Truck Accident Lawyer in Portland, Oregon

At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our truck accident attorneys in Portland are skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable advocates for injured victims. Large truck companies and their commercial insurance carriers must be held accountable for crashes caused by their negligence. If you or a family member was hurt in a semi-truck accident, we are here to help. We understand that semi-truck crashes are some of the most serious and deadly types of personal injury cases. Contact us today for your free consultation with an experienced Portland tractor-trailer accident attorney.

A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. In 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration data shows trucks were responsible for over 116,000 injuries. Commercial trucks pulling a trailer are typically also around 72 feet long. For reference, that means large trucks are 20 or 30 times larger than passenger vehicles. Given the large size of semi-trucks, they pose an inherent safety hazard.

When truck accidents happen, the consequences are disproportionately likely to be devastating, even catastrophic, resulting in more severe injuries and fatalities. In 2022, there were 1,812 commercial truck accidents reported in the state, leading to 623 injuries and 74 fatalities (2022 Oregon Motor Carrier Traffic Crashes). Truck accidents impact all communities, even larger urban areas. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), there were 221 tractor-trailer accidents in the City of Portland alone in 2022. More than half of those accidents were classified as injury crashes. Given the inherent risk, it is imperative that truckers and trucking companies put a strong emphasis on safety. They should never allow profits to come before people.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration listed nearly 4,800 deaths during those collisions, marking a nine percent increase from the previous year.

Our Portland, Oregon truck accident attorneys have more than 35 years of experience representing clients who have suffered critical and catastrophic injuries, as well as families who have lost loved ones due to these serious collisions, we are available to review your claim during a free confidential assessment today.

What to Do if You Are Injured in a Truck Accident

Following a commercial truck accident in Portland, it is normal to feel stressed out or even overwhelmed by the process. You need to take a proactive approach to protect yourself and your rights. Here are four key steps to take after a large truck accident in Portland:

• Stop Your Car and Call the Police: You should stop your vehicle, exchange relevant information, and stay at the scene of a truck accident. The crash should also be reported to law enforcement, such as the Portland Police Department.
• See a Doctor Right Away: Emergencies come first. All non-emergency injuries should still be evaluated by a doctor. Make sure that you get the care that you need to make a full recovery. Notably, without medical records, you will not be able to bring a claim.
• Document the Scene: In Oregon, truck accident liability is based on fault. The more information you have about a crash, the better. Take pictures and get witness contact details.
• Speak to a Lawyer Before an Insurer: No insurance company is on your side. Before you provide any statement to an insurance adjuster, you should be sure to consult with an experienced Portland, OR, semi-truck accident lawyer. Our attorneys can help make sure you protect yourself.

How are Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?

There are some important differences between commercial truck accidents and car accidents. Truck accident claims can be especially complex. For that reason, it is crucial that truck accident victims have qualified legal representation. You need a Portland, OR, truck accident lawyer who has been there before. Here are some key differences to be aware of:

• Serious Injuries More Likely to Happen: With truck accidents, serious injuries are more likely to occur. The massive difference in size and weight between tractor-trailers and other vehicles can lead to greater destruction in the event of a collision. For example, a fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. In contrast, an average passenger car weighs only around 3,000 pounds.
• Federal Truck Safety Regulations: Trucks and their operators are subject to a stringent set of federal regulations that do not apply to most passenger vehicles. These regulations, enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), cover a wide range of operational standards, including hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. These rules are designed to ensure safety but add complexity to the claims process.
• Many Parties are Involved in Trucking: Another challenge associated with truck accident claims is that many different parties are often involved in commercial trucking operations. Potentially liable parties may include the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the truck, cargo loaders, and even manufacturers of truck parts. Each of these entities can play a role in contributing to an accident, whether through negligent actions or failure to comply with safety standards. A thorough investigation of any truck accident is a must.

