EUGENE Truck
Accident ATTORNEY

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

Johnston Law Firm has been serving clients in Eugene, Lane County, and throughout Oregon for years, helping injury victims recover after serious truck accidents and other motor vehicle collisions. Although our firm is based in Portland, we proudly represent individuals and families in Eugene who need experienced legal guidance after a devastating crash. Commercial truck traffic is common throughout the area, particularly along Interstate 5, Beltline Highway, and major corridors near downtown Eugene and the University of Oregon. When large trucks are involved in accidents, the resulting injuries and financial losses can be overwhelming.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a truck accident in Eugene, OR? If so, do not face the aftermath alone. Our Eugene truck accident lawyers are prepared to protect your rights, investigate the crash, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call 503-546-3167 or contact Johnston Law Firm online today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help with your case.

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Why Choose Johnston Law Firm for Help With Your Eugene Truck Accident Case

Truck accident claims are often far more complex than standard car accident cases. Victims may face serious injuries, multiple liable parties, and aggressive insurance companies working to minimize payouts.

At Johnston Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges these cases present and provide the dedicated legal representation Eugene truck accident victims need to pursue a successful outcome. So, here’s why Eugene clients choose us:

• Extensive experience handling serious injury claims: Our attorneys have helped injured Oregonians recover compensation after catastrophic accidents, including collisions involving commercial trucks, tractor-trailers, delivery vehicles, and other large commercial vehicles.
• Comprehensive accident investigations: We move quickly to secure critical evidence such as driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, inspection reports, and witness statements before important information can be lost or destroyed.
• A commitment to maximizing compensation: We carefully assess every aspect of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment costs, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
• Skilled negotiation with trucking and insurance companies: Trucking companies and their insurers often have significant resources at their disposal. We aggressively advocate for our clients and push back against unfair settlement tactics.
• Trial-ready representation when needed: While many claims settle through negotiation, we prepare every case as though it will go to trial, allowing us to pursue the strongest possible result in or out of court.

When you work with Johnston Law Firm, you gain a legal team that is committed to protecting your interests and helping you move forward after a serious truck accident.

Types of Truck Accidents
Our Attorneys Handle

The severity of any car accident will largely depend on the type of crash the truck was involved in. Our car accident lawyer has the necessary experience handling a number of different types of crashes, including:

• Jackknife accidents: Actions such as a truck driver slamming too hard on the brakes can result in the truck folding itself so the trailer sits at a 90-degree angle to the tractor.
• Truck rollovers: Turning too quickly can cause a truck to roll over, crushing nearby vehicles as it does. Truck rollovers are also very common when a trucker loses control of the vehicle.
• Tire blowouts: A truck’s tires have to carry an immense amount of weight. When trucking companies do not perform the proper maintenance and replace tires when necessary, the tire can shred apart, causing a tire blowout accident.
• Rear-end accidents: Fully loaded, a truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. If they slam into a smaller vehicle in front of them, it can result in catastrophic injuries.
• Wide turns: Truck drivers typically need to swing left first before they make a right turn. If they do not see traffic around the truck, this can result in a very serious crash.
• Underride accidents: When a truck stops too quickly, the vehicles behind are at risk of sliding underneath the trailer. These accidents are known as underride accidents, and they are usually fatal.

What Causes
Truck Accidents in Eugene?

The majority of truck accidents in Eugene are caused by the negligence of the truck driver, or someone within the trucking industry. The most common causes of truck accidents in the city include:

• Poor weather conditions: Eugene experiences many rainy days, and fog is not uncommon. Still, truck drivers are expected to have the necessary experience and skill to navigate these poor weather conditions safely.
• Construction zones: Eugene is continuously expanding, which means construction is ongoing. It is more difficult to navigate construction zones than it is in other areas of the road, but truck drivers have a responsibility to know how to do it safely.
• Lack of training: Trucking companies take shortcuts to preserve their own profits. They may fail to provide the necessary training and put inexperienced drivers behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer. Without the knowledge of how to operate a large truck, the driver could then easily cause a crash.
• Unfamiliar roads: Just because a truck driver gets into an accident in Eugene does not mean they know the area. Truckers often have to drive on unfamiliar roads and so, they may turn down one way in the wrong direction or make another mistake that leads to an accident.
• Distracted driving: Truck drivers face more distractions on the road than other motorists. They have to use GPS devices, use the radio to communicate with other truckers, and they may also use their cell phone or eat or drink behind the wheel. Any type of distraction can cause a crash that has catastrophic results.
• Improperly loaded cargo: A cargo that is not loaded properly can cause a spill, which will certainly lead to an accident. Even when the cargo remains contained in the truck, if it is loaded improperly, it can throw the balance of the vehicle off, causing a crash.

The Statute of Limitations on Truck Accident Claims in Eugene

You can file a claim against negligent parties after a truck crash, but you must follow many laws and procedural rules when doing so. Our truck accident lawyer will be able to assist you in knowing what those laws are. One of these laws is the statute of limitations, which is essentially the amount of time you have to file your claim.

In Eugene, as throughout the rest of Oregon, you have only two years from the date of the crash to file your claim. This sounds like a lot of time but it is not. Before filing a claim, a full investigation must be conducted and evidence must be gathered to prove your case. All of this takes time and so it is critical that you speak with one of our car accident lawyers as soon as possible. If your claim is not filed on time, you will forfeit your legal right to claim any damages at all.

What To Do If You Are
Injured In A Truck Accident

Truck and car accident injuries across Oregon have the potential to be devastatingly severe. Data from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) shows that commercial vehicle and heavy truck collisions claim over 70 lives on the state’s public roads every year. Furthermore, these serious crashes leave hundreds of individuals suffering serious injuries. Victims may be unable to work for weeks or even months after while facing mounting medical expenses.

Rather than having to pay out of pocket for these costs, you have the right to hold those at fault accountable in a claim. Steps to take to protect yourself and your rights if a truck/car accident in Oregon happens include: 

• Report it to the police immediately;
• Exchange personal and insurance information with the trucker and any other drivers involved;
• Make note of the trucking company they work for;
• Gather evidence, such as the names of witnesses and photos or videos of the scene;
• Seek medical attention right away, regardless of the severity of your injuries;
• Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding follow-up care and work restrictions;
• Speak to our Eugene car accident lawyers before making any statements to the truck company or accepting a settlement.

Common Injuries from
Truck Accident Cases

Among the most common types of truck/car accident injuries include:

• Broken bones and multiple fractures;
• Burn injuries, due to contact with hot engine parts or fluids;
• Crushing injuries, causing damage to body limbs and internal organs;
• Head injuries, which can result in traumatic brain injuries;
• Injuries to muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues;
• Spinal cord injuries, result in partial or complete paralysis.

When these and other types of motor vehicle accident injuries happen, you have the right to hold those at fault accountable. This includes the truck driver, the trucking company they work for, and other motorists on the road who may all share a portion of the blame.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eugene Truck Accident Claims

If you have driven on the roads in Oregon, you know that large commercial trucks are a common sight. All of the trucking companies using our roads have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles in a safe manner. Unfortunately, that does not always occur. When semi-truck accidents do happen, the consequences can be truly catastrophic.

At the Johnston Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling truck accident injury claims. Our law firm holds negligent trucking companies liable. Here, our experienced portland semi-truck accident attorney answers some of the most frequently asked questions that injured victims have regarding truck crashes.