Clackamas Truck
Accident Lawyer

We Handle Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Involving Semi Trucks, 18-Wheelers & Other Large Trucks in Clackamas, OR and Throughout Oregon

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Truck crashes are often the more serious types of accidents on Oregon’s roads, causing serious and even life-changing injuries. Located just southeast of Portland, Clackamas sees its share of truck traffic, especially on the I-205, OR-224, and OR-212.

In March 2025, the dangers of Clackamas’ roads for trucks were highlighted when a tractor-trailer tipped over on the OR-224, blocking a section of road. Although no injuries were reported in that incident, trucks claim lives on Oregon’s roads every year. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a Clackamas, OR, truck accident, now is the time to seek justice.

At Johnston Law Firm, we have been successfully fighting for Oregon truck accident victims, securing multi-million dollar settlements and helping victims and their families rebuild their lives, since we were established. You can trust us to hear your story and give you tailored advice on your truck crash. Call 503-546-3167 today for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer to discover your rights to pursue legal action.

Understanding Why Truck Accidents Happen in Clackamas, OR

Truck accidents can happen anywhere, but in Clackamas, OR, certain areas are especially high-risk due to the volume of commercial traffic, retail units, and infrastructure layout. At Johnston Law Firm, we don’t just understand Oregon traffic laws. We know the unique challenges that lead to truck accidents in Clackamas and the surrounding areas.

Some sites of heavy truck traffic that are more likely to see accidents in Clackamas include:

• Clackamas Industrial Area: A regional hub for distribution, warehousing, and wholesale trade, the Clackamas Industrial Area sees heavy truck traffic each day
• SE 82nd Avenue: A busy road regularly plied by truck traffic, with intersections that have previously been named among the most dangerous in Portland
• SE Sunnyside Rd: 132nd Ave – 172nd Ave (Clackamas): With its heavy truck traffic serving the many retail outlets in the area, this section is slated for upgrade works to improve traffic safety on the 2024-27 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)

When choosing a truck accident attorney, it’s important to look for one with strong links to the local Clackamas community. The truck accident attorneys at the Portland Offices of Johnston Law Firm understand the challenges Clackamas truck accident victims face. We are well-placed to provide tailored legal support that focuses on getting your life back on track as quickly as possible.

Challenges in Clackamas, OR, Truck Accident Cases

Truck accidents are often more complicated than standard auto accidents. When two cars collide, there are usually just two parties involved, and it’s a matter of determining which driver was at fault. 

However, in truck accident cases, your lawyer may need to consider:

• Federal and state trucking regulations
• Multiple insurance policies
• Complex investigative procedures that require expert assistance

Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

Here are just a few reasons why you should never try to handle a truck accident case without legal representation:

• Regulation violations: You may need to prove that the truck driver or trucking company was negligent by violating federal or state trucking regulations. This may include hours of work violations or breaches of regulations around the loading of cargo.
• Multiple-party liability: Unlike in car accident cases, where the driver is typically liable, the driver may only bear partial responsibility in a truck accident case. The trucking company, cargo loaders, vehicle maintenance crew, or even the truck manufacturer may also be liable. 
• Evidence preservation is critical: Trucking companies and insurers will spring to life while you are still in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. They will dispatch their own investigators and accident reconstruction experts to the scene to document what happened. However, they are not there in the interests of justice; they are there to protect their own interests and minimize their liability.

Choose Experience and a Track Record of Success

For all of these reasons and more, truck accident victims require a legal advocate who has the experience and dedication to see their case through to its conclusion and who takes a personal interest in each individual client. 

In one notable case, Johnston Law Firm truck accident lawyers represented a woman who was severely injured when a tractor-trailer semi-truck was negligently loaded. Our aggressive legal team secured an outstanding settlement of $20 million to allow our client to rebuild her life. Our team is ready to apply the same attention and tenacity to pursuing your Clackamas, OR, truck accident claim.

