Commercial truck accidents are different from normal car accidents. Physically the collisions are different due to the size of the commercial vehicles involved in these accidents, whether it be a tractor-trailer, box truck, dump truck, or any of the other types of commercial vehicle. Legally the accidents are different due to the insurance policies and laws covering commercially operated vehicles. The experienced attorneys at Johnson Law know how to build your case while enabling you to focus on recovering from your injuries. We offer free consultations. Give us a call (971-205-3266) and talk about your case with one of our award-winning personal injury attorneys.
Settlement negotiations for a trucking accident claim begin in earnest after three things occur. First, fault is assigned. Second, any injuries have been properly documented. Third, future treatment needs are established. Then settlement negotiations can begin on a trucking accident claim. Negotiations occur exclusively between the insurance adjusters and the attorneys at Johnson Law so that the injured victim can concentrate on fully recovering and putting their life back together. The clients of Johnson Law are updated throughout the entire process as much as they desire.
Portland Truck Accidents
Beaverton Truck Accidents
Hillsboro Truck Accidents
Washington County
Multnomah County
Clackamas County
Vancouver Truck Accidents
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An attorney who is experienced with truck accidents knows establishing fault early is imperative to protecting his or her client(s). Trucking companies are extremely aggressive about surveying and documenting the accident scene of every major truck crash. It is not uncommon to see crash reconstructions and even insurance defense attorneys immediately dispatched to truck accidents that result in catastrophic injuries or death. If you or a family member was hurt in a trucking accident, there is no reason to have the deck stacked against you. Call the experienced truck accident attorneys at Johnson Law. We will conduct our own investigation to uncover the true cause of the accident. Do not simply rely on the word of a biased insurance adjuster. They often claim the at-fault truck driver was not responsible for the accident. You deserve justice for the injuries you or your loved ones sustained.
The attorneys at Johnson Law use investigative resources, including private investigators and accident reconstruction experts to gather the pertinent facts in order to fully evaluate a truck accident. Eyewitness statements can be gathered and physical evidence obtained. Sometimes a broken bulb from a headlight that was smashed in the accident and found alongside the road can be the difference between an insurance company accepting or denying liability. In many situations, the insurance companies are the ones with access to needed evidence and in that case, a preservation letter needs to be promptly sent directing the insurance company to save certain evidence.
Trucks are often referred to as semis, big rigs, or eighteen-wheelers. Whatever the descriptive term, trucks represent one of the greatest risks for catastrophic injury on the highways and byways of Portland. This is especially the case in Portland since the Port of Portland has virtually ceased shipping to East Asia. This was the result of a highly publicized withdrawal by several major shipping companies from the Port of Portland Terminal 6. A major consequence of this withdrawal is further traffic congestion on the major highways of Portland, especially I-5 North to Vancouver and Washington, caused by trucks carrying goods for export to shipping terminals in Washington State. More trucks on the road, especially during peak rush hours, is a recipe for disaster on the already overcrowded highways of the Portland Metro area. If you were injured in a truck accident, it is important to protect your legal rights by consulting with a truck accident lawyer at Johnson Law as soon as possible.
There are many types of commercial vehicles that could be involved in a personal injury matter. Among the largest are "18 Wheeler trucks". They are called 18 wheeler trucks due to the fact that in total a truck and trailer will have 18 wheels. These trucks carry very large and heavy loads. The damage they can cause is equally large. That is why they must carry large commercial vehicle insurance policies. We have seen that insurance companies will fight tooth and nail when a commercial insurance policy is involved. This is due to the potential for very high settlements or verdicts.
18 Wheeler trucks carry heavy loads and can "jackknife" when they crash. The trailer's height also leads to "under-ride" accidents. This is when a shorter vehicle ends up underneath the trailer portion of the 18 wheeler. These types of accidents often result in catastrophic injury or death.
