Although not the most common type of truck accident, bridge strikes can come with devastating consequences. When a truck hits a bridge in Portland, OR, this can set off a chain of events, potentially injuring many individuals.
So, if you have been injured from falling debris from a truck crash, you need to get the help of a Portland truck injury lawyer. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of truck accident lawyers has experience handling truck accident claims, helping victims get the compensation they deserve.
Keep reading to find out who is at fault if a truck hits a bridge in Portland, OR, and the steps you need to take after the accident.
What Causes Bridge Strikes?
Before we discussed the possible ramifications of low-clearance truck crashes in Oregon, why do these accidents happen? Even though bridge strikes aren’t as common as other types of truck accidents, they can be severe.
Here are some common scenarios that can lead to these types of accidents:
- Driver error: Truck drivers may not see, misread, or ignore clearance signs when passing under a bridge. Also, they may not accurately know the height of their load or drive too quickly.
- Clearance height errors: Trucks should have a specific height so that the driver knows what clearance levels are safe. If the truck’s cargo or trailer is higher than it should be, this can result in the driver unknowingly going under a bridge without enough space. Additionally, the clearance sign may be incorrect or difficult to read.
- Inaccurate GPS information: The truck driver may rely on a GPS system, which could provide incorrect information, or it may not be designed for a semi-truck.
- Maintenance issues: Poor vehicle maintenance can contribute to bridge strikes if the vehicle doesn’t respond correctly or sits higher than it should.
Dangers of Commercial Truck Bridge Strikes in Portland, OR
When a truck hits a bridge in Portland, OR, the consequences can be serious. Semi trucks are incredibly large and capable of doing a great deal of damage, especially when other vehicles are involved.
Bridge strikes can damage the infrastructure of the bridge, leading to possible bridge failure. Falling debris is also a significant hazard for nearby vehicles, even if they didn’t collide with the truck itself.
Some bridge strike accidents can be as mild as the bridge simply swiping part of the bridge structure, mainly damaging the truck itself. How extensive the accident is will depend on what led to the collision, the other vehicles involved, and how fast the truck was going.
Who Is Liable For a Bridge Strike Accident?
Truck accident cases can be notoriously difficult since the liable parties may not always be cooperative. However, the good news is that there are multiple parties you can hold liable for a bridge strike or GPS error truck accident in Portland. This will be dependent on the situation and what led to the accident, but some of the possible liable parties include:
- Truck driver: For failing to heed height warning signs, check the truck’s clearance, or choose a safe route.
- Trucking company: For not training truck drivers, not maintaining the vehicle, or providing faulty route instructions.
- Government agencies/road authorities: For providing faulty or unclear height signage.
- Cargo loaders: For improperly loading cargo, resulting in it being taller than expected.
- GPS providers: For providing faulty information to the driver.
Keep in mind that holding a GPS provider liable, at best, will only result in partial liability. Also, the same rule applies if you want to hold government agencies or road authorities liable, as this can be quite difficult.
Either way, no matter who you hold liable for the accident, you need to hire a Portland truck injury lawyer to represent you. They can help you figure out who was at fault and who you should pursue when filing a claim for damages.
What Victims Should Do After a Truck Hits a Bridge
The good news for victims of bridge strike accidents is that the process of filing a claim isn’t overly complicated. In fact, you will follow the same basic process as you would with any other type of truck accident.
Firstly, you need to get medical care, even if you don’t notice any immediate injuries. From there, you should hire a truck accident attorney to represent you and help you with the process of filing your claim. An attorney will handle all negotiations on your behalf so that you aren’t pushed around by the trucking company or insurance carrier.
You will also need to track down evidence to prove who was at fault for the accident. Here are some examples of the types of evidence you should include with your claim to prove fault as well as prove your damage:
- Medical bills
- Doctor’s notes
- Blackbox data
- Truck driver logs
- GPS information
- Vehicle maintenance logs
- Police report
- Witness statements
- Video footage
- Photos of injuries and the collision scene
- X-rays or other forms of diagnosis
Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Experiencing an overpass accident injury in Portland, Oregon, can have a devastating impact on your life. For this reason, it’s crucial that you pursue compensation to cover things like medical expenses and time off work.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our experienced Portland truck injury lawyers are committed to defending the downtrodden and helping victims get the settlement they deserve. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
FAQ Section
Can I sue if my car was hit by falling debris?
Yes. You have the right to sue the liable party if they are directly responsible for the falling debris.
Is the trucking company liable for striking the overpass?
They can be. This is usually the case if they didn’t train drivers adequately, didn’t maintain the truck, or they gave the driver faulty route instructions.
What if the city failed to mark clearance properly?
In this case, you can usually hold a government agency or road authority responsible or at least partially responsible.