Portland is a thriving city for trade and big rigs that transport commercial goods. While tractor-trailers are essential to our city, state, and country, they are prone to intense vehicle collisions. Specifically, jackknife truck crashes can result in motorists sustaining bodily injuries, mounting debts, and changes to their day-to-day lives.
If you or someone you love were hurt in a jackknife truck accident in Portland, a truck wreck lawyer can help obtain compensatory damages from the responsible party. Our team at Gideon Asen LLC is prepared to fight for what you deserve.
Negligence and L-Shape Truck Crashes
L-shape semi collisions are typically the result of negligence on the trucker’s part. This type of collision occurs when a truck driver brakes too quickly, or late, resulting in the vehicle’s cab and trailer making an L-shape, similar to a jackknife when it is slightly open.
Reckless conduct by truckers that can result in jackknife crashes include:
- Speeding
- Improper braking
- Mechanical issues
- Inclement weather
- Driving while tired
- Eating while driving
- Driving under the influence
For a motorist to be successful in a personal injury lawsuit for negligence, they must establish that the trucker, transporting company, and any third parties had a duty to the motorist that was breached, resulting in injuries.
All drivers, truckers included, owe a duty to others not to violate the laws of the road, or cause harm or property damage. An L-shape semi collision attorney in Portland could find evidence of trucker misconduct, which led to the crash and subsequent injuries, property damage, and financial losses.
Common Injuries and Monetary Compensation
Jackknife truck crashes can result in severe injuries to drivers navigating the road. These types of accidents can cause pile-up crashes by blocking access to the road.
Some of the most common injuries occurring in L-shape collisions are:
- Paralysis
- Whiplash
- Amputations
- Neck injuries
- Bone fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
Injured parties hurt in jackknife truck collisions in Portland have the right to file a lawsuit for compensatory damages. The lawsuit can be settled before trial, or a jury could receive a verdict regarding damages. For a hurt motorist to collect damages through a jury trial, the evidence must show that the claimant (person filing) was not more than 50 percent liable for the collision.
If multiple parties are liable for harm to the motorist, the judgment issued will lay out separate liability as reached by the jury and the total damage award as calculated by the court (ORS 311.601 (2)). Damages can be awarded for loss of income, loss of a companion and intimate partner, healthcare, vehicle repair costs, personal debt resulting from the inability to work, and future medical costs.
Surviving spouses and children have the right to file a lawsuit to collect damages under a wrongful death claim as decedent(s). If the decedent died during employment, the family could collect worker’s compensation benefits on behalf of their loved one.
Following a jackknife tractor-trailer accident in Portland, a lawyer can present evidence of how the trucker, hauling company, or others were at fault for the collision. Experienced attorneys understand the nuances of these cases and can ensure that all potential avenues of compensation are pursued.
Reach Out to a Jackknife Truck Wreck Lawyer in Portland
If you have been in a jackknife truck accident in Portland, you deserve compensation for your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, and the financial stress. We provide thorough and timely legal services to help your case be filed within the two-year personal injury deadline.
To learn more about what we can do for you, give us a call or contact us online. We are here to help.
