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When large commercial trucks strike smaller passenger vehicles, they can cause significant, devastating injury to occupants. Unfortunately, these collisions are often the direct result of choices that the companies that operate these vehicles make to value profits over safety.
When someone searches for a Portland truck accident lawyer, it’s often during one of the hardest moments of their life. Crashes on I-5, I-84, and Portland’s crowded streets are rarely minor. In an instant, a negligent truck driver can turn a routine drive into a tragedy, leaving families with devastating injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and an uncertain future.
At Paulson Coletti, we understand the stakes. Our personal injury lawyer in Portland takes on trucking corporations, insurers, and negligent drivers to ensure our clients are heard, supported, and fully compensated. We don’t shy away from powerful opponents because every person hurt on Oregon’s roads deserves justice and peace of mind.
After a truck accident, you need a law firm on your side that understands how to handle truck accident cases and has a demonstrated track record of success in handling them. At Paulson Coletti, we are among the most experienced trial law firms in the Pacific Northwest.
When families in Portland trust Paulson Coletti with their trucking accident cases, they count on us to deliver outcomes that make a real difference in their lives. We approach every case with the determination to expose negligence, stand up to trucking companies, and maximize recovery.
The results below are just a few examples of what our team has achieved for clients harmed in devastating truck crashes:
These outcomes show our experience and our resolve to fight for justice when negligence changes lives forever.
On a very early morning in October of 2023, our clients were traveling along Interstate 5 through Jackson County, Oregon. The sun had not yet risen. Without warning and with no time to react in the darkness, their vehicle collided with an overturned commercial tractor-trailer blocking the travel lane. The driver had overturned his tractor-trailer approximately 23 minutes earlier. He did not deploy any warning devices, reflective markers, or hazard lights to alert approaching motorists. After such an incident, deploying this equipment is a non-negotiable safety requirement. In the collision, our most severely injured client sustained catastrophic injuries, including quadriplegia. This led to the need for lifetime medical care. He also suffered a traumatic brain injury with skull, facial, and nasal fractures, subdural hemorrhage, and respiratory failure. Additionally, he suffered hearing loss, neurogenic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additional family members traveling in the vehicle also sustained physical injuries and severe emotional distress from the crash. We conducted a comprehensive investigation into the commercial trucking company’s hiring practices, driver training, supervision protocols, and vehicle maintenance records. We also scrutinized the driver’s failure to comply with federal and state regulations requiring the immediate deployment of warning devices after creating a highway obstruction. This matter is currently in active litigation. We are pursuing maximum compensation for our clients to address the permanent and life-altering injuries they sustained. Our legal team is seeking damages for our clients based on negligence, negligent hiring and retention practices, negligent entrustment, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. At Paulson Coletti, we represent families harmed by preventable accidents. These types of cases are about enforcing safety standards and holding commercial trucking companies accountable when violations lead to trauma and catastrophic injury.
Interstate Trucking Collision Leads to Quadriplegia in Oregon
Yes, most victims benefit from hiring a lawyer. Trucking companies often dispatch investigators within hours of a crash to protect their interests. Their goal is to minimize liability, not to protect you.
Without legal help, evidence may disappear, and you risk being pressured into a settlement worth far less than your actual losses. Working with a Portland truck accident lawyer means having someone who can:
Having a dedicated advocate on your side shifts the balance of power. While trucking companies focus on limiting payouts, Paulson Coletti focuses on protecting your future.
Trucking collisions in Portland often stem from systemic problems within the industry, not just a single mistake on the road.
Fatigue is a significant cause of truck accidents. Federal rules limit hours, yet many drivers push beyond safe limits. On Portland’s busy corridors like I-5 and I-84, drowsy driving quickly turns dangerous. A Portland truck accident lawyer can uncover logbook violations to prove liability.
Improperly loaded trailers are dangerous. A load that shifts on a curve near the Fremont Bridge can send a semi-truck tipping into traffic. Cargo spills, especially of hazardous materials, put entire neighborhoods at risk.
Truck drivers distracted by phones, food, or impaired by drugs or alcohol can cause catastrophic harm. Reaction times slow, judgment falters, and the sheer force of an 18-wheeler magnifies every mistake.
Brake failures, blown tires, or steering malfunctions often indicate poor fleet maintenance. Some cases involve defective components that should have been recalled before the crash, yet remained in service due to negligence or lack of oversight.
Trucking companies sometimes cut costs by hiring unqualified drivers, skipping safety checks, or enforcing unrealistic schedules. These choices put profits before Portland’s families.
Together, these causes show how trucking accidents are rarely random; they are often the predictable outcome of choices prioritizing speed and profit over human safety.
Learn more about jackknife truck accidents and why they happen.
Truck accidents almost always result in severe injuries. Victims in Portland frequently suffer:
According to the City of Portland, 56% of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in 2024 involved collisions with large vehicles such as semi-trucks or buses. These statistics prove what victims already know: the consequences are devastating when trucks and people collide.
