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Garbage trucks are vital for urban sanitation, but because of their size and the difficulty of operating these large vehicles in dense areas, they present a significant hazard to other motorists and pedestrians. If you or someone you care about was injured in an accident with a garbage truck in Portland, consult with an experienced Portland truck accident lawyer to discuss your rights and options for compensation.
On March 16, 2015, our client was lawfully crossing SW Fifth Avenue at SW Morrison Street in downtown Portland when the crossing signal indicated it was time to enter the crosswalk. As he was crossing the street, he was violently struck by a garbage truck, leading to life-altering injuries including the traumatic amputation of his left leg above the knee, multiple rib fractures, and extensive damage to the muscles, tendons, nerves, and soft tissues of his leg, chest, and torso. Our investigation revealed the driver was operating the commercial vehicle without the required license. We also discovered the driver was operating the truck at an unsafe speed and failed to yield to a pedestrian in the crosswalk. Furthermore, the company created an unsafe collection route requiring an illegal turn at the intersection in violation of traffic control devices. We pursued claims for negligence, including negligence per se, based on multiple statutory violations and failure to properly train and supervise employees. In such cases, the legal team at Paulson Coletti identifies economic and non-economic damages to pursue maximum compensation for our clients. When someone’s life is changed forever after catastrophic injuries, they should be fairly compensated for the negligent behavior of others. Pedestrian Struck by Commercial Garbage Truck in Portland Crosswalk
Garbage truck accidents are influenced by several unique factors. These vehicles often operate in dense urban areas and face challenges like narrow streets and frequent stops, all of which increase the chances of accidents. Additionally, their large blind spots can significantly hinder the driver’s visibility, especially when it comes to nearby pedestrians and cyclists.
Common causes of garbage truck accidents include:
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Understanding your legal rights is vital after a garbage truck accident. As a victim, you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. This includes:
Oregon law allows you to file a personal injury claim against responsible parties, be it the truck driver, their employer, or other entities such as a government agency or municipality.
It is crucial to act swiftly in these cases, as there are time limits for filing such claims. Consulting with an experienced Portland truck accident lawyer can provide clarity on your legal rights and the steps you need to take to recover compensation for your damages.
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.
Garbage truck accident claims involve complex layers of liability and regulation. These cases can be intricate due to multiple potentially liable parties. These liable parties might include:
Additionally, these accidents often require navigating federal and state regulations specific to commercial vehicles. This includes compliance with FMCSA trucking regulations on weight limits, driver working hours, and safety standards.
Determining liability in a garbage truck accident requires:
A thorough investigation
Expert testimony
An in-depth understanding of state and federal trucking regulations
Our Portland truck accident lawyers are adept at dissecting these complex cases, working to hold all responsible parties accountable. We dedicate ourselves to building a strong case on your behalf, backed by detailed evidence and extensive legal experience, to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Our law firm is skilled in handling garbage truck accident cases in Portland. We offer:
We are committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a garbage truck accident in Portland, it is important to act promptly. Contact Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and how we can assist you in your recovery journey.
Additionally, if your accident involved a different type of commercial truck, such as a box truck, our legal team has the experience and knowledge to handle your case effectively.
Our experienced legal team is ready to fight for your rights and ensure justice is served.
“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.”
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.
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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