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How Truck Accident Injuries Change Lives

There is no David-versus-Goliath battle on the road quite like a huge semi-truck colliding with a regular car. The forces exerted when trucks crash into other vehicles often cause catastrophic physical injuries and severe mental trauma. Both may require extensive medical care, ongoing rehabilitation, and financial compensation to support your recovery and future stability.

Common Injuries From Truck Accidents

Some of the most common life-changing injuries Clackamas, OR, truck accident victims may sustain include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These vary in severity from mild concussions to serious brain injuries that cause long-term disabilities. TBI victims may suffer from permanent difficulties with speech, memory, and mobility.
• Spinal cord injuries: When severe, spinal cord injuries can result in complete paralysis. This requires lifelong caretaker support and completely changes the truck accident victim’s personal life and ability to provide for his or her family.
• Whiplash: The force of the impact can cause the head to move back and forth violently, straining the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Whiplash can lead to long-term issues with pain and reduced neck mobility.
• Broken bones and crush injuries: When the forces exerted cause your vehicle to crumple, victims may break bones, sustain crush injuries to their limbs, and some may require amputations.
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The severe trauma of a truck accident can cause PTSD. This condition can last for months or years for some individuals and cause flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. PTSD is just as valid and compensable as any physical injury under Oregon personal injury law.
• Wrongful death: As mentioned at the outset, 85 individuals lost their lives in Oregon truck accidents in 2023. If another person’s negligence caused a truck accident that claimed the life of your loved one, a Johnston Law Firm truck accident lawyer can advise you on your rights to pursue compensation for your devastating loss.

Whatever the severity of your injuries, you have nothing to lose by seeking legal advice from a Clackamas, OR, personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. During your free consultation with a Johnston Law Firm attorney, you can tell your story and receive candid legal advice on whether you have a case.

The Danger of Delayed-Onset Injuries

Even if you feel fine after a truck accident or believe you have only sustained minor cuts and bruises, be careful. The adrenaline pumping through your body could be masking serious internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or a TBI that is not currently causing you any symptoms. 

Always seek medical attention immediately after any accident. Not only will this protect your health, but the medical records you build up could also strengthen your truck accident claim later. 

What a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Do for You After a Clackamas Truck Crash

Johnston Law Firm truck accident attorneys have one focus — securing maximum compensation for you. This total focus on your best interests leads us to take several steps to protect your legal rights and build a strong case that gives you the best chance of securing a fair settlement.

Step 1: Let us handle the insurance companies

Insurance companies may try to get a statement from you at the scene of the crash, often while you’re still disoriented and confused. Afterward, they may continue contacting you for recorded statements, hoping to gather information that can reduce or deny your claim. However, do not give in to pressure.

You are not legally obliged to make a statement to an insurance company after an accident, whatever they may tell you. Instead, call the Johnston Law Firm as soon as possible, and let us handle all discussions with the insurance company on your behalf.

Step 2: Count on us to uncover what actually happened

Unlike the investigations carried out by trucking companies and insurers, our goal is to uncover what really happened and whose negligence caused your accident. We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of compelling evidence that will build a strong case for liability.

Additionally, we will explore all possible sources of compensation. Our investigation will seek to uncover every potentially liable party and pursue them for the compensation you deserve. 

Step 3: Rely on us to investigate the full impact of your injuries

Truck accident injuries may take years to recover from. In some cases, you may require medical care or caretaker support for the rest of your life. You may not be able to return to the work you did before.

Insurance companies don’t care about the impact your injuries have had on your life, but we do. We may work with expert witnesses to testify to the long-term impact of your injuries on your health and finances. This will allow us to fight for a fair settlement that is a true reflection of all of your losses.

Step 4: Trust us to negotiate aggressively or fight in court

Johnston Law Firm truck accident lawyers have years of experience in negotiating with insurance bullies and standing up to all their tactics. We will not be intimidated into accepting lowball offers, and we are not afraid to represent our clients in court to seek the best possible results.