Thousands of Oregon residents and travelers are affected by truck accidents every year — especially near major freight routes and shipping hubs like Portland, Eugene, and Medford. A skilled Oregon truck accident lawyer can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue the full compensation you deserve.
At Munley Law, we’ve earned a national reputation for taking on powerful trucking companies and delivering life-changing results for injury victims. Our team of Oregon truck accident attorneys understands the regulations, tactics, and challenges unique to these cases—and we’re here to fight for you.
There is no fee unless we win your case.
Why Truck Accidents in Oregon Require a Special Kind of Lawyer
Crashes involving commercial trucks are very different from ordinary car accidents. In Oregon, trucking companies and their insurers move quickly to limit liability, and multiple layers of state and federal regulations from hours-of-service rules to weight and maintenance standards, can determine who is at fault. Evidence such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, driver qualification files, and cargo records must be preserved immediately, or it can disappear. An attorney who focuses on Oregon truck accidents understands these regulations, knows how to secure critical evidence before it’s lost, and has the resources to take on large trucking and insurance companies.
Tractor trailers, semi-trucks, and commercial delivery vehicles are much heavier and harder to stop than passenger cars. When a large truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the result is often devastating. Victims may suffer severe injuries, extensive property damage, or even fatal consequences.
These crashes often happen:
- Near ports and railyards (Portland, Coos Bay)
- On high-speed freight corridors like I-5, I-84, and US-97
- In remote areas with narrow, poorly maintained roads
The most common types of Oregon truck accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions involving slow traffic or stopped vehicles
- Jackknife accidents where a truck’s trailer swings out uncontrollably
- Rollover crashes, especially on ramps or in poor weather
- Underride accidents where a car slides under the trailer
- Blind spot collisions when a truck changes lanes without seeing another vehicle
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case After an Oregon Truck Accident?
If you were hurt in a truck accident in Oregon, you might be wondering whether you have a valid personal injury claim. The answer depends on several factors—but in most cases, if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation.
Truck accidents are rarely simple. They often involve multiple parties, complicated regulations, and extensive damages. That’s why it’s important to understand who might be responsible and how a legal team can help you build a strong case.
Some of the most common at-fault parties in Oregon truck crashes include:
- The truck driver (due to speeding, distraction, or fatigue)
- The trucking company (due to poor maintenance or negligent hiring)
- Cargo loaders (for unbalanced or unsecured freight)
- Truck manufacturers (for brake or tire defects)
At Munley Law, our Oregon truck accident lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to determine exactly what caused your accident. We work to identify every liable party and pursue full compensation for your injuries, lost income, and long-term needs. Don’t try to take on powerful trucking companies alone — let our experienced legal team fight for your rights.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
After a serious truck accident, one of the first questions many people ask is, “How much is my case worth?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the value of your case depends on the unique circumstances surrounding your crash and how deeply your life has been affected.
Your case’s value depends on several key factors:
- The severity of your injuries — The more serious or permanent your injuries, the more compensation you may be entitled to.
- Medical expenses — This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and any ongoing or future treatment.
- Lost wages and future earnings — If your injuries keep you from working now or in the future, these losses can significantly impact your claim.
- Pain and suffering — Compensation may also cover physical pain, emotional trauma, anxiety, or depression caused by the crash.
- Property damage — Including repairs or replacement for your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the accident.
We’ve secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for trucking crash victims — because we understand how to prove the full impact of the accident.
How Is Liability Proven in an Oregon Truck Accident?
Truck accident investigations require deep legal and technical knowledge. Our team gathers evidence including:
- Driver logs and black box data (ECM)
- Cell phone records
- Truck maintenance logs
- Loading manifests
- Dashcam footage
- Witness testimony and accident reconstruction reports
Oregon’s roads are used by countless regional and long-haul trucks. Whether your accident involved a local delivery truck or a national freight hauler, we know how to uncover the truth.
Oregon’s Comparative Negligence Law
Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 20% responsible and awarded $100,000, you would receive $80,000.
This makes it especially important to work with an attorney who can counter insurance company attempts to shift blame unfairly.
Damages You Can Recover in a Truck Accident Lawsuit
A successful Oregon truck accident lawsuit may result in compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost income
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
- In rare cases of gross negligence, additional damages may be awarded to punish the trucking company or driver.
We’ll fight to recover every dollar you’re entitled to.
Major Trucking Hubs in Oregon
Understanding Oregon’s trucking industry helps explain why and where many truck crashes occur. Key logistics centers include:
- Port of Portland: One of the busiest shipping container ports on the West Coast, connected to major rail and highway systems.
- I-5 Corridor: The lifeline for freight transport through Oregon, from the California to Washington border.
- I-84: An essential route linking Portland to Idaho, used heavily by regional and long-haul carriers.
- US-97: Central Oregon’s north-south route with frequent logging and agricultural haulers.
- Medford and Southern Oregon: Increasingly busy with last-mile deliveries and cross-border logistics.
These routes are essential for commerce but come with increased risks for crashes due to high speeds, heavy loads, and challenging terrain.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Oregon
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Oregon, taking the right steps immediately after the crash can protect your health and your legal rights. From calling 911 to speaking with an experienced Oregon truck accident attorney, each action you take can impact your claim and your ability to recover compensation.
- Call 911 and make sure police create a report.
- Seek immediate medical attention, even for minor symptoms.
- Document the crash scene with photos and witness contact info.
- Get the truck driver’s and company’s insurance information.
