Astoria Truck
Accident Attorney

We Handle Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Involving Semi Trucks, 18-Wheelers & Other Large Trucks in Astoria and Throughout Oregon

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In Astoria and throughout Oregon, trucks are used to transport all types of goods. Although truck drivers are subject to strict regulations, these rules are violated all too often to meet deadlines. 

If you or a loved one has been harmed in a truck accident in Astoria, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. Between medical bills, insurance claims, and the emotional toll of the crash, it is important to have a legal advocate by your side. 

At Johnston Personal Injury Law Firm, we hold negligent truck drivers responsible for the injuries they have caused. Our personal injury lawyers are committed to helping accident victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they need. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. 

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Astoria, OR

Astoria is a key hub for transportation along the Columbia River and Highway 30. The heavy amount of traffic increases the risk of a truck accident. 

One devastating accident that shook the community occurred near Astoria on Highway 30 and involved a logging truck and a passenger vehicle. Tragically, the accident ended in 2 people dying. 

A truck accident can happen in the blink of an eye and for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Driver fatigue
• Distracted or impaired driving
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Equipment failure or poor truck maintenance
• Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo
• Inadequate driver training

Why Astoria Truck Accident Cases Are So Complex

Truck accident cases are a lot different from regular car accident cases. Consider some reasons why:

• Multiple legal parties: The driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or even the manufacturer may be held liable
• Federal regulations: Trucking companies are required to follow strict federal and state guidelines; violations can make or break your case
• Complex insurance issues: Commercial trucks are often covered by large insurance policies with aggressive defense teams
• Severe injuries: Due to the size and the force of trucks, victims often suffer catastrophic injuries; this can include brain trauma, spinal injuries, or permanent disability

Why Hire an Astoria, OR Truck Accident Attorney

Hiring a personal injury lawyer following a truck accident is important to ensure fair compensation and protect your legal rights. Let’s discuss some reasons why hiring a lawyer can make all the difference in your truck accident case. 

Collecting critical evidence

Proving liability in a truck accident requires gathering and analyzing evidence, such as:

• Driver logs and records: These can reveal driver fatigue or Hours of Service (HOS) regulations
• Truck maintenance records: A history of ignored repairs or skipped inspections can point to negligence
• GPS and black box data: Most commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) that record speed, braking, and driving hours
• Accident reconstruction reports: Experts can analyze skid marks, debris, and vehicle damage to recreate the crash and determine fault
• Eyewitness statements: Prompt interviews with witnesses help preserve accurate accounts of what happened
• Surveillance and dashcam footage: Video evidence from nearby traffic cameras or private businesses can be invaluable

The trucking company may quickly try to destroy evidence to protect itself from liability. Your truck accident attorney will know how to preserve this evidence before it is altered or lost. 

Level the playing field against the trucking company

Trucking companies and their insurers often have vast resources at their disposal. They may deploy teams of investigators, adjusters, and defense attorneys immediately after a crash, sometimes before you have even left the hospital. Their goal is to minimize liability and pay you as little as possible. 

A skilled truck accident lawyer can level the playing field by:

• Conducting an independent investigation into the crash
• Preserving critical evidence such as driver logs and maintenance records
• Subpoenaing surveillance footage and GPS records
• Countering tactics used by insurance companies to devalue your claim

By hiring a lawyer, you ensure that your rights are protected and that someone with legal knowledge and negotiating power is fighting for your best interest. 

Identify all liable parties

Your truck accident lawyer will work to identify all parties who caused or contributed to your crash. 

In many cases, more than one party may share responsibility for the crash, including:

• Truck driver: If the driver was tired, distracted, under the influence, or negligent in some other way
• Trucking company: For hiring unqualified drivers, failing to maintain vehicles, or encouraging unsafe driving practices
• Truck manufacturer: If a mechanical defect, such as faulty brakes or steering failure, caused the crash
• Cargo loaders: If the truck was overloaded or the cargo was improperly secured, leading to a rollover or jackknife
• Maintenance providers: If skipped or poor maintenance caused a mechanical failure
• Government entities: In rare cases, if unsafe or poorly engineered roads contributed to the accident

Accurately value your truck accident claim

One of the biggest financial mistakes accident victims make is undervaluing their claims. Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that don’t come close to covering long-term damages. 

A truck accident lawyer can help calculate the full scope of your losses, including:

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death (in fatal accident cases)

Navigate Oregon’s complex legal system

Oregon’s legal system has specific laws that apply to truck accidents. This includes state and federal regulations regarding commercial drivers, deadlines for filing claims, and comparative fault rules. 

Without legal guidance, you risk missing important deadlines or making errors that could reduce or eliminate your compensation. 

A truck accident lawyer familiar with Oregon law will:

• Help you meet the statute of limitations
• Determine liability based on Oregon’s comparative negligence law, which may reduce your damages if you’re found partially at fault
• Understand and apply relevant federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), including hours of service rules, drug testing policies, and vehicle inspection requirements
• Properly file all legal documents and court motions, ensuring procedural compliance

Navigating these rules on your own can be daunting, especially while recovering from an injury. A truck accident lawyer will handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing. 

File a truck accident lawsuit if necessary

While many truck accident claims are settled out of court through insurance negotiations, there are times when filing a lawsuit is needed. An experienced Astoria truck accident attorney will know when this is the right course of legal action. 

The following are some of the steps you can expect once a personal injury lawsuit is filed:

1. Draft a formal complaint outlining your claims and the damages sought
2. Serve the defendant with notice of the lawsuit
3. Enter the discovery phase, where both sides exchange evidence and take depositions
4. Engage in settlement negotiations or mediations to resolve the case outside of court, if possible
5. Take the case to trial if a fair settlement can’t be reached

Having an attorney by your side who is ready to go to trial gives you leverage in negotiations. It also ensures your case is handled effectively through every stage of litigation. 

Provide some peace of mind

An important but often overlooked benefit of hiring a lawyer is that he or she can provide you with peace of mind. After a truck accident, you’re likely dealing with pain, stress, and uncertainty about your future. 

A personal injury lawyer takes on the job of handling every aspect of your claim so that you can focus on your recovery. 

Knowing that a legal professional is handling the legal complexities can give you reassurance that your case is being managed properly and that justice will be pursued aggressively on your behalf. 

Don’t miss out on these common personal injury mistakes.

Get the legal counsel you need to guide you through the process of filing an injury claim.

What to Look for When Choosing an Astoria, OR Truck Accident Attorney

We understand that you have several personal injury law firms to choose from in the Astoria area. Keep in mind, though, that not all personal injury lawyers are equipped to handle truck accident cases.

Here are some essential qualities to seek when hiring a personal injury lawyer serving Astoria:

• Experience with truck accident cases: Choose a lawyer who has a proven track record of handling truck accident claims specifically, not just general personal injury.
• Familiarity with Oregon and federal trucking laws: Your lawyer should have an in-depth understanding of both Oregon law and federal regulations that govern the trucking industry. 
• Strong communication skills: Choose someone who will keep you informed about your case. You want a lawyer who explains complex issues clearly and answers your questions promptly. You should feel confident and supported throughout the entire process.
• Resources: Truck accident cases may require accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and vocational rehabilitation specialists. A well-established law firm will have built a strong support network that can be accessed to support your claim. 
• Trial-ready: You need a lawyer who is prepared to take your case to court if necessary. Insurance companies will, a lot of times, offer better settlements when they know your lawyer is willing to go to trial.