Decades of Experience 
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Your Legal Advocates 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 attorneys in Portland take 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.
Call Us (503) 226-6361 Why Choose Our Portland Truck Accident Lawyer?
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.
- Millions recovered. We protect truck accident victims and stand up for them against negligent truckers and their employers. We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of clients who were injured by trucks or large commercial vehicles, including three trial verdicts in excess of $13 million.
- Expert advocacy. We are deeply familiar with FMCSA trucking regulations, how insurers and trucking companies approach these situations, and how to build strong cases for trial.
- Resourceful investigation. We know where to look for evidence of wrongdoing and have the resources at our disposal to take on the largest corporate defendants.
- No-win, no-fee. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis, meaning we never charge a fee to handle a truck accident case unless we win.
Our Truck Accident Victories in Portland
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:
- $13.9 million verdict: Scott Busch v. McInnis Waste Systems, awarded to a pedestrian hit by a garbage truck who suffered a leg amputation.
- $2 million settlement: For a driver struck by a semi-truck who sustained a traumatic brain injury.
- $750,000 settlement: For a driver who suffered a fractured spine after being hit by a truck towing a trailer.
- Confidential settlement: For a woman severely injured when an improperly loaded semi-truck tipped over on the freeway.
These outcomes show our experience and our resolve to fight for justice when negligence changes lives forever.
Do I Need a Portland Truck Accident Lawyer?
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:
- Preserve black box and electronic logging device (ELD) data before it’s lost.
- Investigate maintenance failures and safety violations.
- Handle negotiations with insurers so you can focus on healing.
- Prepare your case for trial if fair compensation isn’t offered.
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.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Portland
Trucking collisions in Portland often stem from systemic problems within the industry, not just a single mistake on the road.
Driver Fatigue
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.
Improper Loading & Cargo Issues
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.
Distracted or Impaired Driving
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.
Mechanical Failures & Defective Parts
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.
Negligence by Trucking Companies
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.
What Are the Most Common Truck Accident Injuries?
Truck accidents almost always result in severe injuries. Victims in Portland frequently suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries that may cause paralysis
- Complex fractures requiring surgery
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Severe burns from fuel-related fires
- Amputations and permanent disfigurement
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.
How Truck Accident Claims Differ from Car Accident Claims
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:
- Multiple parties involved: A car accident in Portland is typically between the drivers, but truck accidents can involve the truck driver, the trucking company, contractors, vehicle manufacturers, and various insurance companies. Underride truck accidents are particularly dangerous and involve additional liability considerations.
- Severe injuries and damages: Given their size and weight, trucks can cause more catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage compared to regular vehicles. This elevates the stakes of the claim, often leading to larger settlement demands and more aggressive defense tactics from insurance companies.
- Regulatory environment: Truck drivers and companies must adhere to strict federal and state regulations, including hours-of-service rules, maintenance requirements, and load restrictions. Violations of these regulations can be pivotal in establishing liability.
- In-depth investigations: Due to the potential for higher compensation and the involvement of commercial entities, truck accident investigations are typically more thorough. They often require expert analyses, extensive evidence collection, and a deeper understanding of commercial vehicle operations.
What To Do After a Truck Accident in Oregon
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:
- Call 911 immediately to request medical and police response.
- Document the scene with photos of damage, skid marks, and road conditions if safe.
- Get medical attention right away, even if symptoms seem minor.
- Exchange information with the truck driver, including company name and DOT number.
- Do not talk to insurance adjusters until you speak with a lawyer.
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.
Types of Evidence Needed for a Successful Truck Accident Claim
A comprehensive collection of evidence is usually needed for a successful truck accident claim. This includes:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene: Detailed imagery of the accident scene, including the positions of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and any debris from the crash, provides a visual account of the incident.
- Witness statements: Eyewitness accounts can offer unbiased perspectives on the accident, potentially revealing details that may not be immediately apparent.
- Police and accident reports: These reports provide an authoritative and initial assessment of the accident, including any citations issued and observations made by law enforcement officers.
- The truck driver’s logbooks and employment records: These can indicate whether the truck driver complied with federal hours-of-service regulations, which limit driving hours to prevent fatigue. Employment records might also show a history of negligence or insufficient training.
- The truck maintenance records: Regular maintenance is mandatory for commercial trucks. These records can reveal if the truck was in proper working condition or if neglect played a role in the accident.
- Your medical records and bills: Documentation of your injuries and medical expenses is vital for calculating appropriate compensation. This includes your hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and records of any long-term care needed.
- Expert testimonies: Experts in fields like accident reconstruction, trucking regulations, and medical professions can provide critical insights and validate the claim’s arguments.
- Electronic control modules (ECM) data: Many trucks are equipped with ECMs, similar to an airplane’s black box, which can provide data on the truck’s speed, brake usage, and other factors at the time of the accident.
- Cell phone records: These can be used to determine if the truck driver was distracted at the time of the accident.
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.
Compensation Available in Portland Truck Accident Cases
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.
Medical Expenses
Coverage includes ER visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and essential long-term care services.
Lost Wages & Loss of Earning Capacity
Compensation replaces income lost during recovery and addresses reduced future earning potential, bonuses, and benefits.
Pain and Suffering
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
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.
Oregon Truck Accident Statistics
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.
Statute of Limitations for Oregon Truck Accident Lawsuits
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.
How Much Insurance are Truckers Required to Carry?
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.
- $300,000 for non-hazardous cargo that is transported in vehicles weighing less than 10,001 pounds.
- $750,000 for general freight carriers. The requirement can go up to $5,000,000 depending on what is being transported.
- $1,000,000 for private carriers of oil and some types of hazardous waste.
- $5,000,000 for carriers of different types of hazardous substances.
Tanker truck accidents often involve unique insurance claims due to the hazardous nature of their cargo.
Request Your Free Consultation With a Portland Truck Accident Lawyer
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, 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.Paulson Coletti
Trial Attorneys PC
