Truck Launched 100 Feet Through Oregon Family Home: What Portland Drivers Need to Know About Reckless Trucking Accidents
The Terrifying Incident in Tigard: A Truck Becomes a Missile
Just before 3 a.m. on February 13, 2026, a residential neighborhood in Tigard, Oregon—just ten miles south of Portland—became the scene of a nightmare. A speeding truck struck a dirt mound on the side of the road, launching it approximately 100 feet into the air. The vehicle cleared a three-foot brick wall and crashed through the side of a family home, tearing a massive hole where the bathroom once stood.
The homeowner, David Brudnok, described the moment: “I got woken up—just the slamming and the house rumbled and like, it was—it was crazy. And then my wife was knitting in the room just right there, and I heard her start screaming my name.”
Miraculously, no one was seriously injured. The driver, Jacob Hankins (33), and his passenger were trapped inside the vehicle but rescued by Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue with only minor injuries. The family inside the home escaped physical harm, though their lives were forever changed by the sudden destruction of their home.
Hankins was charged with reckless driving and recklessly endangering—charges that only scratch the surface of the potential legal consequences and civil liability in this case.
The Legal Fallout: Who’s Really Responsible?
Jacob Hankins faces criminal charges, but the civil liability extends far beyond the driver. In trucking accidents, multiple parties can be held accountable under federal and Texas law.
Potential Defendants in This Case (And Similar Portland Incidents)
| Party | Potential Liability |
|---|---|
| Jacob Hankins (Driver) | Reckless driving, speeding, failure to maintain control |
| Trucking Company | Negligent hiring, inadequate training, pressure to violate hours of service |
| Truck Owner | If different from carrier, negligent entrustment |
| Maintenance Company | Failure to properly inspect or repair brakes, tires, or other critical systems |
| Cargo Loading Company | If improper loading contributed to loss of control |
| Municipality | Road design defects, inadequate signage, failure to maintain safe conditions |
| Truck Manufacturer | Defective design or manufacturing of vehicle components |
FMCSA Regulations Potentially Violated:
– 49 CFR § 392.3 – Prohibits operating a CMV while impaired by fatigue
– 49 CFR § 392.6 – Requires drivers to operate at safe speeds for conditions
– 49 CFR § 392.14 – Mandates extreme caution in hazardous conditions
– 49 CFR § 393.40-55 – Brake system requirements
– 49 CFR § 396.3 – Systematic inspection and maintenance requirements
What Portland Drivers Can Learn from This Incident
1. The Importance of Immediate Action After a Trucking Accident
If you’re involved in a trucking accident in Portland or Portland County, Texas, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly:
- ECM/Black Box Data – Can be overwritten in as little as 30 days
- ELD Records – May be retained for only 6 months
- Dashcam Footage – Often deleted within 7-14 days
- Witness Memories – Fade within weeks
- Physical Evidence – Vehicles may be repaired or scrapped
What to Do Immediately:
1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
3. Document the scene with photos and video
4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
5. Collect witness contact information
6. Call an attorney immediately – We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve evidence
“Every hour you wait, evidence in your Portland trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner
2. The Catastrophic Injuries That Could Have Occurred
While this Oregon family was fortunate to escape serious physical injury, the next family might not be so lucky. Trucking accidents often result in:
| Injury Type | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|
| Traumatic Brain Injury | Cognitive impairment, personality changes, lifelong care needs |
| Spinal Cord Injury | Paralysis, loss of bodily functions, permanent disability |
| Amputation | Loss of limbs, lifelong prosthetics, psychological trauma |
| Severe Burns | Multiple surgeries, permanent scarring, chronic pain |
| Internal Organ Damage | Life-threatening bleeding, organ failure, long-term health issues |
| Wrongful Death | Loss of income, companionship, and future support for families |
Case Example: In Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021), a Texas jury awarded $730 million to the family of a woman killed when a Navy propeller being transported as oversize cargo fell from a Landstar truck. The case involved gross negligence in securing the load.
Why This Case Could Have Been Even Worse: The Underride Danger
One of the most terrifying aspects of this incident is what didn’t happen—an underride collision. When a truck becomes airborne or loses control, passenger vehicles can slide underneath the trailer, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.
Underride Statistics:
– Approximately 400-500 underride deaths occur annually in the U.S.
