Understanding Oregon Law When a Tractor Trailer Crosses the Centerline in Oregon
Centerline violations are particularly dangerous. This is because another motorist is crossing into the direct pathway and right-of-way of another vehicle. Almost all centerline violations are due to the negligence of another motorist. When it comes to large commercial trucks crossing the centerline, the negligence could also be caused by a maintenance companies, mechanic, or other product manufacturer that installed or made the brakes, steering column, wheels, or other equipment on the truck. These means that victims may be entitled to recover compensation for their injuries. And those injuries from centerline trucking accidents in Oregon could be catastrophic and devastating.
Our Portland trucking accident lawyers know just how catastrophic and devastating these injuries could be. Victims could be seriously injured when their smaller, passenger vehicle is fit head on by a large commercial truck like an 18 wheeler, semi tractor trailer, tanker, or other big rig. Head on collisions are some of the most explosive and devastating types of collisions which could result in devastating personal injuries. Victims could be permanently disabled or wrongfully killed even on local roads. But when centerline violations occurred on highways and interstates, it is incredibly likely for victims to lose their life.
Cross the Centerline is Usually Illegal
Under Oregon law, ORS 811.310 provides that a person is prohibited from crossing the centerline unless 1) authorized by traffic signs, 2) when there is an obstruction in the roadway and it is necessary to cross the centerline to avoid the obstruction, or 3) when making a turn into an intersection, alley, or private road or driveway. All of these turns must be made when it is safe and no other vehicle presents an immediate hazard to the vehicle crossing the centerline.
Common Causes of Centerline Violations
There are many common causes of centerline violations which could be caused by the negligence of another motorist. The most common causes of centerline trucking accidents in Oregon include the following:
- Falling asleep at the wheel or drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Drugged driving, including the use of cocaine which is common among truck drivers to stay away long hours
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use, GPS, radio, hand-held radio, and eating
- Inexperience
- Aggressive driving
- Rushing to make a delivery on time
- Braking errors
- Steering column failures
- Wheel or tire blowouts, and
- Many other common causes.
Common Injuries from Centerline Trucking Accidents in Oregon
There are many possible injuries which could be caused in a centerline trucking accident, Unfortunately, the most common personal injuries are all catastrophic because of the nature of a head on collision being so explosive and dangerous. The most common injuries include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brachial plexus nerve injuries
- Amputations
- Broken bones or fractured bones
- Organ injuries
- Disfigurement
- Head injuries
- Nerve damage
- Blindness
- Burn injuries
- Orbital blowout fractures
- Need for surgery, including life-saving procedures
- Paralysis such as paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Wrongful death, and
- Other serious personal injuries.
Injured by a Truck That Crossed the Centerline? Call Our Portland Trucking Accident Lawyers Today
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.
