Any crash with a commercial truck can be life-changing, whether the vehicle that hit you is a semi-truck, delivery van, box truck, or construction vehicle. You’re left picking up the pieces while the truck driver and insurance companies do everything they can to protect themselves and keep from paying you the compensation you deserve.
That’s where Rizk Law stands apart. Before opening his personal injury practice, founder Richard Rizk worked in the insurance industry. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to protect regular people instead of corporations. We know how insurance companies think, what tactics they use to delay or deny claims, and how to push back when they cross the line. This insider knowledge is a significant factor in our proven record of helping injured Oregonians secure fair compensation after big rig wrecks.
Don’t worry about the cost of hiring a Portland big rig accident lawyer. You don’t owe us any fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Types of Big Rig Vehicles
The term “big rig” covers more than just the classic 18-wheeler. It refers to a range of large commercial vehicles, each with its own purpose and risks on the road. Some common types of big rigs you may come across while driving in Portland include:
- Semi-trucks, or tractor-trailers, are the most familiar big rigs. These long-haul trucks transport goods across states and cities. Their size and weight make them hard to stop quickly, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather. When something goes wrong, such as a tire blowout or an unsafe lane change, the truck may crash into other cars and cause devastating injuries.
- Tanker trucks carry liquids like gasoline and hazardous chemicals. The danger here isn’t just the truck’s size but what’s inside. If a tanker rolls over or crashes, it can cause spills, fires, or toxic exposure. If liquid cargo shifts during transit, it can throw off the truck’s balance and increase the chance of a rollover.
- Flatbed trucks haul oversized or oddly shaped cargo, such as lumber, machinery, or steel beams. If the load isn’t secured correctly, it can fall off and cause a crash. Even when a flatbed’s payload is secure, the cargo may hang over the sides or back, creating hazards for nearby drivers.
- Dump trucks are a common sight at Portland construction sites. These trucks are heavy and bulky, often carrying loose materials like gravel, dirt, or debris. When overloaded or poorly maintained, they can tip or lose control, especially on uneven terrain or narrow roads.
- Box trucks, which many companies use for local deliveries, are smaller than semis but still large enough to cause major damage in a crash. Box truck drivers may not have the same level of training as long-haul truckers. They often struggle with limited visibility.
Other commercial vehicles, like garbage or utility trucks, make frequent stops and start without warning. Their unpredictable movements and size make them risky, especially in residential or high-traffic areas.
Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents in Portland
Big rig accidents in Portland often happen because of driver errors, equipment problems, or harsh road conditions. Many different factors can contribute to these collisions, including:
- Driver fatigue – Long-haul truckers spend hours on the road. But despite federal rules about mandatory rest breaks, some push past their limits to meet tight deadlines. A tired driver may nod off at the wheel or react too slowly to changes in traffic – which is especially dangerous when steering a vehicle that weighs up to 80,000 pounds.
- Distracted driving – Like anyone else, truck drivers can get caught up in checking a GPS, answering a phone call, or eating behind the wheel. But when a distracted driver is operating a commercial truck, even a second of inattention can cause a catastrophic crash.
- Improper cargo loading – If a trailer is loaded unevenly or packed too high, it can affect the truck’s balance. An unbalanced truck is more likely to roll over, especially on ramps, curves, or in windy conditions. In other cases, unsecured cargo can shift or fall off the trailer, creating hazards for everyone on the road.
- Mechanical problems – Worn-out brakes, bald tires, broken lights, or faulty steering systems can all contribute to wrecks – especially on wet or icy Portland roads. Some accidents happen because of poor maintenance, while others stem from defective parts that should have been caught during inspections.
- Aggressive or reckless driving – Truckers who are trying to beat the clock by speeding, tailgating, or weaving through traffic can put everyone at risk.
Determining what caused a big rig collision is the first step in identifying who is responsible for your injuries and losses.