– Rear underride guards are required by 49 CFR § 393.86, but side underride guards are not
– In St. Louis Underride Case (2024), a jury awarded $462 million after two men were decapitated
Portland’s Risk: With heavy truck traffic on I-10 and other major corridors, Portland drivers face the same underride risks. The lack of federal requirements for side underride guards means many trucks on our roads are dangerously unprotected.
What Portland Drivers Can Do to Protect Themselves
1. Defensive Driving Around Large Trucks
- Avoid Blind Spots – If you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you
- Don’t Cut Off Trucks – They need much longer stopping distances
- Give Wide Berth – Stay back when trucks are turning or changing lanes
- Watch for Speeding Trucks – Especially on curves and ramps
- Be Extra Cautious at Night – Fatigue and visibility issues increase risks
2. Know Your Rights After an Accident
If you’re involved in a trucking accident in Portland or Portland County:
– You have the right to choose your own doctor – Don’t let the trucking company’s insurance dictate your medical care
– You have the right to legal representation – Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you
– You have the right to full compensation – For medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage
– You have the right to refuse recorded statements – Anything you say can be used against you
3. Document Everything
- Take photos of all vehicles, damage, and the accident scene
- Get contact information for all drivers and witnesses
- Keep records of all medical treatment and expenses
- Document how the accident affects your daily life
“Your cellphone is one of the most powerful tools in your case. Capture damage to all vehicles, document your injuries, take photos of street signs and road conditions. Take MORE photos than you think you need—you can always delete extras later.”
— Ralph Manginello
Watch: Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?
How Attorney911 Fights for Trucking Accident Victims
At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes.
Our Unique Advantages
-
Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge
– Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney
– We know exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate
– We anticipate and counter every tactic they use to minimize claims -
Immediate Evidence Preservation
– We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained
– We demand preservation of ECM/Black Box data, ELD records, and maintenance logs
– We deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene when needed -
Comprehensive Investigation
– We subpoena driver qualification files to prove negligent hiring
– We analyze ELD data to identify hours of service violations
– We review maintenance records for deferred repairs
– We investigate the trucking company’s safety culture and history -
Aggressive Litigation
– We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
– We’re not afraid to take on Fortune 500 trucking companies
– We’ve recovered millions for clients against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and other major carriers -
Local Knowledge
– We know Portland’s trucking corridors and the unique risks they present
– We understand the local courts, judges, and legal landscape
– We have relationships with local medical providers and experts
Our Track Record
| Case Type | Result |
|---|---|
| Logging Brain Injury | $5+ Million Settlement |
| Car Accident Amputation | $3.8+ Million Settlement |
| Maritime Back Injury | $2+ Million Settlement |
| Truck Crash Recovery | $2.5+ Million Settlement |
| Wrongful Death Cases | Millions recovered for Texas families |
“We’ve seen what trucking companies do after an accident. And we know how to stop them. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who spent years on the other side. Now he’s on YOUR side. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to put that insider knowledge to work for your case.”
— Ralph Manginello
Common Questions About Trucking Accident Cases
Q: How much is my trucking accident case worth?
A: Every case is unique, but factors that affect value include:
– Severity of injuries
– Medical expenses (past and future)
– Lost wages and earning capacity
– Pain and suffering
– Degree of defendant’s negligence
– Available insurance coverage
Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical drivers—often $1 million or more—allowing for larger recoveries in catastrophic cases.
Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach creates leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready if the case does go to court.
Q: What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?
A: Never accept a quick settlement without consulting an attorney. These offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
“The insurance adjuster is trained to minimize your claim. Our job is to maximize it. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before you say anything to the insurance company.”
— Ralph Manginello
Additional Resources
The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries
Learn about the unique challenges of trucking accident cases and how to protect your rights.
Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer
Understand how tire failures contribute to trucking accidents and what to do if you’re involved in one.
What to Do After a Car Accident?
A step-by-step guide to protecting your rights after any motor vehicle accident.
The Definitive Guide to MCS 90 Auto Endorsements
Learn about the insurance requirements for commercial trucks and how they affect your case.
What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?
Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Learn what to avoid saying to protect your claim.
Hablamos Español. If you or a loved one has been affected by a trucking accident in Portland and Spanish is your primary language, our associate attorney Lupe Peña can provide direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.