971-405-6660
We are in the midst of the traditionally worst months for truck accidents in Oregon. Naturally an increase in truck accidents means an increase in truck-related personal injuries. November and December have historically been the worst for truck-at-fault crashes in Oregon. Last year, for example, there were 380 truck-at-fault crashes from January through October for an average of 38 per month. Then there were 141 truck-at-fault crashes in November and December alone, accounting for 27% of all crashes last year and raising the average to 43 per month. These accidents can be very serious considering the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. It is important that if you have been one of the unfortunate victims of such a crash, you call me or other personal injury attorney today.
Motor Carrier Transportation Division Safety Manager David McKane believes part of the problem has to do with inexperienced and unprepared drivers. “Every year, interstate truck drivers who have never traveled through here, and never seen the likes of Emigrant Hill in Eastern Oregon or the Siskiyou Pass at the California border, get in trouble because they don’t carry and use chains or are not otherwise prepared for bad weather,” McKane said. “Even some who have been through Oregon before let their guard down and get in trouble.” your rights. A couple of years ago, in an attempt to combat this problem, ODOT even put out a video focusing on trucking accidents, related auto accident personal injuries and tips to avoid them.
Truck-at-fault crashes increased in 2010 compared with the remarkably low number that occurred in 2009. Out of a total of 1,154 truck crashes in 2010, it was determined that the truck was at-fault in 574 of the crashes, 62 more than in 2009 – a 12% increase. The truck driver was at-fault in 536 of those incidents and a truck mechanical problem caused just 38 incidents. A total of 408 people were injured in truck crashes last year, 50 more than in 2009 – a 14% increase. A total of 43 people were killed, 14 more than in 2009 – a 48% increase.
According to mileage reported on weight-mile tax and flat fee payment reports, along with mileage reported for temporary passes, motor carriers traveled 1.6 billion miles in Oregon in 2010. Based on that activity, truck crashes occurred at a rate of 0.729 per million miles traveled. Truck-at-fault crashes occurred at a rate of 0.362 per million miles traveled. Last year, 93% of truck-at-fault crashes were attributed to the truck driver, with speeding, following too close, and failing to remain in lane cited as the most common problems.