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Delivery trucks are involved in serious accidents every year, causing severe harm to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. In these situations, the victims have the right to pursue a legal claim against the at-fault person or entity.
To determine the liable parties, however, the victim first needs to understand what caused the collision. There are several factors that can lead to a delivery truck accident, including defective parts, driver negligence, and the actions of the driver’s employer.
Many accidents occur because of the actions of the delivery truck driver. According to state and federal laws, these drivers have a duty to obey all applicable laws and regulations and operate their vehicles safely for the road conditions. If a driver breaches this duty, he or she could cause a serious accident.
Some of the most common examples of truck driver negligence include the following:
Trucking companies that operate in the United States must follow certain regulations set by state and federal governing agencies. If a delivery truck driver’s employer fails to uphold these guidelines and causes an accident, it could be liable for any injuries that victims suffer.
For example, hours-of-service regulations set limits on how many hours a truck driver may operate. Some companies force their delivery drivers to operate for more hours than allowed, leading to exhaustion, distractions, and aggression. Fatigued drivers are likely to be involved in an accident.
Below are a few common examples of trucking company negligence:
Some truck accidents in Portland are not the fault of the driver or even his or her employer. In some cases, a defective part within the vehicle is responsible for the accident occurring. In these situations, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the defective part would be responsible for the accident.
For example, a manufacturer may produce a faulty set of brakes that malfunction, causing a delivery driver to lose control of the vehicle. Defective steering wheels, tires, and hydraulic systems are also common.
Oregon law allows victims to file claims and recover compensation if they are injured in a delivery truck accident. Before you can pursue this type of claim, however, you need to first understand the cause of your accident and identify the at-fault party.
In these situations, a Portland delivery truck accident lawyer can help. An attorney can conduct a full investigation into your case, determine who was at fault for your crash, and leverage several pieces of evidence to craft a compelling case in your favor.
After your accident, seek medical attention and report the accident to law enforcement. Then, contact your attorney to discuss your case and identify your optimal path to recovery.