Handling Investigations, Claims, Lawsuits & More
Every day, commercial trucks and big rigs are on the road with other vehicles. If the truck drivers and trucking companies that manage them don’t prioritize safety, the vehicles can become extremely dangerous to anyone else on the road due to their large size and weight. If you have been hurt in a truck accident in Salem, Oregon, the experienced attorneys at Pacific Cascade Legal can help. We understand how feeling overwhelmed and confused about your rights can slow you down. We’re here to answer your questions and make sure that your case keeps moving.
No matter if your truck accident was due to mechanical failure, equipment malfunction, improper training, or driver negligence, we have the knowledge to litigate these complex cases. Our lawyers can fight hard for justice on your behalf and make sure that your rights are respected throughout the entire process.
Email our firm or dial (503) 427-9033 to ask for an initial truck accident claim consultation.
Determining the Cause of the Truck Accident
When it comes to truck accidents, the cause is not always immediately evident. To investigate a truck accident and properly determine its cause, our attorneys can examine evidence such as driver logs and records, maintenance reports, vehicle inspections, company policies, and more. We can also request witness testimony or hire experts to analyze accident reconstructions or technical details. This type of thorough investigation can provide valuable information that helps prove liability so that you can receive the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and other losses.
Our investigation could uncover that the truck accident was caused by:
- Distracted or impaired driving, such as texting or talking on the phone while driving.
- Excessive speed for road conditions.
- Mechanical failures, such as tire blowouts or brake malfunctions.
- Improperly loaded cargo that shifts unexpectedly and causes the driver to lose control.
- Poor vehicle maintenance that leads to mechanical issues with brakes, tires, etc.
- Inadequate driver training for the safe operation of the vehicle in all situations.
- Bad weather conditions that should have prompted the truck driver to pull over and wait.
Trucking Company Negligence
A trucking company can be held liable for the accidents caused by its truck drivers if negligence is found on behalf of the company. This may include negligent hiring, failure to properly train or supervise drivers, or a lack of adequate equipment maintenance. Furthermore, if the truck driver was an independent contractor rather than an employee of the trucking company, the company may still be liable for any wrongdoing committed by the driver related to their work for that company due to strict employer liability laws.
FMCSA Regulations & Violations
Violating Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations can result in a truck accident as these rules are put in place to ensure that drivers and their vehicles adhere to safety standards. FMCSA violations can include failure to perform required vehicle inspections, exceeding the maximum allowable hours of service without taking a break, or getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Neglecting to abide by these regulations can put all other motorists at risk and increase the likelihood of an accident occurring.
Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
A commercial truck accident is more likely to result in catastrophic injuries than an average car accident due to the sheer size and weight of the truck. The large size of trucks makes it difficult for truck drivers to maneuver quickly, making them less able to avoid collisions with other vehicles. Furthermore, when a collision does occur between a truck and another vehicle, the force of the impact is much greater than that of a car-to-car collision due to the size difference, which can lead to more serious injuries for all involved.
Serious injuries caused by truck accidents can include:
- Fractures
- Head trauma
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Lacerations and bruises
- Psychological trauma
What is a Truck Accident Claim Worth?
Our Salem truck accident attorneys can calculate the damages owed to you by assessing the extent of tangible and intangible losses. We can work with financial experts and medical professionals to learn just how much your day-to-day life and livelihood will be impacted by the injury and its lasting consequences. The goal from the start is to get you the most compensation possible, whether that is secured through a settlement or a court award after litigation.
Economic damages include:
- Medical expenses related to the accident such as hospital bills, doctor fees, and prescription costs.
- Lost wages due to missing work while recovering from the accident.
- Property damage caused by the accident.
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident.
- Emotional distress suffered after the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to physical or mental trauma resulting from the accident.
We’re Ready to Help – Call Any Time
The process of filing a truck accident claim can be complicated and overwhelming. It is important to have access to experienced and knowledgeable professionals who can help guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected, like our Salem truck accident lawyers of Pacific Cascade Legal. We’re ready to step in and take over, so you can just focus on taking care of yourself.
Please contact us today to arrange an initial consultation.