Every day, commercial trucks traverse the highways of Oregon and Washington, delivering goods and driving economic progress. However, when truck driver negligence comes into play, these massive vehicles can become harbingers of devastating accidents. At D’Amore Law Group, we’ve spent over 30 years helping victims and their families navigate the aftermath of serious injuries caused by negligent or wrongful actions.
Understanding how truck driver negligence occurs and its devastating consequences is vital for those affected. This blog will explore the causes of negligence, its impact, and what steps victims can take to protect their rights and pursue compensation.
How Does Truck Driver Negligence Happen?
Truck drivers operate under significant pressure to meet tight deadlines, often working long hours and managing unpredictable schedules. These demands can lead to unsafe driving practices, many of which are entirely preventable. Each of these behaviors poses significant risks to other drivers on the road. Recognizing these patterns of negligence is the first step toward accountability and preventing future accidents. Below are some of the most common causes of truck driver negligence.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Activities like texting, talking on the phone or even eating while driving divert a truck driver’s attention from the road. The Federal Highway Administration estimates that texting while driving increases the risk of a crash by 23 times compared to non-distracted driving.
Driving While Fatigued
Fatigue is a silent but deadly contributor to truck accidents. Although federal hours-of-service regulations limit truck drivers to 11 hours of driving per day with mandated rest breaks, violations are not uncommon. Fatigue reduces reaction times and impairs judgment, creating dangerous conditions on the road.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Some truck drivers resort to speeding or reckless maneuvers to compensate for delays or meet tight deadlines. This behavior increases stopping distances and the likelihood of losing control of a vehicle, particularly in poor weather conditions or on steep grades.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Cargo that is improperly loaded or exceeds weight limits can destabilize a truck, causing rollovers, jackknife accidents, or cargo spills. This negligence often stems from inadequate training or poor oversight by trucking companies.
The Impact of Truck Driver Negligence
When negligence causes a truck accident, the results are often catastrophic. Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making collisions with passenger vehicles devastating. The injuries sustained in these accidents are often life-altering and can include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Head injuries can have long-term effects, including memory loss, cognitive impairments, and emotional challenges.
- Spinal cord injuries. Severe accidents often result in paralysis or chronic pain due to spinal cord damage.
- Broken bones and internal injuries. The sheer force of a truck collision can cause fractures, organ damage, and internal bleeding.
- Wrongful death. Tragically, many truck accidents result in fatalities, leaving families grieving and struggling with financial losses.
In addition to these devastating physical injuries, victims often face an overwhelming financial and emotional toll. Medical expenses, lost wages, and the need for long-term rehabilitation can create challenges that feel insurmountable without professional help.
Accidents Due to Truck Driver Negligence
Truck driver negligence accidents are alarmingly common and preventable. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver error is the primary cause of 87% of large truck crashes. Negligence often manifests in the following ways:
- Inattention and distractions. Drivers who focus on anything other than the road put everyone at risk.
- Substance abuse or impairment. Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can impair reaction times and judgment.
- Inadequate training or experience. Drivers lacking proper training struggle with handling emergencies or maintaining control in adverse conditions.
The prevalence of these behaviors underscores the need for accountability. Victims of truck driver negligence accidents deserve justice, and legal action is often the only way to ensure meaningful consequences.
D’Amore Law Group Is Here to Help
At D’Amore Law Group, we focus on representing victims of truck driver negligence accidents. Our team understands the intricacies of these cases, from analyzing driving logs and maintenance records to consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
We are committed to helping victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or whatever other needs you are experiencing because of what you have been through. We know that financial recovery cannot undo the harm caused by an accident, but it can provide critical resources for rebuilding your life and moving forward.
Common Types of Truck Driver Negligence Cases We Handle
Our team has extensive experience handling cases involving the following types of negligence:
- Distracted driver accident cases. These involve truckers engaging in behaviors like texting or using in-cab devices while driving.
- Fatigue-related accidents. We examine driving logs to uncover violations of hours-of-service regulations.
- Cargo-related crashes. Improperly loaded cargo or overloaded trucks are a common factor in rollovers and jackknife accidents.
Each case is unique, but the goal is always the same: to hold negligent parties accountable and secure justice for our clients. An experienced distracted driver accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
Why Choose D’Amore Law Group?
With over 30 years of experience handling serious injury and wrongful death cases, D’Amore Law Group is uniquely equipped to represent truck accident victims in Oregon and Washington. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team ensures clients feel supported and heard throughout the legal process.
It’s essential to act quickly. Oregon has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, and Washington’s statute is three years. Failing to file a claim within this period can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact D’Amore Law Group for a free consultation. We’ll stand by your side, helping you hold negligent drivers accountable and recover the compensation you deserve.
By understanding truck driver negligence and its devastating consequences, victims can take the necessary steps toward justice and recovery. Let D’Amore Law Group help you rebuild your future.
Resources
FMCSA, Report to Congress on Large Truck Crash Causation Study – Link
Oregon personal injury statute of limitations – Link
Washington personal injury statute of limitations – Link