Truck accident claims are notably more complex than standard car accident claims, primarily due to the size and commercial nature of trucks. Here are some key differences:
At Paulson Coletti, “liberty and justice for all” is more than just a phrase – it is our mandate. Our team of trial lawyers is driven to pursue justice for the injured, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. With a high success rate both in and out of the courtroom, you can trust our Oregon personal injury lawyers to be the legal advocates you need so your voice can be heard.
The moments after a truck crash are overwhelming, but the steps you take can protect your health and legal rights. Acting quickly also preserves key details that may prove vital later. Here are the immediate actions every crash victim in Oregon should follow:
Taking these steps not only protects your health but also strengthens your claim from the very beginning. With Paulson Coletti’s guidance, those first decisions after a crash become the building blocks of a strong case.
A comprehensive collection of evidence is usually needed for a successful truck accident claim. This includes:
Collecting and effectively presenting this evidence requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of truck accident law. Our Portland truck accident attorney can gather all of this evidence on your behalf.
“Most cases settle, but each of our cases is prepared as if it’s going to trial. The insurance companies know it and so do the defense lawyers defending them. That’s why we get such great results for our clients.”
Truck accident victims in Portland face unique financial and personal losses. To truly account for the full impact of a collision, damages must be considered from multiple angles. A Portland truck accident lawyer can identify all potential damages so no recovery is left on the table.
Coverage includes ER visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and essential long-term care services.
Compensation replaces income lost during recovery and addresses reduced future earning potential, bonuses, and benefits.
Beyond financial losses, these damages reflect the human cost: physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD, and reduced quality of life. Survivors may face depression, mobility challenges, and strained family relationships. A Portland truck accident lawyer can present these impacts so that compensation covers more than medical bills.
Punitive damages require proof of reckless or malicious disregard for safety, as outlined in Oregon Revised Statutes § 31.730. Every category of damage tells part of how a crash reshaped your life. Our role is to ensure none of those losses are minimized or ignored.
Truck collisions remain a significant safety issue in Oregon. According to the City of Portland’s Vision Zero 2024 crash report, 14 of 25 fatal pedestrian and bicyclist crashes (56%) involved large vehicles. For families facing these tragedies, guidance from a trusted Portland truck accident lawyer can make the legal path forward clearer and less overwhelming.
No Fees Unless We Win
Oregon allows two years to file personal injury claims under ORS § 12.110 and three years to file wrongful death actions under ORS § 30.020. Missing these deadlines can completely bar your right to recover damages.
Just as importantly, acting quickly gives your legal team the best chance to secure evidence, like driver logs, electronic data, or surveillance footage, before it is destroyed or overwritten. Time is often a defense strategy; by moving forward early, you ensure your side has every advantage.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that interstate truckers (which includes most of the truckers on the roadway) maintain minimum levels of insurance coverage depending on the type of cargo they carry.
Tanker truck accidents often involve unique insurance claims due to the hazardous nature of their cargo.
At Paulson Coletti, we’ve spent decades fighting for Portland truck accident victims. Our trial attorneys have the experience, resources, and determination to hold negligent trucking companies accountable. We only take cases we believe in, and we don’t charge fees unless we win.
Call us at 503-226-6361 to schedule a free consultation with a proven Portland truck accident lawyer who will stand up for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Paulson Coletti, a local firm based in Oregon, justice is our mission. As experienced trial attorneys, we fight for injury victims across Oregon and Washington, holding negligent parties accountable. With a proven track record in and out of the courtroom, we are dedicated to securing fair compensation for our clients. We take a client-centered approach, focusing on cases we believe in and delivering results that matter. No fees unless we win-because justice should never come with financial risk.
Client Reviews
John and Lisa were extremely helpful with my family as we navigated damages sustained in a tragic car accident. They were very knowledgeable throughout the entire process. Their communication and empathy to our situation was greatly appreciated.
I can’t imagine working our way through the tragedy without them by our side. I would highly recommend Paulson and Coletti!
Working with John was an excellent experience from start to finish. He fought long and hard to secure a fair and just settlement in our case, and his dedication never wavered. John and his staff were consistently considerate, helpful, and communicative throughout the entire process, always taking the time to answer our questions and keep us informed. Given the complicated and sensitive nature of our case, I’m truly grateful we had John in our corner. Thanks to his hard work and expertise, we achieved a better outcome than we could have hoped for.
I had an excellent experience working with Jane and her team on my accident case. From start to finish, their team was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about getting the best possible outcome for me.
I highly recommend Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys to anyone who needs legal representation. They made a stressful situation much easier to navigate, and I’m extremely grateful for everything they did for me.
I recently engaged John Coletti to represent me in a challenging legal matter, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From our initial consultation, it was evident that John possessed an exceptional depth of knowledge, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to his clients. He took the time to thoroughly understand the nuances of our case, explaining complex legal concepts in clear, accessible terms while always keeping me informed and involved throughout the process.
John not only delivered outstanding results but also provided compassionate support during what could have been an overwhelming stressful time.
If you’re seeking an attorney who combines professionalism, integrity, and proven success, look no further than John Coletti.
My family is profoundly grateful for his representation.
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This page has been written, edited, and fact-checked by our team of legal writers in accordance with our editorial guidelines. It has been approved by partners Jane Paulson and John Coletti—respected trial attorneys with decades of experience representing personal injury victims.
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