Liability in Big Rig Accidents
Big rig crashes are rarely simple. There are many truck accident cases where multiple parties share the blame. Liability comes down to who caused the collision or failed to prevent it when they had a responsibility to do so. If someone’s carelessness, poor decision, or failure to follow the rules leads to a wreck, they are financially responsible for the harm they caused.
Some of those potentially liable parties include:
- Truck drivers – The truck driver is often the first person investigators look at after a big rig crash. Drivers may be liable if they were speeding, distracted, driving under the influence, or tailgating. Fatigue is another common factor. Some drivers push past legal driving limits, increasing the risk of mistakes.
- Trucking companies – Responsibility for a big rig accident doesn’t always lie with the driver. The trucking company may be liable, especially if it failed to train its drivers properly, pressured them to skip rest breaks, or didn’t check a driver’s records before hiring them.
- Manufacturers – Vehicle or parts manufacturers can also share the blame for a collision. If a brake system, steering mechanism, or tire was defective and contributed to the crash, the company that made or sold that part may be held liable.
- Service technicians – Maintenance companies may be responsible for a truck accident if they performed sloppy work or skipped necessary repairs. A missed issue – like worn brakes or leaking fluid – can turn deadly fast, especially with a vehicle the size of a big rig.
- Loading crews – Cargo loaders can contribute to collisions if they overload the trailer or don’t secure the load properly. Shifting cargo can make a truck harder to control or cause it to tip over and could lead to unsafe cargo accident in Portland, especially on curves or in sudden stops.
Steps to Take After a Big Rig Accident
Your safety is the priority after a big rig crash. Call 911 right away to report the accident and get medical help, even if your injuries seem minor. From there, you can:
- Take photos of the scene if it’s safe. Include the vehicles, road conditions, damage, and anything else that might be important later.
- Get contact information from any witnesses and exchange insurance details with the truck driver. Don’t admit fault or guess what happened – stick to the facts.
- As soon as you’re able, get a complete medical check-up. Some truck accident injuries take hours or days to show symptoms.
- Keep copies of police reports, medical bills, communication with insurance companies, and other crash-related documentation. These records can make a big difference when seeking compensation for your injuries and other losses.
- Contact a Portland large truck collision attorney as soon as possible. They can protect your rights and fight for the fair compensation you are owed. It’s important to know what to do after a truck accident in Portland.
Compensation Available for Victims
Your potential compensation for a big rig crash depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the collision, and other unique factors. Through a truck accident claim, you can seek compensation for losses such as:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
- Lost wages during your recovery
- Loss of earning capacity due to disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost enjoyment and quality of life
Expenses like your medical bills are easier to document because they have fixed amounts, so hold on to your receipts and other records. However, some losses are harder to prove because they don’t have a fixed value, such as pain and suffering. Using expert testimony, your personal accounts, and other evidence, your Portland big rig wreck lawyer can help determine a fair value for your more subjective losses.
Why Hire a Portland Big Rig Accident Lawyer?
If you try to handle a big rig accident claim yourself, you could face an uphill battle. Trucking companies and their insurers move fast to protect themselves – and they have teams of lawyers working to limit your compensation. Without legal help, you might accept a settlement that doesn’t reflect your claim’s full value.
Trust our Portland big rig injury claims lawyers to protect your rights during this crucial moment. We’ll investigate the crash, gather key evidence, and work with experts to understand exactly what went wrong. You focus on healing. We’ll take care of the rest.
Contact a Big Rig Crash Attorney in Portland
Don’t stand up to a large trucking company on your own. Rizk Law has the industry knowledge, proven experience, and dedicated team you need to pursue a big rig accident case. Our results include a recent case where we recovered $900,000 for a driver who was T-boned by a commercial truck. Plus, our testimonials showcase the care and attention we provide to every client. Here’s what one client said about their experience with us:
“Phenomenal assistance with the most caring and awesome lawyers you can find. They will fully invest in you and your case and go above and beyond.” – Shayla
Ready to talk to a big rig accident attorney in Portland? Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.