Learn the Common Causes, Liability, and Common Damages from Head On Trucking Accident in Oregon
There are few types of trucking accidents worse than a head on collision. As the name implies, head on collision is when the front of two vehicles collide together. This is a devastating type of auto accident because two opposite forces are combining. This results in a significant amount of force upon impact. Due to the large size and heavy weight of a commercial vehicle like a logging truck 18 wheeler, or other box truck, generally whatever it hits will be catastrophically damaged. This usually translates into victims being seriously injured with permanent and disabling injuries, or being wrongfully killed. Learn about the common causes of head on collisions, liability, and common damages from our Oregon trucking accident lawyers.
Common Causes of Head On Collisions
There are many causes to any type of auto accident or trucking accident. But there are certain common causes of head on trucking accidents. Most of the common causes of Oregon trucking accidents are avoidable with reasonable care as a driver. Unfortunately, far too many truckers do not use reasonable care and take needless, reckless, and careless risks that could cause serious injury.
Some of the most common causes of Oregon head on collisions with large trucks include the following:
- Distracted driving;
- Fatigued driving including falling asleep at the wheel;
- Speeding;
- Improper lane changes;
- Cell phone use;
- Failing to take the weather conditions under consideration;
- Aggressive driving;
- Truck driver inexperience;
- Mechanical errors;
- Tire blowouts; and
- Many other common causes.
Liability for Head On Collisions with Large Trucks
Most of the common causes of head on trucking accidents noted above are due to negligence. This is because the common causes could be avoided if a truck driver acts with the proper care required. Under the common law, or judge-made law, a truck driver must use reasonable care under the circumstances in the use or operation of his or her vehicle. This is the duty of care that all motorists owe to other motorists. A motorist who fails to comply with this duty could be found to be negligent.
Truck drivers also must comply with Oregon vehicle and traffic law. Violating any vehicle and traffic laws, like stopping at stop signs or red lights, failing to yield, speeding, or other traffic law violations, could result in trucking accidents. When the violation of a vehicle and traffic law causes a trucking accident, that truck driver could be found automatically negligent through the doctrine of negligence per se. This doctrine applies when a statute is meant to protect someone from harm, but another person violates the statute and causes harm.
Finally, truck drivers most comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These regulations govern safety, equipment, truck drivers, trucking companies, and a whole litany of other pertinent considerations. If a truck driver or trucking company fail to comply with these regulations, it could result in a finding of evidence of negligence.
Damages for Head On Collisions with Trucks
Any damages that are proximately caused by a head on trucking collision could be compensated under Oregon law. Common injuries could be traumatic brain injuries, amputations, spinal cord injuries, and wrongful death. But any injury that is related to a crash may be compensated. 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.
Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles, St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.
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.
