Oregon Big Rig Accident Lawyers - Bend/Portland, OR

Commercial vehicles like big rigs are one of the most dangerous motor vehicles on the roadways.  Big rigs include large logging trucks, semi tractor trailers, double trailers, tandem trailers, and other box trucks.  These vehicles are dangerous because they are larger and heavier which means they have large blind spots, take longer to stop, and have greater force upon impact in a collision.  In addition to these inherit risks, big rigs are harder to maneuver by being more difficult to back up, make even basic turns, and to properly brake due to the air braking systems they have.  Even experienced CDL drivers can cause catastrophic trucking accidents, which is why victims of any big rig crash should call our Oregon big rig accident lawyers.

Both Oregon law and Federal regulations recognize the dangers with big rigs.  Truck drivers need to pass a written test and practical test, as well as shadow a truck driver, being earning a Commercial Driver’s Licensed (or CDL).  Commercial vehicles are also regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) which has enacted a thorough matrix of regulations which set the minimum standards as to driver conduct, equipment standards, and trucking company obligations.  These federal regulations apply in all 50 states, in addition to Oregon law.

FMCSA Regulations Governs These Big Rigs

A big rig is another term for any large commercial vehicle.  Since it is a commercial vehicle, truck drivers must have a CDL and must comply with the regulations imposed by the FMCSA.  There are many different types of big rigs, each with their own unique risks.  Some of the most common big rigs that FMCSA regulations apply to include the following:

• Logging trucks;
• Construction vehicles;
• 18 wheelers;
• Semi tractor trailers;
• Double trailers or tandem trailers;
• Garbage trucks;
• Tanker trucks or tankers;
• Tow trucks;
• Emergency vehicles;
• Fire trucks and ambulances;
• Tow trucks;
• Flatbed trucks;
• Concrete trucks;
• Buses;
• Delivery vehicles;
• Large police vehicles; and
• Other large commercial vehicles.

Common Causes of Oregon Big Rig Crashes

Even the most competent big rig drivers can cause serious and catastrophic damages.  This is because big rigs are just dangerous vehicles, even when operated properly on the roadway.  Victims of Oregon big rig crashes may suffer personal injuries due to a variety of negligence, reckless, and careless actions by truck drivers or trucking companies.

Some of the most common causes of Oregon big rig crashes include the following:

• Negligence turns;
• Speeding;
• Improper lane changes;
• Mechanical failures;
• Distracted driving;
• Fatigued driving, including hours of service (HOS) violations;
• Drunk driving;
• Drugged driving;
• Failure to use hazards or turn indicators;
• Running red lights or stop rights;
• Failure to yield;
• Improperly backing up; and
• Many other causes.

Damages in Big Rig Crashes

Big rigs make trucking accidents incredibly more likely to cause serious personal injury or wrongful death.  Victims and their families in big rig crashes may be entitled to “damages.”  In personal injury cases based on negligence like a trucking accident, “damages” are typically monetary in nature.  There is a wide variety of damages that are possible, which include the following:

• Past pain and suffering (from the date of accident to the date of settlement or award);
• Future pain and suffering (from the date of settlement or award to the natural life expectancy);
• Medical bills;
• Lost wages;
• Lost future earnings by needs to take a lower paying job due to injuries;
• Equipment for ambulation or daily living around the house;
• Medications;
• Future medical care and treatment, including future surgeries;
• Loss of affection, society, and relationship with loved ones;
• Burial expenses and funeral costs for wrongful death cases; and
• Many other damages.

Bend/Portland, Oregon Big Rig Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of a trucking accident or collision contact the Oregon Truck Accident Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form.  We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.  

We handle cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, and Hillsboro.  

We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take Trucking accident cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.  

Please act quickly, there is a limited time (Statute of Limitations) in which you can bring a claim under the law.