If the truck driver's negligence caused the accident, they, or the company they work for, are responsible for the damages. However, insurance companies will almost always be the entity that actually pays for damages. Insurance companies will do what they can to shift the responsibility to anyone but themselves. We push back and fight for your fair compensation.
Commercial vehicles cover a range of vehicle types. We have a page dedicated to ride-sharing accidents such as Uber or Lyft. Some accidents occur when people are using company vehicles for personal use. We can help in these situations. Many of the same laws that cover commercial truck accidents are applicable to accidents involving company vehicles.
A big truck is not necessarily a commercial vehicle. Also, a commercial vehicle is not necessarily a big truck. Oregon law defines a commercial vehicle as follows:
(2) “Commercial vehicle” means a vehicle that:
(a) Is used for the transportation of persons for compensation or profit; or
(b) Is designed or used primarily for the transportation of property.
In a truck accident, the negligent party is held liable for damages. In any accident determining negligence is vital to establishing liability. This is why investigating an accident scene can be very important. Evidence is gathered to support claims of negligence. Traffic camera footage, skid marks, debris, witness statements, and more are collected to support your claim. Often, insurance companies immediately dispatch accident scene investigators. They are looking to protect themselves. Our personal injury lawyers will do the same for you. We will investigate accident scenes to build your case.
A personal injury matter involving a truck will usually take place within the associated county's courthouse. Johnson Law can handle truck accident matters all around Oregon. We regularly handle matters in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington County. You can refer to our locations page to find our office closest to you.
There are a lot of trucks moving through the Portland metro area. I-5, I-205, and I-84 see a lot of trucking traffic. The highways and interstates also see a lot of truck accidents. Compounding the issue of trucks on the road is the current state of the Port of Portland. Significant traffic has shifted from ships to trucks in response to the under-use of Terminal 6 since 2015. Portland is unique in many ways as a city. Our attorneys are experienced in handling cases in every county covering the Portland metro area. We even handle cases across the river in Vancouver.
Trucking companies are responsible for broken windshields if the object that hit your windshield fell directly off of the truck. If the object first hits the ground it is considered "road debris", and the trucking company is not responsible for the damage.
The signs on trucks claiming they're not responsible for windshield damage have no merit. However, proving a rock fell from a truck and directly struck your car typically needs video evidence. A personal injury lawyer could be useful if a falling object led to a crash involving substantial costs or injuries. Otherwise, these matters can be handled personally.
Call now and talk to an experienced truck accident lawyer. We offer free consultations, and we work on contingency. That means we only get paid if we win for you. Hiring a personal injury attorney is one of those rare win-win situations. We fight the insurance companies to make them pay fair compensation while you focus on recovering.
Serious commercial truck accidents are daily occurrences in Portland and greater Oregon. This is because trucks are so large relative to other vehicles that when they cause a collision, it often has tragic results. What could have been a "fender-bender" between smaller vehicles can easily result in catastrophic injury and total loss of a vehicle when a commercial vehicle is involved.
Negligent driving is the most common cause of truck accidents, but the accidents can also be caused by improper maintenance. Additionally, some companies and corporations force their truck drivers to drive for extended hours without breaks or rest, creating hazardous conditions. Whether you were hurt by a truck that failed to check its blind spot, an overworked and inattentive truck driver, or careless maintenance on a commercial vehicle, a truck accident lawyer at Johnson Law has the competency, experience, and drive to diligently represent your legal rights and maximize your recovery.
The personal injury attorneys at Johnson Law have handled many truck accident claims and they have found that the most common causes are:
Many of the laws covering commercial and personal vehicle accidents are the same in Oregon but there are key differences. You want someone that will get you the maximum value for your claim. This is especially true for truck accidents. That is why people hire a capable truck accident lawyer. Towards this end, we are currently offering free personal injury consultations. You can speak with an experienced award-winning attorney with no obligation and learn your options. Don't let insurance companies take advantage of you. Get someone that will fight for you so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. We love our reviews, which show that we represent clients with not only zealous advocacy but also compassion.
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