What You need to Know about the Laws Governing Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident legislation is vast and there actually exists two layers of trucking laws that trucking operators, drivers, companies, etc. need to abide by. To begin with, there are the state specific laws which may vary from state to state and then there is an additional layer of federal laws which also mandate trucking operations. These federal laws are framed by the FMSCA (Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration).

Because of the extensive nature of these laws, Portland, OR truck accident lawyers acclaim that there are many factors that come into play in a truck accident lawsuit or claim. Therefore, it is wise to seek legal counsel to make sure you are covered on all fronts. All you need is to speak with a legal professional to evaluate your truck accident claim and whether you have solid grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit.

A northwest Oregon truck accident attorney will be well versed with both the state specific laws and the federal laws and will be able to present your claims with supporting evidence in a court room effectively. Even in case you decide to settle out of court, your legal representative will prove to be invaluable when it comes to dealing with insurance adjustors who are very tough negotiators. This is the best way to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive a settlement that you truly deserve.

What is a commercial truck?

For the uninitiated, it is important to understand what exactly qualifies as a commercial truck and what doesn’t. This is especially important because this is what determines what laws will come into play if the case goes to trial. Technically speaking, a commercial truck has to be one of the following: an 18 wheeler tractor trailer, tanker trailer, delivery vehicle, and other large freight trucks. It must be noted that pick-up trucks like the one The Rock drove in the movie Snitch (though he also drove a commercial truck as well) do not qualify as commercial trucks and Portland, OR truck accident lawyers know all about this.

How come truck accidents are usually fatal?

The answer to this is rather obvious. The fact that trucks generally weigh upwards of 80,000 lbs. or more when compared to cars or normal individual trucks/SUVs that generally weigh an average of 3,000 to 5,000 lbs., respectively, is reason enough for causing serious injuries or fatalities in an accident.

Who is liable for a truck accident?

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just the truck driver that can be held liable for a truck accident. The truck company, the truck manufacturers, truck lessors, truck owners, can all be liable depending on the specifics of the case.

If you only list some parties as defendants in a truck accident lawsuit, you will most likely not receive all of the damages that you seek through the lawsuit. It is important to find out from your northwest Oregon truck accident lawyer as to whom the liable parties are. Then you know who to target!

The Portland Trailblazers may be playing well in this 2015/2016 NBA basketball season much to the surprise of ESPN analysts but this website Truck-Accident.USAttorneys has performed on a championship level since its inception and that has surprised no one. If you need legal help, click on that site. If you have a possible truck accident case, get on that site and contact us if you want or call up a legal representative and tell them your side of the story. Patience may be a virtue but in this case it is foolhardy. Time is of the essence.