Portland Truck
Accident Lawyer

We Handle Semi Truck & 18-Wheeler Accidents in Portland and Throughout Oregon

Heavy trucks can become extremely dangerous on roads and highways when drivers or trucking companies act negligently or when vehicle parts fail. Improper maintenance, negligent hiring practices, improper loading of trucks, and defective truck parts can cause devastating accidents. In particular, semi-trucks or 18-wheelers, when fully loaded, weigh about 20 times the weight of the average passenger car. Their momentum greatly increases their stopping distance and decreases maneuverability, creating a true recipe for catastrophic accidents.

Johnston Law Firm represents people injured in truck accidents in Portland and throughout Oregon. For over two decades, our attorneys have helped injured Oregonians pursue claims involving negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, maintenance providers, and other responsible parties. These collisions can have serious and lasting consequences, which is why we work to protect our clients’ rights and pursue compensation for their injuries and losses.

Don’t let a trucking or insurance company push you around. Get Marc Johnston on your side! Reach out to Johnston Law Firm today. Call us 24/7 at (503) 546-3167 or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced Portland truck accident lawyer.

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How Our Portland Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your Claim

Commercial truck accident cases often require a detailed investigation and prompt action to secure evidence. At Johnston Law Firm, we manage each stage of the legal process, from determining how the crash happened to dealing with trucking companies and their insurers. 

Once we begin the work on your truck accident case: 

• We investigate the collision scene, police reports, witness accounts, photographs, and other available evidence.
• We preserve driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, inspection reports, and electronic evidence before it disappears.
• We identify truck drivers, motor carriers, cargo companies, contractors, manufacturers, and others who may share liability.
• We review trucking records and applicable safety regulations for evidence of negligence or regulatory violations.
• We consult accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and other qualified experts when specialized analysis can strengthen your case.
• We document medical costs, lost wages, future care needs, reduced earning capacity, and non-economic damages.
• We negotiate directly with trucking companies and commercial insurers to pursue a settlement that fairly reflects your losses.
• We prepare your claim for trial when responsible parties or insurers refuse to agree to fair compensation.

Our Portland truck accident lawyers take responsibility for the legal and insurance issues surrounding your claim while you concentrate on moving forward after the collision. It doesn’t matter if your case is settled outside of court or resolved through litigation; we will work tirelessly to establish liability, document the full impact of your injuries, and pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries under Oregon law. Justice Matters. We’re Here to Get it For You!

No Fees Unless We Win

Marc Johnston and the legal team behind Johnston Law Firm believe that financial concerns should not prevent injured truck accident victims from obtaining experienced legal representation. That’s why we handle Portland truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We also offer free initial consultations to review your case, explain your legal options, and answer your questions. Thus, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal work involved in pursuing your claim.

How Our Attorneys Deal With Insurance Companies for You

After a truck accident, dealing with commercial insurance companies can be frustrating, especially when you’re recovering from serious injuries. Insurance adjusters may pressure you into accepting an inadequate settlement, dispute your injuries, or attempt to shift blame for the collision. At Johnston Law Firm, we understand these challenges and work to protect your interests throughout the negotiation process.

Here’s how our Portland truck accident attorneys deal with insurance companies on your behalf:

• Handling all insurance communications: We take over conversations with insurance adjusters, claims representatives, and defense attorneys, so you don’t have to deal with their repeated calls and requests. We also make sure that your statements and information are presented accurately and don’t inadvertently undermine your claim.
• Protecting you from insurance bad-faith tactics: Insurance companies may use unreasonable delays, misrepresent policy provisions, or deny valid claims without proper justification. We recognize these tactics, challenge unfair treatment, and take appropriate legal action when an insurer violates its obligations under applicable law.
• Challenging low-ball settlement offers: Insurers sometimes make quick settlement offers that fail to account for ongoing medical treatment, future expenses, or the long-term effects of serious injuries. We carefully review these offers, explain why they may be insufficient, and negotiate for an amount that better reflects your actual losses.
• Fighting for the maximum compensation: Our attorneys negotiate from a position supported by evidence, medical documentation, and a clear understanding of your damages. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to pursue your case in court and fight for the full compensation available under Oregon law.

You shouldn’t have to face powerful trucking companies and their insurers alone. Our team will stand up for your rights, handle difficult negotiations, and help you make informed decisions about your claim. Attorney Marc Johnston has a track record like no other truck accident lawyers in Portland. His innovative tactics and quick response to insurance defenses can help you secure the compensation you deserve, whether in negotiation or at trial.

Extensive Experience in Handling Portland and Oregon Truck Accident Cases

We have handled more than 1,000 personal injury cases, developing the strongest cases possible for our clients based on advanced legal knowledge and strategic application of the unique facts of your case.

We will aggressively pursue the maximum compensation possible for any type of commercial vehicle or trucking accident you have been involved in. We will carefully look at the facts of your case, and do our best to successfully hold responsible parties accountable in cases involving:

• Distracted drivers
• Fatigued drivers
• Drunk drivers
• Traffic violations
• Negligent hiring practices
• Drivers with poor driving records or criminal records
• Poor maintenance/improper inspections
• Improper safety equipment
• Improper application of reflective taping (conspicuity tape)
• Defective vehicle parts
• Inadequate supervision

Marc is a member of The Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) – a nonprofit organization whose mission is to recognize, educate and advocate lawyers who represent victims of truck accidents.

