Trucking Accident Lawyer Medford, OR

Trucking Accident Lawyer Medford, OR

Our trucking accident lawyer Medford, OR, relies on knows that a truck accident can be painful and traumatic. Many people who have been victims of truck accidents may not wish to get in a vehicle again or travel on the road because they are so scared that it could happen again. This can completely disrupt their lives and cause a fear of living life to the fullest. We believe that no one should be the victim of truck accidents, especially when they result from someone’s negligence. However, when they do happen, you need solid representation when you file a trucking accident claim. Contact a lawyer you can rely on from Andersen & Linthorst now.

Injuries You Can Sustain From a Truck Accident

When it comes to the types of injuries you may sustain when you have been the victim of a truck accident, you can expect there to be a range in both damages and severity. Our Medford, Oregon truck accident lawyer has seen some victims who have suffered from only minor injuries. On the other hand, others may be dealing with catastrophic, life-threatening injuries that leave them with permanent problems.

• Back and Neck Injuries. These types of injuries are very common to any automobile accident. You may be dealing with whiplash, torn and strained tendons and muscles, or bone damage because of how the accident occurred. 
• Head Injuries. Head injuries (or traumatic brain injuries, TBIs) can be severe, but they may not show any symptoms for days or weeks. You could be suffering from a concussion, brain bleeds, or brain bruising and have no idea this has occurred right after the accident because of how long it can take for symptoms to show up. Because a brain injury can be a silent killer, it is paramount that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after the truck accident. 
• Internal Injuries. Like brain injuries, you may have no signs of internal injuries (like bleeding) right after the accident. Especially if you do not seek medical attention right away, these injuries can lead to permanent damage or even death.

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If you have recently been the victim of a truck accident and want to speak with a trucking accident lawyer in Medford, Oregon, contact Andersen & Linthorst as soon as you can.

Common Causes of Truck Accident

Although some truck accidents are caused by poor road conditions or bad weather, most of them result from driver error. Here are the most common causes of truck collisions:

• Distracting Driving: Truck drivers have to be on the road for long hours each day. As you can probably imagine, they often get bored and may turn to distractions to kill the monotony. They may send text messages, talk on the phone, change the radio stations, or eat. Unfortunately, all of these activities force truck drivers to take their attention and eyes off the road, increasing the risk of an accident.
• Drowsy Driving: As a trucking accident lawyer in Medford, OR can confirm, many truck drivers spend hours on the road without breaks. They may feel pressured to deliver goods within a short time and not take the breaks they need. Eventually, this can wear on them and cause them to become very tired behind the wheel. They may lose focus of the road ahead or even fall asleep behind the wheel.
• Speeding: Truck drivers are often under immense pressure to deliver goods to destinations within a specific timeframe. However, certain factors, like bad weather and construction, can sometimes make this difficult. That’s why some of them drive above the speed limit to get to their destinations. However, driving at high speeds can lower reaction time. Truck drivers may not be able to stop in time if another vehicle suddenly comes out in front of them, resulting in a collision.
• Drunk Driving: Trucking driving can be a very stressful job, so some drivers may use alcohol to cope. Some truck drivers may even get behind the wheel drunk, impairing their judgment and reaction times. As a trucking accident lawyer in Medford, OR, can attest, many truck accidents result from drunk driving.
• Poor Truck Maintenance: Trucking companies are responsible more for making sure their vehicles are in top condition. However, some trucking companies may skimp on maintenance to save on costs. Unfortunately, failing brakes and other malfunctioning parts can cause accidents.
• Insufficient Training: Driving a commercial truck is more complicated than driving a standard vehicle. That’s why truck drivers are required to complete a certain amount of training hours before getting behind the wheel. However, not all trucking companies adhere to these guidelines and allow drivers to hit the road without proper training. Truck drivers who don’t receive the appropriate training are more likely to cause accidents on the road.

Understanding Truck Accidents and Taking Action

Our truck accident lawyer Medford, OR victims can rely on for help should be one of your first calls following a truck accident. Accidents involving large trucks are often devastating, producing far more extensive damages than the average motor vehicle accident. While having a clear understanding of how to drive defensively when sharing the road with large trucks is imperative, in some cases, there is nothing that a person can do to stop an accident that is to no fault of their own. There are many ways that a truck accident may occur, and if you have fallen victim to such a tragedy, contacting Andersen & Linthorst is a step in the right direction. Time is of the essence, so don’t hesitate to take action by contacting an experienced area lawyer before time runs out. 

Driving Defensively Around Large Trucks

Large trucks are a force to be reckoned with, and no driver will want to find themselves facing a possible collision. Semis or large trucks can weigh more than 26,000 pounds, and when faced with a crash, the impact can be devastating and even fatal. While drivers should always drive defensively and remain alert when operating a motor vehicle, it’s more critical than ever to drive defensively when there’s a large truck in sight. Here are some safety tips provided by our Medford, OR trucking accident lawyer to keep at the forefront when sharing the road: 

1. Be aware of the truck’s blind spots and avoid driving in these areas at all costs:
   1. Within 30 feet behind the truck
   2. Within 20 feet in front of the truck
   3. In either the left or right lane in front of the trailer
2. Do not drive too closely behind a large truck
3. Do not cut too closely in front of a truck when changing lanes; allow for ample space
4. Always have an awareness of where trucks are
5. If you are able, it’s best to stay out of their way, giving yourself ample space from them
6. Do not linger when passing a truck; pass them both quickly and safely
7. Give trucks plenty of room to make turns
8. Watch for signs of distracted driving, such as drifting into another lane

Semi-trucks play a critical role in commercialism, ensuring that goods and services are transported all over the country promptly. Trucks are visible by drivers on highways all over the country. Because of this, it’s important always to drive defensively and with caution when sharing the road. 

Types of Accidents Involving Large Trucks

Large trucks are massive, and when drivers sharing the road with them are faced with a collision, the impact is likely to be serious, resulting in substantial and even life-threatening injuries. The following are types of accidents that occur when large trucks are involved: 

• Jackknife Accidents
• Rollovers
• Underride Accidents
• T-bone Collisions
• Rear-End Collisions
• Head-On Collisions

To drive a large truck, drivers must receive specialized training, and trucking companies must follow regulations to ensure their drivers’ and others’ safety on the road. Unfortunately, because of tremendous pressure to haul loads as quickly as possible, both drivers and companies may cut corners by not properly resting, driving fatigued, not administering the proper maintenance to trucks, and more. As a result, both drivers and those they share the road with are put at significant risk. 

Have you or a loved one suffered damages from an accident involving a large truck? Andersen & Linthorst can provide an experienced trucking accident lawyer serving Medford, Oregon today. 

Who Is Liable For My Trucking Accident Injuries?

Determining who is at fault can be complex in a truck accident lawsuit. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the crash, several parties might be liable for the incident. This is why it is so important to have a Medford, OR trucking accident lawyer evaluate your case to ensure that all parties are held responsible. Call Andersen & Linthorst to learn more.

1. The Truck Driver

The truck driver is often the first party considered when determining liability in a truck accident lawsuit. As the person operating the vehicle, their actions—or lack thereof—can directly lead to a crash. Drivers may be held responsible for several reasons, including:

• Negligence: If the truck driver was driving recklessly or negligently, such as running a red light, tailgating, or failing to signal, they could be held liable.
• Fatigue: Trucking companies are required by law to regulate drivers’ hours of service to prevent fatigue. If a driver was drowsy or exhausted and caused an accident as a result, they could be held accountable.
• Driving Under the Influence: Operating a commercial vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and can make the driver liable for the crash. Truck drivers face strict regulations regarding the use of substances. If a driver is caught violating these rules, they may face both criminal charges and liability in a civil lawsuit.
• Distracted Driving: Truck drivers risk being distracted by texting, using a GPS, or other forms of inattention while driving. This type of distraction can result in severe accidents, and the driver may be liable for the damages.

2. The Trucking Company

While the driver may be directly responsible for an accident, the trucking company that employs the driver can also be held liable in certain circumstances. A trucking company may be found responsible for an accident if their actions—or inactions—contributed to the incident. Potential reasons for trucking company liability include:

• Negligent Hiring: If the trucking company hired a driver without proper screening, such as failing to check the driver’s background, driving record, or drug and alcohol tests, they could be held liable. Employers have a responsibility to hire qualified drivers who follow safety protocols.
• Lack of Training: Trucking companies are responsible for properly training their drivers to operate their vehicles safely. If a company fails to provide adequate training in areas such as defensive driving, load handling, or proper maintenance, it may share liability for an accident.
• Failure to Maintain Vehicles: Trucking companies are required to maintain their vehicles in good working condition. If the company neglects to perform regular maintenance checks, such as ensuring brakes, tires, or lights are functioning correctly, and an accident occurs, the company could be liable.
• Pressure to Meet Deadlines: Some trucking companies might prioritize meeting delivery deadlines over safety regulations. This could lead to overworked drivers or pushing drivers to operate their vehicles beyond legal limits (e.g., driving while fatigued). In such cases, the trucking company could be partly responsible for the truck accident.

3. The Cargo Loading Company

In some truck accidents, the party responsible for loading the cargo may be held liable. Proper loading of cargo is critical for the safety and stability of the truck, and any failure in this area can lead to catastrophic accidents. Some reasons a cargo loader could be held liable include:

• Improperly Loaded Cargo: If the cargo is not secured properly or is loaded in a way that affects the truck’s handling or balance, it can result in an accident. For example, an improperly loaded truck could experience a rollover or jackknife during a sharp turn or sudden stop.
• Overloading: Exceeding the weight limits of a truck or improper weight distribution can severely impair the vehicle’s ability to stop or maneuver. Overloaded trucks are more likely to experience brake failure, tire blowouts, or other dangerous malfunctions. If the cargo loading company is responsible for overloading the truck, they may be held liable.

4. The Manufacturer Or Repair Shop

A Medford trucking accident lawyer knows that the accident could also have been caused by a mechanical failure of the truck. The manufacturer or repair shop may be held liable when the malfunction is due to a manufacturing defect or poor maintenance. This is particularly relevant if the truck’s equipment or parts fail during operation. Here’s how:

• Defective Parts: If the truck’s brakes, tires, engine, or other critical components fail due to a manufacturing defect, the part’s manufacturer could be held responsible. For instance, if a brake failure leads to an accident and is caused by a defect in the braking system, the brake manufacturer could be at fault.
• Poor Maintenance or Repairs: Trucks require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe for operation. If a mechanic or repair shop fails to properly repair or maintain a truck, leading to a malfunction during operation, they could be found liable. This could include issues like improper brake repairs, engine problems, or tire maintenance that were negligently overlooked.

Call Our Trucking Accident Law Firm For Legal Assistance

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, do not delay contacting a skilled Medford trucking accident lawyer. The trucking company must be put on notice to preserve all evidence that can help prove your case. Call Andersen & Linthorst to schedule a free case evaluation and find out what legal recourse you may have.

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"It was an absolute pleasure working with this team. They eased my anxiety every step of the way. They were all very professional, kind, understanding and knowledgeable. I would recommend them to anyone seeking help. Thank you all so much!"
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