Oregon Garbage Truck
Accident Lawyer

Expert Legal Support for Garbage Truck Accident Victims in Oregon

While we appreciate the role that garbage trucks play in keeping our communities in Oregon clean, these large vehicles can pose dangers to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. And due to their massive size, garbage truck accidents can lead to severe injuries and fatalities. 

At Johnston Law Firm, our Portland-based truck accident attorneys have over 20 years of experience representing accident victims throughout Oregon. Led by attorney Marc A. Johnston, we handle complex commercial vehicle accident claims, including collisions involving garbage trucks operated by private waste management companies or public entities. Our team investigates these accidents, identifies responsible parties, and fights to recover fair compensation for our clients’ injuries and losses.

Have you or a loved one been harmed in an Oregon garbage truck accident? If so, you could be entitled to recover compensation for losses you have suffered as a result. Call Johnston Law Firm at (503) 546-3167 or contact us online for a free consultation.

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How Our Oregon Garbage Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your Claim

Garbage truck accident claims can be complicated, particularly when multiple parties, commercial insurance companies, or government entities are involved. At Johnston Law Firm, we have over 20 years of experience representing injured individuals throughout Oregon, including victims of commercial vehicle accidents. Our attorneys provide personalized legal guidance and handle every stage of the claims process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Here’s how we can help with your garbage truck accident claim:

• Gathering evidence: We thoroughly investigate the accident to determine what happened and who may be responsible. This includes obtaining police reports, interviewing witnesses, reviewing vehicle maintenance records, and collecting other evidence needed to establish liability.
• Assessing the value of your case: We evaluate the full extent of your injuries and financial losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment needs, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our goal is to ensure that no significant loss is overlooked when calculating your claim.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: We handle all communications and settlement negotiations with insurers on your behalf. When insurance companies attempt to minimize your injuries, dispute liability, or offer inadequate settlements, we challenge their arguments and advocate for fair compensation.
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit: While many garbage truck accident claims are resolved through negotiations, some require litigation. If the responsible parties refuse to reach a fair settlement, we are prepared to file a lawsuit, present the evidence, and represent your interests in court.
• Making sure you’re paid what you’re owed: We work to recover the full compensation available under Oregon law, accounting for both your immediate losses and the long-term consequences of your injuries. We carefully evaluate settlement offers and fight to ensure that responsible parties are held financially accountable.

Every garbage truck accident case is different, and we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all legal solutions. Our Oregon personal injury attorneys take the time to understand your circumstances, develop a strategy tailored to your needs, and pursue the best possible outcome for your claim. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Why Are Oregon Garbage Truck Accidents So Dangerous?

Garbage trucks can weigh over 50,000 pounds when fully loaded, making them far heavier than the standard car or truck. 

In addition to the size of these vehicles, several factors contribute to the severity of accidents involving garbage trucks:

• Blind spots: Garbage trucks have significant blind spots. This can lead to accidents when drivers are unaware of nearby vehicles or pedestrians. 
• Frequent stops: Garbage trucks make frequent stops in residential neighborhoods. They often stop suddenly without giving sufficient warning to other drivers, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
• Maneuverability issues: Garbage trucks are not able to turn as easily as passenger vehicles, making it difficult for drivers to react quickly to road hazards or emergencies.
• Driver fatigue or inexperience: Garbage truck drivers often work long shifts or may lack sufficient training. This can lead to them making errors in judgment, slow reaction times, or poor driving practices. 

Determining Oregon Garbage Truck Accident Liability 

Determining liability following an accident involving a sanitation truck can be complicated due to the various parties that may be involved. An experienced personal injury lawyer can investigate your truck accident case and identify all parties responsible. 

Potentially liable parties may include:

Government entities: If the garbage truck is owned and operated by a municipal or government entity, filing a personal injury claim can be more complex. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the steps involved in pursuing a claim against a government entity.

The garbage truck driver: If the accident was caused by a driver’s negligence, such as drunk driving or speeding, the truck driver could be held responsible for damages.

The waste management company: The company that owns and operates the garbage truck could be liable if it fails to maintain it properly, provide sufficient training to drivers, or enforce safety regulations.

Third-party contractors: Waste management companies may hire third-party contractors to maintain their vehicles. If improper maintenance contributed to the accident, these contractors could be held accountable. 

Compensation We Can Help You Recover

If you have been a victim of an accident involving a sanitation truck, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses: You can pursue compensation for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and loss of future earning capacity.
• Property damage: Collisions with commercial vehicles can cause significant property damage. You may be entitled to reimbursement for damage to your vehicle or other personal property.
• Pain and suffering: These types of damages compensate for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by your injuries.
• Wrongful death: If you have suffered the tragic loss of a loved one in an accident with a commercial vehicle, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.

Why Choose Johnston Law Firm for Help With Your Oregon Garbage Truck Accident Claim

At Johnston Law Firm, we understand the challenges you may face after a serious garbage truck accident. With over 20 years of experience representing injured Oregonians, we have the knowledge, resources, and determination to handle complex commercial vehicle claims and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Here’s what sets our firm apart:

• Extensive truck accident experience: Our founder, Marc A. Johnston, is a member of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA), a nonprofit dedicated to recognizing, educating, and advocating for attorneys representing truck accident victims.
• Over 20 years of legal experience: We have spent more than two decades handling personal injury claims and protecting the rights of accident victims throughout Oregon.
• Strong investigative resources: We thoroughly investigate garbage truck collisions, review commercial vehicle records, and consult qualified experts when necessary.
• Personalized, compassionate representation: We listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and keep you informed throughout the legal process.
• Proven commitment to results: Our firm has secured significant settlements and verdicts, and we are prepared to take your case to trial when necessary.
• No fees unless we win: We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

At Johnston Law Firm, we believe every client deserves dedicated attention and a legal strategy tailored to their circumstances. Read what our clients have to say and discover how we can help you pursue justice.

Justice Matters. We’re Here to Get It for You!

Frequently Asked Questions