Tigard Truck
Accident Lawyer

Get Help From a Top Tigard Truck Accident Attorney

Tigard, Oregon, is a busy community southwest of Portland, with significant commercial traffic traveling through the area daily. Major routes such as Pacific Highway (OR-99W), Highway 217, Scholls Ferry Road, and Hall Boulevard see a mix of passenger vehicles, delivery trucks, and large commercial vehicles. Heavy traffic near Washington Square Mall and major intersections throughout Tigard can increase the risk of serious truck accidents. When a collision involves a semi-truck or tractor-trailer, the consequences for occupants of smaller vehicles can be devastating.

At Johnston Law Firm, we help truck accident victims pursue compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Although our law office is based in Portland, we represent injured clients throughout Tigard, Washington County, and surrounding Oregon communities. Our attorneys handle complex commercial trucking claims and fight to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and other responsible parties accountable. Call us today at (503) 546-3167 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

X

How Attorney Marc A. Johnston Can Help With Your Tigard Truck Accident Claim

Following a serious commercial truck collision, you may be dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and pressure from insurance companies. At Johnston Law Firm, attorney Marc A. Johnston and our legal team are committed to protecting your interests and guiding you through every stage of the claims process.

When you work with our Tigard truck accident attorneys, we can:

• Listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and explain your available legal options.
• Thoroughly investigate your truck accident and collect evidence to establish liability.
• Identify potentially responsible truck drivers, trucking companies, and other negligent parties.
• Obtain driver logs, maintenance records, electronic data, and other important trucking evidence.
• Evaluate your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages to determine appropriate compensation.
• Handle negotiations with trucking companies and their insurers to pursue a fair settlement.
• Prepare your case for litigation and represent your interests in court when necessary.

We understand that every commercial truck accident presents different circumstances and legal challenges. That’s why we develop an individualized strategy for each client rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. Our goal is to help you recover the compensation available under Oregon law while keeping you informed and supported throughout your case.

You Can Always Afford a Johnston Law Firm Truck Accident Lawyer

Hurt in a crash in Tigard? It is normal to be worried about the potential cost of legal representation. The good news is that you can always afford a top Tigard tractor-trailer accident lawyer. We work on a contingency fee basis.

How does it work?

We only get paid if you get paid. There are never upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees. Our Oregon truck accident lawyer will review your case for free.

What to Know About Truck Accident Liability in Oregon

While federal commercial trucking regulations could affect your claim, the process itself is largely governed by state law. Following a semi-truck accident in Tigard, you must understand how liability works in Oregon. Here are three key points to know: 

• Fault Determines Liability for a Truck Accident (Investigation is Essential): Oregon is a fault-based motor vehicle accident jurisdiction, including for commercial truck accidents. The party deemed to be at fault for a crash — as determined by negligence — can be held liable for the damages. A comprehensive investigation should always be conducted. 
• Recovery May Be Affected By Comparative Negligence: Oregon is a comparative negligence state (ORS § 31.600). The standard could have a big impact on your claim. Under the law, a truck accident victim can recover compensation even if they are partially responsible for their accident. However, their recovery will be reduced by the same percentage as their “fault” for the crash. 

The Statute of Limitations is Two Years: Under Oregon law (ORS §12.110), the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including semi-truck accidents, is two years from the date of the accident. If the deadline passes, you may not be able to bring a claim at all. Consult with a Tigard, OR truck accident lawyer right away after a serious wreck.

Know the Steps to Take After a Tractor-Trailer Accident in Tigard, Oregon

When a large tractor-trailer accident happens in Tigard, the scene can be chaotic. Unfortunately, too many innocent people make avoidable mistakes following an accident that undermines their ability to get justice, accountability, and compensation. Here are four steps that you should take:

1. Stop Your Vehicle, Exchange Information, and Notify Police: The first thing to do is to stop the car and exchange information with the truck driver. Obtain their name, their employer’s details, general contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance coverage. Be sure to report the crash to the police. A trucking accident can be reported to the Tigard Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, or another agency.
2. Get Immediate Medical Care from a Licensed Physician: The top priority after a truck accident is health and safety. If anyone involved in the accident has sustained injuries, immediate medical care should be sought. Many truck accidents result in non-emergency injuries that still require professional medical care from a doctor. Note: You cannot bring a personal injury claim for a truck accident in Oregon without seeing a doctor.
3. Beware of the Truck Company and the Insurance Company: Neither the truck company nor its insurance company is on your side. In the aftermath of a crash, these businesses are looking out for their bottom line—not what is best for you and your loved ones. Do not agree to submit a recorded statement with an insurance adjuster without legal advice.
4. Seek Professional Guidance from a Tigard Attorney: You do not have to take on the personal injury claims process alone. Navigating the process is hard—especially so in commercial truck accident claims. The single best step that you can take to protect yourself and your rights is to consult with a top-rated Tigard, OR truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash.

Truck Crashes are Disproportionately Likely to Cause Severe Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents caused by a semi-truck remain a serious safety concern. According to recent federal and state industry data compiled by organizations like the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 5,300 people die and roughly 160,000 others are injured nationwide each year in large truck collisions. The vast majority of these casualties — more than 70% — are occupants of smaller passenger vehicles. Unfortunately, because a fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds compared to a 4,000-pound car, these accidents are far more likely to overwhelm passenger vehicle crumple zones and cause severe, life-altering injuries. Some reasons why truck crashes are disproportionately likely to cause severe injuries:

• Size and Weight: Trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger cars, which means they have more momentum and force in a collision.
• Heavy and/or Hazardous Cargo: Trucks often carry heavy or hazardous cargo, which can increase the risk of injury in an accident.
• Higher Speeds: Because trucks are often traveling long distances on highways, they are more likely to be traveling at high speeds when an accident occurs.
• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines, which can lead to fatigue and impaired driving.
• Limited Maneuverability: Due to their size and weight, trucks are less maneuverable than smaller vehicles, making it harder for drivers to avoid accidents.

You Deserve Full and Fair Financial Compensation After a Crash

Hurt in a crash in Tigard? Oregon law allows injured victims to recover financial compensation for the full extent of their damages, including for out-of-pocket losses and intangible damages. Sadly, the trucking companies and their commercial insurance providers fight hard to settle their liability for less.

Our Tigard truck accident attorneys fight hard to maximize financial compensation for our clients. You may be eligible to recover money damages for the following types of losses:

• Vehicle repairs or replacement (property damage);
• Emergency room treatment;
• Medical bills and other health care costs;
• Physical therapy and mental health support;
• Lost wages and loss of earning power;
• Pain and suffering and emotional distress;
• Disability or disfigurement; and
• Wrongful death damages.

If you are in need of an amazing personal injury attorney or even good recommendations for a criminal defense lawyer, call out car accident team today! We are ready to help you on your path to full recovery!

Frequently Asked Questions About Tigard Truck Accident Claims