- Avoid making statements to insurance companies without legal advice.
- Contact an experienced Oregon truck accident attorney.
Truck accidents often involve serious injuries, complex insurance claims, and powerful trucking companies. Don’t face it alone. Contact an experienced Oregon truck accident lawyer to help you pursue the compensation you deserve and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Legal Timeline: How Long Do I Have to File?
In Oregon, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe could mean losing your right to recover damages.
If the crash involved a government vehicle or occurred on public property, special rules and shorter deadlines may apply.
How Long Does a Truck Accident Case Take?
Most Oregon truck accident cases resolve in 6–18 months, depending on:
- The seriousness of the accident
- Whether liability is disputed
- The severity of injuries
- Whether the case settles or goes to trial
Our goal is always to maximize your recovery — whether that means negotiating a strong settlement or taking your case to court.
Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer?
Usually not. Early offers are often much lower than what you’re entitled to. Trucking companies want to limit payouts and move on quickly. Once you accept, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation—even if your condition worsens.
We’ll review any settlement offer and advise you on your best options.
What If the Truck Driver Was Uninsured?
Oregon law requires commercial trucks to carry substantial liability coverage—but sometimes policies lapse or aren’t sufficient.
If the truck was uninsured or underinsured, you may still recover compensation through:
- Your own UM/UIM coverage
- A claim against another liable party (e.g., employer, cargo handler, maintenance provider)
Even if the truck driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options. An experienced Oregon truck accident lawyer can help you explore every possible source of compensation and fight to protect your rights.
Why Hire an Oregon Truck Accident Attorney?
- Trucking companies have legal teams on call — so should you.
- We know how to secure and analyze trucking-specific evidence.
- We understand Oregon and federal trucking laws (FMCSA regulations).
- We handle negotiations, court filings, and trial strategy while you focus on recovery.
Munley Law has decades of experience and a national reputation for winning truck accident cases. Let us put that to work for you.
How Much Does an Oregon Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
Hiring a lawyer after a serious truck accident might sound expensive — but at Munley Law, there’s no risk to you. Our Oregon truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay absolutely nothing upfront and no out-of-pocket costs at any point.
We only get paid if we win your case. If there’s no recovery, there’s no fee—period. This allows you to focus on healing while we focus on securing the compensation you deserve.
We’re committed to making quality legal representation accessible to everyone, no matter their financial situation. If you’ve been hurt in a crash with a commercial truck, don’t let cost concerns stop you from getting the help you need.
Common Causes of Oregon Truck Accidents
Oregon’s unique terrain, including mountain passes and rural highways, combined with long-haul routes and busy freight corridors, creates many opportunities for truck crashes. Some of the most common causes we see include:
- Driver fatigue due to long hours
- Distracted driving, including texting or GPS use
- Improper cargo loading or unsecured freight
- Mechanical failure (brake failure, tire blowouts)
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Poor weather and road conditions, especially in mountain passes
- Failure to yield or signal lane changes
We’ll identify the root cause of your accident and pursue justice.
Common Injuries in Oregon Truck Collisions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage or paralysis
- Multiple fractures
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Amputations
- Burn injuries
These injuries often result in lifelong care needs. You deserve compensation that reflects the true cost.
Oregon Truck Accident Statistics
Roadway safety officials in Oregon continue to monitor the persistent risks posed by commercial trucks operating across the state. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and safety advocates track key trends — such as crash frequency, geographic hotspots, and patterns in timing — to inform prevention strategies and support victims.
Here’s the latest from 2022:
- Over 2,500 truck-involved crashes annually
ODOT data show that every year, more than 2,500 collisions involve medium to heavy trucks, underscoring the ongoing dangers of commercial vehicle operations. - Highest crash rates in Multnomah, Lane, Jackson, and Deschutes counties
County-level crash summaries identify Multnomah, Lane, Jackson, and Deschutes among the counties with the highest total crash numbers — including those involving trucks. - Over 60 fatalities and hundreds of serious injuries annually
ODOT’s Quick Facts report lists around 600 fatalities and nearly 37,000 injuries in traffic crashes statewide; medium and heavy trucks account for a significant portion, with fatal and injury truck crashes numbering over 2,000. - Crash spikes during morning delivery and late-night long-haul hours
ODOT’s analysis shows the peak fatalities and injury times for truck incidents often fall during morning (around 4–5 a.m.) delivery windows and late-night driving, aligning with long-haul schedules and driver fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the difference between a truck accident and a car crash?
Truck accidents often involve greater damage, more severe injuries, and more complex legal questions due to federal regulations and corporate liability. Truck accident claims and lawsuits require a lawyer with expertise in large and commercial truck litigation.
Q: Can I sue the trucking company as well as the driver?
Yes. In most cases, the company is liable for its employees and may also be responsible for improper training, negligent hiring, or faulty maintenance practices.
Q: What if I was partially at fault?
Under Oregon’s comparative negligence laws, you may still recover damages if you were less than 51% responsible.
Q: How soon should I hire an attorney?
Immediately. Trucking companies begin building their defense within hours. You need someone to preserve evidence on your side as soon as possible.
Contact an Oregon Truck Accident Lawyer Today
When you’re recovering from a serious truck accident, you need a legal team that understands the stakes. At Munley Law, we’ve spent decades holding negligent trucking companies accountable — and we’re ready to help you do the same.
Call us today for a free consultation. We don’t charge fees unless we win. Let us fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
