Learn How to Protect Your Rights in Fatal Trucking Accidents in Oregon from our Portland Trucking Accident Lawyers
While traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, and amputations are catastrophic damages in a trucking accident, the ultimate personal injury is wrongful death. Fatal trucking accidents in Oregon are common because of important trucking interstates like I-5, I-82, and I-84. But not only are these major shipping routes, they are also major transportation highways for the rest of us in smaller, passenger vehicles. Indeed, interstate trucking accidents are more likely to result in the wrongful death of an innocent person. When that happens, an entire family unit could be put into disarray due to the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company. If you have lost a loved one or someone you know in any of the fatal trucking accidents in Oregon, ask our Portland trucking accident lawyers how we can help protect your rights to compensation.
Damages in Fatal Trucking Accident Cases
Families who lose a loved on in a fatal trucking accident case may be entitled to damages. Damages are typically compensatory in nature. While no amount of money can bring back a loved one, compensation can help a family continue to pay the bills as if their loved one was still supporting them. That is one of the overarching goals of a wrongful death action. Some of the other damages that families may received after fatal trucking accidents in Oregon include the following:
- Pain and suffering of their lost one;
- Loss of affection and consortium of their loved one;
- Lost future earnings from their loved one;
- Burial expenses;
- Funeral costs;
- Medical bills;
- Property damage;
- Punitive damages in rare cases; and
- Other damages related to the Portland trucking accident.
Causes of Fatal Trucking Accidents in Oregon
Our Portland trucking accident lawyers know that there are many possible causes of a fatal trucking accident in Oregon. Many times these trucking accidents are completely preventable. However, careless and reckless conduct by truck drivers could result in needless harm to innocent people. Some of the most common causes of a fatal trucking accident include the following:
- Fatigued driving (HOS violations);
- FMCSA violations;
- Crossing the center line;
- Speeding;
- Drunk driving or drugged driving;
- Inexperience;
- Mechanical defects;
- Improper left turns;
- Failing to use hazard lights after becoming disabled;
- Aggressive driving;
- Unsafe lane changes;
- Jackknifed trucks; and
- Many other common causes.
Oregon Law and Fatal Trucking Accidents
There is usually a lot of uncertainly after a wrongful death who will commence a wrongful death action. Under Oregon law, a family member is the most likely person who may file a wrongful death against. This is because ORS section 30.020 provides certain individuals who may file a wrongful death claim and give preference to spouses, children, parents, or others previously appointed. Individuals may also petition the court to be the personal representative of the estate agains a negligent truck driver or trucking company.
It is important to note that the time period to commence a wrongful death action in Oregon is three years from the date of the deceased individual’s last injury contributing to his or her death. This is different than some other states which start the time limit from the date of death. This law is known as the statute of limitations period which is a time limit on claims. Even perfectly viable claims may be dismissed after the statute of limitations period. This is an important procedural requirement to comply with.
Ask Our Portland Trucking Accident Lawyers for Help with Any Fatal Trucking Accident Case in Oregon
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, 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.
