Portland Truck Accident Attorney

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. The momentum of a logging truck, construction truck, delivery or dump truck, combined with its greatly increased stopping distance, decreased maneuverability and top-heavy weight distribution make it a recipe for catastrophe in emergency situations and poorer road conditions.

If you have been injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle, such as a semi truck, it is critical to consult with an experienced Oregon truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

At Johnston Law Firm, P.C., we work with independent accident scene investigators, accident reconstructionists, other medical experts and economic experts to establish the full value of your case. We can dispatch our investigators to the scene of the accident, document, photograph and collect evidence, including witness statements and law enforcement evidence with professionalism and expedient work.

Contact us today before speaking to insurance companies. Unlike insurance representatives, your needs, goals and recovery are our top priority. We can pursue the maximum compensation we think you can achieve for your injuries and damages.

Do not fall into the trap of common personal injury case mistakes. Seek the immediate assistance of a compassionate semi-truck accident attorney at Johnston Law Firm.

Extensive Experience in Handling 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

Attorney Marc Johnston’s innovative tactics and on-the-ball response to insurance defense can press for your deserved compensation in negotiation or at trial for the following recoveries:

• Loss of expected future earnings/wages
• Pain and suffering
• Reimbursement for medical expenses
• Rehabilitation costs
• Any other costs applicable to your case

Top Causes of Truck Accidents

Infographic courtesy of Blair & Ramirez

Truck Accidents: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

How Common are Semi-Truck Accidents?

According to the most recent data from the Oregon Department of Transportation, there were 2,174 semi-truck accidents reported in the state in 2015. Altogether, these crashes resulted in at least 880 injuries and 54 fatalities. The commercial truck crash rate is similar in Washington. With more total traffic on the roads, the Washington State Department of Transportation reported that more than 6,000 ‘heavy’ trucks were involved in wrecks in 2015.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

Following a truck crash, you need to take immediate action to protect your health, your safety, and your legal rights. Specifically, you should:

1. Seek immediate medical attention;
2. Report the accident to law enforcement officers;
3. Exchange information with the truck driver;
4. Try to take photographs of the crash; and
5. Consult with a truck accident lawyer before talking to an insurance company.

How Long Do I Have to Bring a Legal Claim?

Under the Oregon state statute of limitations (Oregon Revised Statutes section 12.110), injured semi-truck accident victims have two years to file their legal claim. In Washington state, victims have three years to bring their claim. In either case, there is no benefit to waiting: you should initiate your truck accident claim as soon as possible.

When Can Trucking Companies Be Held Liable for a Crash?

Semi-truck accident claims are typically brought under state law. If you were involved in truck wreck in Portland, your claim will be controlled by Oregon law (Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 31.600). On the other hand, if you were involved in a truck crash in Vancouver, your personal injury claim will be governed by Washington law (R.C.W.A. §§ 4.22.005-015). In both states, victims must prove that the trucker, trucking company, or some other party was negligent, and that their negligence contributed to the accident in order to prevail in a personal injury claim.

Are there Special Rules or Laws that Govern Truck Accidents?

Yes. Trucking companies must follow strict federal and state safety rules. If a trucking company violated safety regulations, and an accident occurs as a result, the company must be held accountable for their misconduct. As trucking regulations are notoriously complex, it is crucial that injured victims work with a personal injury lawyer who can conduct a thorough investigation of their crash.

What Compensation is Available for Injured Victims?

Semi-truck accident victims are entitled to financial compensation for the full extent of their damages. If you were hurt in a trucking crash in Portland, OR, Vancouver, WA, or any of the surrounding communities, you may be able to recover damages for:

• Medical bills;
• Rehabilitative care;
• Disability;
• Lost wages;
• Pain and suffering;
• Mental distress;
• Permanent disfigurement;
• Loss of quality of life; and
• Wrongful death.

Contact an Experienced Portland Truck Accident Lawyer

Call us at the Johnston Law Firm today at 503-546-3167, toll free at 888-342-7252, or fill out our free confidential case evaluation form on our website. We offer a free initial consultation and flexible hours by appointment. For directions, click here.

The Johnston Law Firm, LLC proudly represents clients in all cities and counties in Oregon: Portland, Gresham, Milwaukie, Lake Oswego, Tigard, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas.