At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our Oregon semi-truck accident attorneys know there are seemingly countless ways commercial vehicle crashes can occur. Whether the truck’s driver causes a semi-truck collision — for negligently operating the large vehicle — or the trucking company for failing to maintain their fleet, the consequences of the crashes can be injuries to those around them.
A third party may be liable for the damages one sustains in such a crash. That may include those who load the truck before it leaves the warehouse and departs for its destination.
Here is what Oregon drivers need to know about pursuing a potentially liable third party for their accidents and injuries.
Unsecured or Overloaded Cargo Truck Accidents May Originate from the Loading Facility
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the United States Department of Transportation agency regulating the trucking industry — including the regulations regarding the loading, stacking, balancing, and securing freight for 18-wheelers.
One significant contributing factor in semi-truck collisions is loaders failing to secure cargo or overloading the truck. This is often the result of the loader taking shortcuts, disregarding the federal regulations that were put in place to avoid these types of accidents. When these circumstances occur, the truck driver’s skill and knowledge are no match for an unstable 80,000-pound vehicle.
This can easily lead to the trailer jackknifing or becoming separated from the truck’s cab, causing a catastrophic collision. When these accidents occur, the negligent circumstances that led to the crash — and ultimately the liability — may be traced back to the loading facility, amongst others.
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in an accident caused by a semi-truck with an unsecured or overloaded capacity, do not attempt to take on the liable corporation on your own. Before speaking with the insurance company, contact our Multnomah County truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Jon Friedman at (503) 242-1440 to schedule a free consultation and get the help you need to make informed decisions about the direction of your case.
