West Linn Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck Accident Cases
The Steps to Take After a Tractor Trailer Crash in West Linn, Oregon
Were you hit by a semi-truck in West Linn? You need to be proactive. Trucking companies and their insurers waste little time in building their defense. Knowing the right steps to take in the immediate aftermath of car accidents can make a big difference. Be sure to do the following:
- Stop Your Vehicle, Exchange Information: The first thing you should do is stop your vehicle and exchange information with the trucker. Get the driver’s name, contact information, their employer’s name, the truck’s license plate number, and insurance details. This will help keep the legal issues to a minimum.
- Report the Truck Accident to the Police: Call the police and report the accident. Under Oregon law, all injury crashes, especially trucking accident cases, should be reported to the authorities. You may report the crash to the West Linn Police Department or another local law enforcement agency.
- Get Medical Attention for Any Injuries: Truck accidents can cause severe injuries. Emergency care always comes first. All non-emergency injuries still require a physician. Injury victims need to see a doctor to be eligible to bring a personal injury claim in West Linn, Oregon.
- Thoroughly Document the Crash: Document the scene of the accident by taking photos of the vehicles, the road, and any other relevant details. Collect witness information and write down everything you remember about the crash. The more documentation, the better. If you or someone you know was involved in one of the few fatal crashes that happen every year, this is very important for filing a wrongful death claim.
- Consult With a West Linn Lawyer Before an Insurer: Before speaking with any insurance adjusters, consult with an experienced West Linn commercial truck accident lawyer who can help you understand your rights, your responsibilities, and protect your best interests. Don’t worry about legal fees for that first conversation, that one is on us!
Large Truck Accidents Often Result in Catastrophic Injuries
- Trucker Error: Specific examples include speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, and other forms of reckless behavior.
- Equipment Failure: If the truck’s brakes, tires, or other components are not maintained properly, they can fail and cause an accident.
- Poor Weather: Rain, snow, and fog can make driving difficult, especially for trucks that are more difficult to maneuver than smaller vehicles. Still, the truck company is responsible for operating safely regardless of the weather conditions.
- Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: If a truck is carrying too much weight or the cargo is not secured properly, it can cause the truck to tip over or lose control.
An Overview of Truck Accident Liability and Claims in Oregon
Following a commercial truck accident in West Linn or elsewhere in Clackamas County, it is important to understand how liability works. Here are three key points to know about commercial truck accident claims in Oregon:
- Truck Accident Liability is Based on Fault: A trucking company is not automatically responsible for a crash. While they are held to heightened safety standards as a common carrier, Oregon law holds that truck accident liability is based on fault. The party who is responsible for causing the crash—whether the truck driver, truck company, or any other party—can be held responsible for the damages.
- A Comparative Negligence Standard Applies: Oregon follows a comparative negligence standard (ORS § 31.600) for motor vehicle collisions, including semi-truck accidents. Each party to a wreck is liable for their determined “share” of the blame. Your recovery could be reduced if you are deemed partially at fault for a truck accident in West Linn. It is crucial that your crash is carefully investigated by a lawyer.
- Two Years Statute of Limitations for a Claim: Oregon imposes a two-year statute of limitations for filing a claim for damages resulting from a truck accident (ORS §12.110). As the clock starts ticking from the date of the collision, you do not want to fall behind in the claims process. Consult with a West Linn truck accident attorney right away.
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Mr. Johnston and his firm were incredibly thorough in getting us a fair settlement from our insurance company with little to no pressure. We really appreciated having someone who truly cared about us every step of the way. I would highly recommend the Johnston Law Firm to anyone in need of personal injury representation.
Our Firm Helps Injured Truck Accident Victims Maximize their Recovery
Were you hurt in a semi-truck accident in West Linn? You could be left with significant damages, including medical bills, missed paychecks, and other damages. It is imperative that you can access full and fair financial compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
Our West Linn tractor-trailer accident lawyers fight hard to help victims and families secure the maximum financial settlement or financial verdict. Along with other losses, you may be able to recover for:
- Property damages (vehicle repairs);
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Medical bills and health care costs;
- Physical therapy and mental health counseling;
- Lost wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain & suffering and emotional distress;
- Disability and/or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Truck Accidents in West Linn: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Multiple parties can be held liable for a commercial truck accident in Oregon. Some notable examples of potential defendants in your tractor-trailer accident claim include the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the truck, and the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. Liability is determined based on the specific circumstances of the accident. Every serious trucking crash should be carefully investigated by an experienced West Linn attorney.
To establish fault in a truck accident case in Oregon, you can rely on a wide range of different forms of evidence. Examples include photographs, videos, witness statements, police reports, and data from the truck’s “black box”. Beyond that, your medical records and medical bills will also provide documentation of the existence and severity of your injuries.
Yes—or at least they can. Both state and federal safety regulations play a significant role in truck accident claims. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates various aspects of the trucking industry, including driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and hours of service. Violations of these regulations can be used to establish fault in a truck accident case.
How West Linn Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer Marc A. Johnston Can Help
Following a commercial truck accident, you may have a lot of questions about what you need to do to get justice. At The Johnston Law Firm, LLC, we are here to make sure that you do not need to take on the legal claims process alone. When you contact our personal injury firm, you will have an opportunity to connect with a West Linn truck accident attorney who can:
- Hear your story, answer legal questions, and explain your rights and your options;
- Investigate your large truck accident, gathering evidence to prove liability and damages;
- Work with the right expert witnesses to help you bring a strong legal case;
- Handle all of the correspondence with the truck company and its insurers; and
- Develop a personalized legal claims strategy devoted to maximizing your compensation.
Every truck accident injury claim requires personalized attention. The strategy that works for another case may be ill-suited for your situation. You do not have to go up against an aggressive truck company or an aggressive insurance company alone. With extensive client reviews and a history of case results, truck accident victims can count on our West Linn attorneys.
We Handle Commercial Truck Accident Claims in Oregon On Contingency
After a semi-truck accident in West Linn, you may be left facing substantial financial and emotional stress. The right lawyer can make the difference. You can always afford to hire a top-rated attorney for your case. We handle commercial truck accident claims in West Linn on a contingency basis.
Here is what you need to know: There are no upfront costs, hourly fees, or out-of-pocket bills. We only get paid if we win your case, and our interests are aligned with yours.
Contact Our West Linn Truck Accident Attorney Today
At The Johnston Law Firm, LLC, our West Linn semi-truck accident lawyers go above and beyond to ensure that our clients get the absolute best legal representation. Hurt in a crash? We are ready to help. Contact us right away to set up your free, no strings attached case review.
We fight for the rights and interests of truck accident victims in West Linn and throughout Clackamas County. If you are looking for a good criminal defense lawyer, give us a call and we can point you in the right direction!
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