveillance cameras in the area.
- Get medical care: If you aren’t seriously injured, you can get medical care after the accident. Ideally, you should do this the same day or the very next day at either an emergency room, an urgent care clinic, or your doctor.
- Hire an attorney: Although you don’t need to hire an attorney immediately after an accident, this is something that you should do as soon as possible. An attorney can help you gather evidence to prove liability, file your claim, and negotiate with all of the involved parties and insurance carriers.
- File your claim: Your attorney can help you file a strong claim that includes evidence proving liability. Keep in mind that claims involving multiple parties may take more time, as each insurance carrier will want to do its own investigation.
Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Car crashes involving multiple parties in Oregon can feel complex since more than one driver may be at fault for the accident. Especially when the crash involves a commercial semi-truck, you may run into issues trying to communicate with the trucking company or insurance provider.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our experienced Portland semi-truck accident lawyers are committed to defending the downtrodden and helping our clients get the settlement they are entitled to. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
FAQ Section
Who pays after a pile-up crash in Oregon?
Each involved driver may be held responsible for their percentage of fault for the accident. This means that you will not have to rely on your own insurance policy to cover your damages.
Do I need my own lawyer in a multi-car crash?
Yes. It is absolutely imperative that you seek legal representation from a truck accident lawyer to ensure you get the settlement you deserve. A lawyer can help you file your claim as well as handle all negotiations with the involved parties and their insurance carriers.
What if the trucking company blames someone else?
Gathering evidence is crucial for proving liability so that blame isn’t redirected to other drivers. It’s also important to remember that most drivers in multi-car crashes may hold some percentage of fault, but not all of it.