Causes of Truck Accidents in Hillsboro
Fortunately, the vast majority of trucking entities in Hillsboro engage in safe practices, such as properly supervising drivers and maintaining the vehicles properly. However, there are times when trucking companies and drivers are negligent and people suffer serious harm as a result. The most common causes of truck accidents in Hillsboro are as follows:
Drowsy driving: The trucking companies drivers work for place immense pressure on drivers to get their cargo to a certain destination by a specific time. Both state and federal law limit the amount of time a truck driver can be on the road for before they must take a break to rest, eat, or just relax. Trucking companies often offer incentives to truckers to stay on the road longer, or drivers may choose to on their own for increased profits.
Distracted driving: Commercial trucks are made up of many moving parts. A truck driver may have to operate a clutch, communicate with other truckers on a CB radio, and they also often eat and drink while on the road. All of these distractions take a truck driver’s focus and attention off the road, which can lead to a serious accident.
Inadequate training: Trucking companies do not always train their drivers properly. They may place inexperienced drivers behind the wheel in an effort to get more drivers on the road, or they may fail to ensure a trucker has a clean driving and criminal history. These are negligent hiring and training practices that can result in an accident.
Improper maintenance: Like all vehicles on the road, trucks require proper maintenance and regular inspections. Trucking companies often fail to provide this training and inspection, which can cause the truck, or parts of the truck, to break down and cause a crash.
The above are just a few of the most common causes of truck accidents in Hillsboro. It is important to determine what caused the crash, as only then can accident victims determine which party is liable for paying damages.
Truck Accident Negotiations
Who Will Pay Damages After a Truck Accident?
There are potentially many parties that can be found at fault for a truck accident and therefore, are liable for paying victims damages to compensate for their losses.
If the truck driver acted negligently, such as driving while impaired or while distracted, their insurance company will typically pay out on the claim. In these instances, trucking companies cannot usually be found liable for the truck driver’s actions. This is because most truck drivers are independent contractors, and so, trucking companies cannot be held vicariously liable. In rare instances, when the trucker is an employee of the trucking company, the corporation may also be held liable in some cases.
There are times when trucking companies can be held liable even if the trucker was an independent contractor. For example, trucking companies are sometimes responsible for providing commercial trucks to drivers. If they fail to ensure these vehicles are properly inspected and maintained, the company could be held liable if a breakdown caused a crash. When truck drivers are employees of a trucking company, the corporation can be held liable for negligent hiring and training practices. For example, if a trucking company allowed an inexperienced driver to drive on their own, that is a negligent hiring practice.
Truck drivers, trucking companies, and other motor carriers used for commercial transportation of goods are heavily insured. Under the law set forth by the Federal Department of Transportation, these entities must carry minimum liability limits of $750,000.
Although truck drivers and trucking companies are often to blame for truck accidents, there are other liable parties, as well. These include negligent inspection and maintenance companies, manufacturers, and cargo loading companies.
Time Limit on Truck Accident Claims
It is important to file a claim for damages after a truck accident, as a crash will place a physical, emotional, and financial strain on your life. However, you only have a limited amount of time to do so. In Hillsboro, as throughout the rest of Oregon, you have only two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. This is known as the statute of limitations and if you allow it to expire, you will likely lose your legal right to claim any financial compensation at all. It is critical to speak to a Hillsboro truck accident attorney who will make sure your claim is filed on time so you can claim the full damages you are entitled to.
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