To achieve membership as a Board Certified member, a lawyer is thoroughly vetted through a detailed process in which real-world experience and results handling truck crash cases are verified and skills and knowledge are tested.

Compensation We Can Help You Recover for Your Portland Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents are complex events and there are often multiple people involved. The truck driver may have engaged in reckless driving behaviors while the trucking company may be guilty for a lack of oversight and too demanding of schedules. This makes them liable in a claim. Other drivers can also be held responsible if their actions either during or after a truck accident caused you to suffer personal injuries.

While you may be entitled to compensation through insurance policies those at-fault have in place, filing a truck accident lawsuit can often entitle you to additional types of compensation. Under the Oregon Revised Statutes, this may include: 

• Economic damages, which compensate you for damage property, medical expenses, lost wages, and other tangible costs you incur;
• Non-economic damages, which compensate you for intangible losses. This includes pain, suffering, disfigurement, and any loss of enjoyment in life your injuries cause.
• Punitive damages, which is an additional amount we can push for if the truck driver or the company they work for acted in a particularly reckless manner. It is designed to punish them and can total more than double other types of compensation in your claim.

Each of these damages have different roads to recovery and can be hard to navigate. Luckily Marc Johnston has done this for many accident victims and is ranked high on the list of most experienced Portland truck accident lawyers. He can help you on your road to recovery! All it takes is a quick phone call to get you started!

Common Types of Truck Accidents We Often Serve in Portland

Semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other big rigs require skill and experience to operate. Their massive size and bulk make them difficult to maneuver in traffic and increase the risks of truck accidents. It is important for other motorists to be aware of potential dangers and common types of collisions so that they can take the necessary precautions to avoid them. 

Truck accidents happen on a regular basis and frequently involve nearby drivers. The large size of most big rigs serves to protect the trucker against serious injuries. It is these other motorists involved who typically suffer the brunt of the harm. Thus, it is important for drivers to know the risks and the ways they can protect themselves.

There are four common types of truck accidents that all motorists need to be alert for: 

Rollover Truck Accidents
These are one of the most common types of truck accidents. They typically happen due to going too fast around curves, making sharp turns, and carrying uneven loads. Drivers should be wary of traveling alongside truckers at any time, but particularly on curvy roads. Use caution in adverse weather conditions as well, when rollovers are more likely to happen. 

Jackknife Truck Accidents
Jackknife truck accidents happen when the truck driver slams on their brakes, causing the trailer to ride up alongside the cab. This often happens on highways and interstates, when truckers are driving at high rates of speed. Traffic tie-ups or accidents ahead increase the odds of jackknife accidents. Always pay attention to what is going on ahead and give truckers plenty of room on the road.

Rear-End Collision Truck Accidents
Rear-end truck accidents are common in heavy traffic and when drivers are going downhill. They pose some of the biggest threats to motorists, who often suffer life-threatening injuries as a result. Avoid cutting truck drivers off when attempting to pass, give plenty of indication before braking, and move out of the way if a trucker is tailgating or otherwise following you too closely. 

Side-Swipe Truck Accidents
Side-swipe accidents often happen when truck drivers attempt to pass or swerve to avoid objects in the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) warns motorists to be aware of the large blind spots, referred to as ‘no-zones’, which extend out both sides, in front, and behind the truck. Driving in these areas makes side-swipe truck accidents more likely to occur.

What Causes Truck Accidents to Occur in Portland

Because our roads are always full of large trucks towing shipping containers full of all kinds of goods, a truck accident can happen at anytime, almost anywhere. In 2024, Oregon reported 1,696 crashes involving trucks and large vehicles, which led to 73 fatalities. Preliminary data for 2025 suggests similar trends, with commercial vehicle crashes continuing to contribute to a significant number of injuries and fatalities across the state. Each of these people have family and friends who care about them and sometimes the only way to get the compensation they need it to strong hold those who are responsible.

With their massive size and bulk, trucks are hard to maneuver. They require additional room on the road and additional time for stops or responding to sudden changes in traffic conditions. This creates hazards on busy streets in Portland and makes truck accidents more likely to occur. Adverse weather conditions may also be a factor, but underlying causes typically include: 

• Recklessness on the part of the truck driver, such as speeding, tailgating, and driving while distracted or impaired;
• Drowsy driving, common in the trucking industry due to overscheduling;
• Improper loading practices, making rollover truck accidents more likely;
• Lack of maintenance, resulting in tire blowouts, brake failures, and other dangerous situations;
• General negligence on the part of trucking companies, such as failing to properly train drivers or restrict driving privileges due to repeated traffic infractions.

What To Do If You Are Injured In A Truck Accident

Truck accident injuries have the potential to be severe. 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 accident in Portland 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 Portland truck accident attorneys before making any statements to the truck company or accepting a settlement. 

Common Truck Accident Injuries We Handle in Portland

Among the most common types of truck 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, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. 

When these and other types of truck 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 may all share a portion of the blame.

Frequently Asked Questions About Portland 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.