Recovering Financial Compensation for a Semi-Truck Crash in Portland

Were you injured in a commercial truck accident in Portland? You have the right under Oregon law to seek compensation for the full value of your damages. However, it is important to emphasize that you cannot rely on any trucking company or any insurance company to look out for your interests. They always put their own bottom line first. Our Portland truck accident lawyers help injured victims fight to maximize their settlement, including for:

• Property damage, such as vehicle repairs;
• Emergency medical treatment;
• Ambulance fees and emergency room care costs;
• Hospital bills and other health costs;
• Physical therapy/rehabilitative care;
• Lost wages and diminished earning power;
• Pain and suffering and mental distress;
• Long-term physical disability; and
• Wrongful death of a family member.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Commercial Truck Accident?

In Oregon, any party whose negligence contributed to a commercial truck accident can be held legally liable for the resulting damages. Some common defendants in truck accident cases are:

• Truck Driver: The driver of the truck can be held liable if the accident was a result of their negligence, such as distracted driving, fatigue, or violating traffic laws.
• Trucking Company: Often, the company employing the truck driver is liable under the legal principle of “respondeat superior.” It holds employers responsible for employees.
• Cargo Loaders: The parties responsible for loading the truck’s cargo can be held liable if an accident is caused by improper loading.
• Truck Owner: If different from the driver or trucking company, the owner of the truck can be held liable for neglecting maintenance, which could lead to a vehicle malfunction.
• Truck or Parts Manufacturers: Manufacturers of truck parts can be held liable if a defective part contributed to the accident. These are product liability claims.

Oregon is a Fault-Based Commercial Truck Accident State

Oregon is a fault-based motor vehicle crash state, including commercial truck accidents. A trucker and/or trucking company can be held liable for your injuries if you can prove that their negligence contributed to the crash. Examples of negligence include:

• Fatigued Driving: Truckers who exceed the legally permitted driving hours without adequate rest are at an increased risk of being involved in a crash.
• Speeding: Speeding is dangerous. It contributes to a significant share of serious commercial truck accidents in Oregon.
• Distracted Driving: In order to safely operate a large commercial truck, a driver must keep his or her full attention on the road.
• Improper Loading: If a truck is not properly loaded or if cargo is not properly secured, it can cause a crash.
• Lack of Maintenance: Failing to perform regular maintenance on trucks can lead to catastrophic failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts.

Under ORS § 31.600, truck accident claims are subject to a modified comparative fault standard. Each party will be liable for their “share” of the fault. You can still recover compensation if you are partially to blame for a truck accident—unless your fault is 51 percent or higher, in which case you cannot recover any compensation.

A Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Semi-Truck Accident Injury Cases

Under Oregon law (ORS § 12.110), there is a two-year statute of limitations for truck accident injury claims. Do not wait too long to take action. If the statute of limitations expires, the truck company and/or its insurer will move to dismiss your case without a hearing. In other words, you could lose your right to recover compensation. The sooner you take action, the better. Speak to a Portland, OR, semi-truck accident attorney right away after a bad crash.

What are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Portland, Oregon?

Because of the weight and size of large trucks, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires all drivers to pass both written and driving tests to obtain the necessary commercial driver’s licenses before getting behind the wheel of a semi-truck.

Further, they regulate the driver’s hours of service, driving records, and employment by placing strict Federal guidelines on the trucking companies that employ them.

They also implement procedures and systems for maintenance and loading requirements to help keep the general public safe from the many moving parts of the trucking industry.

Unfortunately, even with all the checks and balances, negligence remains the leading factor in truck accidents in Oregon and across the country.

That includes:

• Truck driver negligence in the form of aggressive, fatigued, or distracted driving, speeding, and drug or alcohol use
• Trucking company negligence by hiring inexperienced truck drivers and failing to properly train them, and failing to conduct the proper background checks or administer random drug and alcohol tests
• Maintenance negligence that leads to brake failures, tire blowouts, transmission malfunctions, and damaged safety equipment
• Manufacturer negligence for failing to recall or warn of defective trucks or parts
• Cargo loaders or another third party that fails to load the trucks properly

Any combination of individuals or companies listed above may also be held responsible in cases where several parties were negligent in the truck’s operation, which led to an accident with injuries or death.

What are the Most Common Types of Oregon Truck Accident Injuries?

