GPS error truck accidents in Portland are more common than you may think since truck drivers are often very dependent on GPS directions. Combine GPS misleads with drivers who are navigating unfamiliar roadways, and you may have a recipe for disaster.
If you are the victim of a GPS truck accident in Portland, OR, you need to hire a truck accident attorney to represent your case. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of truck accident attorneys has extensive experience handling truck accident cases and can help you prove fault and get the compensation you deserve.
Keep reading to find out how GPS errors can contribute to truck driver wrong-turn accidents and how to determine who’s at fault in a GPS crash in Oregon.
GPS Misleads: Common Accident Scenarios
Many commercial truck drivers rely on GPS systems to get to where they need to go in the most timely manner possible. And although this is very useful most of the time, GPS systems can provide faulty information or misleads, which can result in wrong route semi-truck accidents.
Here are some examples of the common truck accident scenarios involving GPS systems:
- Wrong turns
- Low bridges
- Residential roads
- Narrow roads
- One-way streets
GPS misleads also aren’t solely to blame for causing truck accidents. Generally speaking, truck drivers may become less aware when driving with a GPS system, especially if they are navigating unfamiliar roadways. GPS systems can also contribute to distracted driving since truck drivers may be more focused on the GPS directions than on the road ahead of them.
Who is Liable in GPS-Related Truck Accidents?
If you are the victim of a GPS error truck accident in Portland, Oregon, you have every right to file a claim. The only issue with this is that proving liability can be quite complex, especially in scenarios where GPS misleads resulted in or contributed to the accident.
Truck accident cases are already more complex since there are multiple parties that can be held liable. And in scenarios where the GPS system contributed to the accident, you may be wondering if the GPS manufacturer can also be held liable.
Unfortunately, holding a GPS manufacturing company liable for misleads or errors is very unlikely. This is because the manufacturer does not usually provide protection for user negligence, and it can be very difficult to prove that the GPS system held more liability than the truck driver.
Because of this, fault will usually be placed on either the truck driver or the trucking company or both. The truck driver may be liable due to negligent or reckless driving, and the trucking company may be reliable for not providing adequate training or providing safety protocols.
Proving Truck Accident Liability
Since it is very unlikely that you can hold a GPS manufacturing company liable for a truck accident, you will need to establish liability on the side of the truck driver or trucking company. To do this, you need to gather documentation for when you file your claim, such as:
- Witness testimony
- Expert testimony
- Surveillance footage
- Dash cam footage
- Blackbox data
- Photographs
- Medical documentation
What to Do If You’re the Victim of a GPS Truck Accident
Getting into a truck accident can come with serious ramifications, especially if you sustain injuries. To protect yourself and your right to compensation, there are certain steps you should follow directly after a GPS-related truck accident.
Call 911
After getting into a truck accident, the first thing you need to do is call 911 to report the accident and request medical attention. You and your passengers should be checked out by a medical professional, even if you do not feel or see any immediate injuries.
When you call 911, law enforcement will also arrive at the scene and create a police report, which you can use later when you file your claim.
Exchange Information
If you are not seriously injured, the next step you need to take is to exchange information with the truck driver. You are legally required to do this, if at all possible, and will need this information so that you can report the accident to your insurance carrier.
However, if you are injured and aren’t able to do this, all of the information you need will be in the police report, which you can access later on.
Gather Documentation
Again, if you are not seriously injured, you can also begin gathering documentation at the scene of the collision. Doing so allows you to capture evidence while it is still fresh.
Photograph any property damage and injuries, and look around to see if there are any surveillance cameras nearby that could have captured the accident. You can also exchange information with any witnesses who may have seen what happened.
Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Truck accidents due to GPS error in Portland can be very severe since these are large vehicles that can cause an extensive amount of property damage and physical injuries. Because of this, it is very likely that you need to prove negligence in a GPS truck crash so that you can get a settlement to cover your damages.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our experienced truck accident lawyers are committed to defending the downtrodden and helping victims of truck accidents get the compensation they are entitled to. For expert legal assistance from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
FAQ:
Can a truck driver blame GPS for causing a crash?
Even if a GPS misleads the truck driver and contributes to the crash, it is very unlikely that the GPS manufacturing company can be held liable. This is due to the fact that the truck driver is still responsible for maintaining safe driving practices, even if they are not adequately directed by the GPS system.
Is the GPS company ever legally liable?
Not usually, as drivers are still required to drive safely and follow driving laws.
What should I do if I was injured by a misdirected truck?
Seek immediate medical attention, keep track of all of your medical documentation, and hire an attorney to help you file a truck accident claim.