Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Portland, OR

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Portland, Oregon?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Portland police station is (503) 823-3333. Call 311 for instances that do not need Fire, Ambulance, Police, or Portland Street Response.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Portland, Oregon?

  To get a copy of a police report in Portland, you can file an online request through the Portland Public Records Center or http://www.portlandoregon.gov/prr. It is encouraged to use the online system. If in case you are unable to submit an online request or require assistance, you can contact the Police Bureau (PPB) at (503) 823-0756 or the automated information line at (503) 823-0041.

• What do attorneys in Portland recommend to people involved in a truck accident?

  First, get medical care immediately, even if there are no visible injuries. Additionally, you must follow through with the prescribed medical care, which may include physical therapy, surgery or other invasive procedures, counseling, or psychological care. Second, gather information about the truck driver, the trucking company, and the USDOT number. It's also helpful to get the contact information of the witnesses and the first responders. Finally, consult a truck accident attorney in Portland, as they will be helpful in negotiating with insurance companies or trucking businesses, determining whether the truck driver complied with the law, and getting you the right amount of compensation.

• What factors determine the amount of a truck accident claim in Portland?

  There are five main factors that affect a truck accident settlement in Portland:

  1. Liability, or who or what is the reason behind the truck accident.
  2. Property damage or the fair market value of the car that was hit by the truck.
  3. Total cost of medical expenses, including past and future medical bills.
  4. Lost wages or hours of actual work missed, as well as impaired earning capacity or the injuries sustained that prevent the person from returning to work.
  5. Pain and suffering, scars, and emotional damages.

• What are the common reasons why truck accidents occur in Portland?

  Truck accidents in Portland have a variety of causes. Truck driver negligence due to speeding, distracted driving, or drug or alcohol use is the leading factor in truck crashes. Trucking companies can be held accountable if they hire inexperienced drivers, fail to give proper training, or conduct background checks. If it is proven that truck manufacturers failed to recall or warn of defective trucks or parts, they may be held liable. In addition, cargo loaders or another third party that failed to load the truck properly can face legal consequences.

• Is there a period wherein Portland victims should file a truck accident lawsuit?

  The state of Oregon follows a statute of limitations when it comes to truck accidents. Victims of a truck accident in Portland have two years from the date the accident took place to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. If the truck accident leads to death, the victim's family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit three years from the date of the crash. If the lawsuit was filed after the deadline, the case could be thrown out, and the victim might not get the rightful compensation.

• Will you still be compensated if you were partially at fault for a Portland truck accident?

  When it comes to personal injury lawsuits, Oregon uses comparative negligence laws. Even if you were partially at fault for a truck accident in Portland, you are still eligible to recover partial damages. Section 31.600 of Oregon Law governs how a truck accident victim who was partially at fault can be compensated. The degree of responsibility a victim bears for the specific trucking accident affects the settlement amount. For instance, if the settlement amount is $200,000 and the victim was 10% at fault, the amount will be deducted by 10%, or $20,000, which brings the total amount to be recovered to $180,000. However, the victim may be barred from collecting any recovery if it is proven that he or she is more than half at fault for a trucking accident.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.