If you have been injured in a truck accident, chances are your experience was traumatic and has remained an emotional obstacle in your healing process. This is not uncommon and should be considered when pursuing the proper compensation for your unique injury circumstances.

Other common truck accident injuries can include, but are not limited to:

• Seatbelt and airbag injuries
• Broken or crushed bones
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Rib and torso injuries
• Neck injuries
• Head injuries, including Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Spinal injuries and paralysis
• Loss of limbs
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Wrongful death

Because of the serious nature of truck accidents, there is no limit to how each injury victim’s injuries will affect their life directly after the accident and going forward. Our truck accident lawyers in Portland, Oregon will account for each detail in our claim against the negligent party or parties.

Portland’s I-5 Corridor: A Hub for Dangerous Truck Accidents

Portland’s I-5 corridor, a crucial artery of the Pacific Northwest’s transportation network, sees over 150,000 vehicles daily, with commercial trucks making up approximately 12% of this traffic. The stretch between the Marquam Bridge and the I-5/I-84 interchange has been identified as particularly hazardous, with state transportation data showing a 40% higher incident rate for truck-related accidents compared to other similar interstate segments. This heavily trafficked section, combined with Portland’s challenging weather conditions and the corridor’s complex merge patterns, creates unique risks for both commercial and passenger vehicles.

The impact of I-5 truck accidents extends beyond the immediate Portland metro area, affecting communities from Vancouver, WA to Wilsonville, OR. Recent Oregon Department of Transportation data reveals that nearly 35% of all commercial truck accidents in the Portland region occur along the I-5 corridor, with a significant concentration around major industrial areas such as Swan Island and the Columbia Corridor. These accidents often result in more severe outcomes than typical vehicle collisions, with statistics showing that truck accidents on I-5 are three times more likely to result in serious injuries or fatalities, particularly during peak traffic hours between 6-9 AM and 3-7 PM.

Large Vehicle Accidents in Portland, Oregon, are Caused by More than Semi-Trucks

Traffic collisions involving large trucks occur throughout Portland and Oregon each day. In many cases, these commercial vehicles are not semi-trucks.

Our personal injury lawyers also handle cases that were caused by different types of commercial vehicles, including:

• Box trucks
• Buses
• Concrete trucks
• Corporate cars, trucks, and SUVs
• Delivery vehicles
• Dump trucks
• Flatbed trucks
• Heavy equipment vehicles
• Trash trucks

The Law Offices of Jon Friedman offer personal attention and experience to assist you from the first meeting through the end of your claim. We can help recover losses brought on by your injuries including medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering and interference with your ability to lead your normal daily living activities.

Contact Our Portland Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today

The Law Offices of Jon Friedman offers free initial consultations to discuss the details of your truck accident claim to pursue a fast and fair settlement.

If you believe you have a claim and have questions or concerns about how to proceed, please get in touch with our Portland personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Jon Friedman today by calling 503-242-1440 for a free, confidential assessment of your claim.

We are a family-run law firm that truly cares about the best interests of our clients. Attorneys Jon M. Friedman and Jon D. Friedman are a father and son team who are dedicated to fighting for justice for the people who need support the most—victims and families. With a record of client testimonials and results in complex cases, our Portland semi-truck accident attorneys are standing by. When you contact us at our Portland law office, you will be able to work with an Oregon semi-truck accident lawyer who can:

• Listen to what you have to say and answer questions about your case.
• Investigate your semi-truck accident—gathering evidence to prove fault;
• Represent you in settlement negotiations with insurance companies; and
• Take action to protect your rights and help you secure the maximum compensation.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Top-Tier Portland Truck Accident Lawyer

At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our Portland semi-truck accident attorneys are standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. If you believe you have a claim and have questions or concerns about how to proceed, please contact our Portland personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Jon Friedman today by calling 503-242-1440 for a free confidential assessment of your claim. From our Portland law office, we handle semi-truck accident claims in Multnomah County and throughout the wider region.

Law Offices of Jon Friedman

811 SW Naito Pkwy #610, Portland, OR 97204

Phone: 503-242-1440