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Oak Harbor Freight Lines, Inc. Truck Accident Lawyer
Protecting Victims of Oak Harbor Freight Lines Accidents Nationwide
When a commercial truck operated by Oak Harbor Freight Lines is involved in a crash, the impact can be devastating.
These vehicles are large, often weighing up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Collisions with passenger vehicles can lead to catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and extended periods away from work.
Oak Harbor is a well-established LTL (less-than-truckload) freight carrier in the western United States. Their trucks are constantly on the move, delivering freight across state lines, navigating congested urban centers, and operating under strict deadlines.
Unfortunately, the combination of heavy equipment, tight schedules, and varying driver experience levels can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving an Oak Harbor truck, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our trucking accident attorneys in Chicago have the experience and resources to investigate trucking collisions, uncover liability, and recover maximum compensation on your behalf. We offer free consultations and don’t get paid unless we win your case.
About Oak Harbor Freight Lines, Inc.: Safety & Accident History
Company Overview
Oak Harbor Freight Lines, Inc. (USDOT Number: 8314) is a regional LTL carrier based in Auburn, Washington.
Founded in 1916, Oak Harbor has grown into one of the most recognizable freight companies in the western U.S., with a network of service centers stretching from California to Idaho and beyond. The company employs more than 1,000 drivers and operates over 850 power units.
Oak Harbor’s focus on time-sensitive freight delivery pressures its fleet to stay in motion. While the company invests in logistics and customer service, its vehicles are frequently involved in long-haul trips and local delivery routes, both of which carry safety risks.
FMCSA Safety & Crash Data
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Oak Harbor Freight Lines has recorded the following crash data in the past 24 months:
- 58 total crashes reported
- 16 crashes involving injuries
- 2 fatal trucking accidents
- 40 tow-away crashes
These numbers suggest that while Oak Harbor performs better than many of its peers in specific safety categories, its trucks are still involved in dozens of crashes annually, some of them fatal.
Common Causes of Oak Harbor Truck Accidents
Accidents involving Oak Harbor trucks can stem from various factors. In many cases, these collisions result from poor oversight, inadequate maintenance, or unsafe driving practices.
Pressure to Meet Tight Delivery Deadlines
Drivers may feel compelled to meet demanding delivery schedules, especially during peak shipping seasons. This pressure can encourage speeding, risky lane changes, and skipping rest breaks, raising the risk of accidents.
Driver Fatigue and HOS Violations
Federal hours-of-service (HOS) rules are designed to prevent fatigue-related crashes. But when drivers push beyond legal limits, reaction times slow, and judgment becomes impaired. In regional freight operations, drivers often cover long distances with limited downtime.
Equipment and Maintenance Failures
Brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and steering problems are common causes of truck crashes. Mechanical failures can become deadly if vehicles aren’t inspected regularly or if maintenance providers cut corners.
Inadequate Driver Training
Commercial driving requires skill, caution, and extensive training. If Oak Harbor fails to train drivers to handle complex delivery environments, operate safely in poor weather, or respond to emergencies, the risk of errors increases.
Cargo-Related Hazards
Unsecured or improperly balanced loads can shift during transit, causing rollovers or jackknife crashes. Oak Harbor’s LTL model involves multiple pickups and drop-offs, which increases the likelihood of uneven or unstable cargo.
Lawsuits Involving Oak Harbor Freight Lines
Recent Legal Action and Case Examples
Oak Harbor Freight Lines, Inc. has not been the subject of publicly documented personal injury lawsuits.
However, it has faced legal scrutiny in cases that center on driver safety and working conditions, which are factors that often play a central role in trucking-related injury claims.
Flanery, Murillo, and Mason v. Oak Harbor Freight Lines, Inc. (Filed in 2013)
Three commercial drivers—Shawn Flanery, Jeffrey Murillo, and Cade Mason—filed federal complaints in Oregon, claiming the company punished them for refusing to drive while feeling sick or overly fatigued.
According to their lawsuit, Oak Harbor Freight Lines had policies that pushed drivers to operate vehicles even when it wasn’t safe, and penalized them for taking time off to protect their health or the safety of others on the road.
OSHA Investigation (Reported in 2013)
That same year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) looked into a separate case involving a veteran driver who was suspended without pay after refusing to drive while sick.
OSHA found that Oak Harbor Freight Lines had violated federal whistleblower protection laws. As a result, the company was ordered to provide full back pay and remove the suspension from the driver’s record.
While these cases didn’t involve accidents or injuries, they highlight a troubling pattern: when drivers are pressured to drive under unsafe conditions, the risk of serious accidents increases. A company’s policies and internal culture play a major role in keeping both their drivers and the public safe.
Who Is Liable in an Oak Harbor Freight Lines Truck Crash?
Liability in commercial vehicle accidents can extend well beyond the driver. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be held responsible, including:
- The driver, especially if they were speeding, distracted, impaired, or violating traffic laws.
- Oak Harbor Freight Lines, for failing to enforce safety protocols, screen drivers, or schedule routes realistically.
- Maintenance contractors, if poor repairs or inspections contributed to the crash.
- Cargo handlers, if improperly secured freight played a role.
- Parts manufacturers, in cases involving defective components such as brakes or tires.
Our firm thoroughly investigates each case to determine where negligence occurred and to hold every responsible party accountable.
Compensation Available for Oak Harbor Truck Accident Victims
Victims of trucking accidents often face substantial medical costs and long-term life changes. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers fights to recover compensation for:
- Emergency and follow-up medical treatment
- Surgical procedures, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications and assistive devices
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Vehicle damage and replacement costs
- Wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses and loss of companionship
- Punitive damages, in cases of extreme negligence or repeated safety violations
We consult with medical experts, vocational specialists, and economists to build a full picture of your losses and ensure your compensation reflects the actual impact of the crash.
Steps to Take After an Oak Harbor Freight Lines Truck Accident
- Call 911 and request law enforcement: Emergency responders will document the crash and provide care. A police report is vital evidence.
- Seek medical care immediately: Injuries may not appear immediately, but timely treatment helps connect your condition to the crash and supports your legal claim.
- Photograph the scene and gather information: Take pictures of all vehicles, license plates, road conditions, and injuries. Note the truck’s USDOT number and company name.
- Collect witness contact details: Neutral third parties can strengthen your version of events.
- Do not speak to Oak Harbor’s insurance company: Insurers may try to get you to settle quickly or downplay your injuries. Always consult an attorney before discussing your case.
- Speak with an experienced Chicago trucking accident law firm: The earlier you involve legal counsel, the more effectively we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for an Oak Harbor Truck Accident Case
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ve built a strong reputation for standing up for victims of serious trucking accidents. Taking legal action against carriers like Oak Harbor Freight Lines requires focused expertise, relentless advocacy, and the resources to see your case through.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
- Years of experience navigating the complexities of commercial truck crash claims
- More than $450 million secured for clients across the U.S.
- A hands-on legal team that manages everything from investigation to negotiation and trial
- No legal fees unless we secure a successful result for you
We know how to hold freight companies like Oak Harbor accountable—and we’re here to fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Get Legal Help After an Oak Harbor Freight Lines Truck Accident
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an Oak Harbor truck, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. We’ll guide you through every step, from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurers and, if necessary, litigating in court.
Call (888) 424-5757 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Chicago truck crash attorney.
All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.