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Thousands of trucking accidents happen across the United States every year. When they happen in Portland, Oregon, locals know there is one name to call for legal help: Pacific Cascade Legal. Our Portland truck accident attorneys are ready to advocate for you, working toward the fair recovery you deserve—whether through a settlement or a court award.
Navigating a truck accident claim can feel overwhelming because commercial transportation companies often have strong legal teams. We step in to level the playing field. Our team has five-star reviews, notable case results, and team members recognized by Avvo, Super Lawyers®, and other respected organizations. With us at your side, you can pursue your truck accident claim with greater confidence.
On This Page:
- How Truck Accidents Happen
- Truck Accident Liability
- Serious Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
- How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help With My Case?
- Hire Our Team
- Truck Accident FAQ:
Contact us today to ask about scheduling an initial consultation with our Portland truck accident attorneys.
How Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Truck accidents never happen in isolation. Something must go wrong for a crash to occur. In many cases, an investigation shows that driver negligence caused the accident, rather than another motorist's error.
Common causes of truck accidents in Portland include:
- Exhaustion: The average truck driver may work up to 14-hour shifts with just 3 hours of rest. As shifts progress, fatigue usually increases, which raises the risk of a crash.
- Speeding: Truck drivers often get paid by the mile, not the hour. Some may break speed limits to finish routes faster, putting others at risk.
- Overweight trailers: A trailer that exceeds the recommended weight or is loaded unevenly can impact vehicle control. Overloading can also lead to rollovers, especially around tight corners or in strong winds.
Portland's major freight corridors, like I-5 and I-205, consistently experience heavy commercial truck traffic. A combination of congestion during morning and evening rush hours and frequent rain or fog increases the likelihood of crashes involving semi-trucks, tractor trailers, and big rigs. Certain Portland streets with sharp turns and narrow lanes can surprise truck drivers, leading to more collisions. Recognizing these risk factors adds key local context to any truck accident claim in the city.
Truck Accident Liability
The cause of a truck accident often points to who holds legal responsibility. In personal injury law, liability means fault. The more responsibility a defendant has because of negligence or misconduct, the more the plaintiff may recover for their damages.
Defendants in a truck accident claim could include:
- Truck driver and the insurance policy they carry individually.
- Driver's employer or the trucking company.
- Truck manufacturer or a parts manufacturer.
- The company responsible for truck repair or maintenance.
- The business that loaded the trailer.
Serious Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often cause life-changing injuries. Catastrophic injury claims rank among the most challenging cases handled by Pacific Cascade Legal. If a truck accident in the area forced you to adapt to new limitations or ongoing care, our team is ready to answer your questions and explain your options.
Our Portland truck accident lawyers can work on cases that involve:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Whiplash
When a family member loses their life in a truck accident, the law provides avenues for seeking justice through wrongful death claims. Our team stays sensitive to the difficulties of these matters and guides clients as they explore their rights under Oregon law.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help With My Case?
Our experienced lawyers can help you in several ways with your case:
- Investigation: We can conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. This investigation may include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
- Legal representation: We can represent you in court and negotiations with the insurance company. We can advocate for your rights and interests and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Insurance claims: We can help you file an insurance claim and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation available under the policy.
- Medical bills: We can help you manage your medical bills and ensure that you receive the necessary medical treatment for your injuries.
- Settlement negotiations: We can negotiate a settlement on your behalf with the insurance company, which can help you avoid a lengthy court battle and receive a fair settlement for your damages.
- Expert witnesses: We can consult with expert witnesses to provide testimony in court that can strengthen your case.
Portland Truck Accident FAQ
When is a trucking company liable for accidents caused by its drivers?
A trucking company can be liable for accidents caused by its employed drivers, just as any employer can be held accountable for employee mistakes. We will review all circumstances of your accident to determine if the company belongs in your claim.
Can commercial trucks drive on any street?
Semi-trucks may use any route unless a sign clearly prohibits them. Some city streets in residential areas do restrict large commercial vehicles. The location of your accident can affect your accident claim.
How heavy can a commercial truck be?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) limits commercial trucks, big rigs, and semis to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Exceeding this gross vehicle weight poses major risks and can make trucks harder to control during sudden stops or turns.
What is the speed limit for big rigs?
On some highways, big rigs must follow a lower speed limit—sometimes as low as 55 mph. Trucks may also display signs that limit speeds to 65 mph or less to comply with company safety policies or to reduce liability risk.
Get Our Portland Truck Accident Lawyers on the Case
Pacific Cascade Legal stands up for people in the Portland community. If a negligent truck driver caused your injuries in the area, we are ready to review and support your injury claim.
Pacific Cascade Legal guides individuals and families dealing with commercial truck, 18 wheeler, or big rig accidents on all major highways and city streets in Portland. Our understanding of local road conditions and common accident trends allows us to advise clients each step of the way. We also provide clear direction on accessing trustworthy community resources and care providers after a Portland truck accident.
For more information, email us now to speak with our Portland truck accident attorneys.