Portland’s streets weren’t built for today’s volume of commercial truck traffic. From semis moving freight off I-5 to delivery trucks squeezing through residential neighborhoods, large trucks are part of daily life.
Unfortunately, when something goes wrong, the consequences are severe and life changing.
At Dozier Law Group, we represent people injured in truck accidents across Portland and the surrounding areas.
We know how these crashes happen, why they’re different from ordinary car accidents, and what it takes to hold trucking companies and insurers accountable.
Truck accident cases are more complicated, more aggressively defended, and more overwhelming for injured victims.
We step in to protect your rights and pursue compensation that reflects what this crash has taken from you.
Portland has many challenges for commercial drivers. Everything from downtown streets to frequent construction and heavy bike and pedestrian traffic.
All these spots see a mix of local drivers, commuters, cyclists, and pedestrians sharing the road with vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds.
These accidents are never just “fender benders.” There is a chain of events that leads to the crash: a driver distracted by GPS, tight delivery schedules, poorly maintained brakes, or a company policy that pushes drivers to meet tight deadlines.
Knowing these causes of truck accidents is vital for protecting your legal rights and getting the compensation you deserve.
Dozier Law Group has years of expertise in Portland and throughout Oregon, navigating truck Accident laws. Trust our team for effective representation, as we leverage our deep understanding of local regulations and a track record of success to guide you through the complexities of trucking accident litigation
Portland drivers see trucks everywhere, like big rigs on I-5 heading north, logging trucks rolling down Highway 26, and delivery vans weaving through downtown traffic.
It’s easy to underestimate the risks, but even a momentary lapse by a truck driver can have devastating consequences.
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation’s motor carrier crash summaries, 2024 Oregon Motor Carrier Traffic Crashes Quick Facts, preliminary data shows:
The most common collision types for fatal crashes were head‑on collisions, while rear‑end and sideswipe crashes were the most frequent incidents.
Truck crashes are not rare, and when they happen, they can affect your life for many years to come.
After a truck collision, your focus should be on safety and medical care. However, what happens next can shape the outcome of your case for months or years. Trucking companies and insurers have legal teams ready to act immediately, collecting statements, reviewing logs, and attempting to minimize liability.
So, what to do after a truck accident? These steps, like documenting the scene with photos, noting witness details, and seeking prompt medical care, can make a huge difference in your own claim.
A big difference between truck crashes and car accidents is the number of people or entities that might be at fault. It is rarely only the driver. Employers, contractors, vehicle owners, loading supervisors, and maintenance companies can share responsibility for a trucking accident.
In Portland, a delivery truck crash near a busy downtown intersection might involve the driver, the delivery company, and the city if road maintenance contributed to the crash.
Our lawyer will dig into logs, GPS records, and company policies to make sure all responsible parties are held accountable.
Truck crashes are not just bigger car accidents. They are legally more complex and defended by well-resourced corporate teams. Along with that, they involve higher insurance limits.
A minor accident can spiral into a long, drawn-out claims process without the right guidance.
For that reason, victims want to choose a Portland truck crash lawyer who knows trucking regulations, commercial insurance policies, and Oregon laws. Many times, this can mean the difference between a low-ball settlement and fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care.
A big rig accident can mean a lot of things. Highways like I-5 and I-84 see rollovers and rear-end collisions, while city streets encounter sideswipes, jackknifes, and collisions with pedestrians or cyclists.
Each commercial vehicle crash type affects liability and damages differently.
For example, a jackknife accident on the Morrison Bridge may involve traffic cameras, witness accounts, and weather reports, while a delivery van crash on SE Division Street might hinge on company scheduling logs or GPS data.
Your attorney can walk you through what type of evidence you may need and what compensation may be available for your case.
Certain trucks present special dangers. Logging trucks navigating mountain passes, delivery trucks for Amazon, UPS, or FedEx maneuvering through downtown traffic, and large commercial rigs on I-5 all have unique risk factors. Some collisions, like underride and oversize truck accidents, are severe because the smaller vehicle slides under or over the truck.
Once again, each type of truck requires specialized legal attention to make sure victims get fair compensation for their injuries, losses, and other damages.
Truck crashes can leave lifelong scars. Since trucks are massive, victims face serious injuries even in low-speed accidents:
At Dozier Law Group, we’ve seen how even a single collision can disrupt work, school, and family life. That’s why accounting for both immediate and long-term medical needs is important for your claim.
You might assume that insurance companies are on your side, but in reality, their first priority is protecting their bottom line.
Many times, they simply don’t care if you’re fully compensated.
After a truck accident, adjusters may reach out within hours or days. While these “friendly” calls or settlements sound reasonable on the surface, they may ask you to give a recorded statement, subtly suggest that you share some fault, or push for a signature on documents before your injuries or damages are fully understood.
Even innocent comments can be used to reduce your claim later. Unfortunately, that can leave you with less than you actually need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and the long-term impacts of the crash.
At Dozier Law Group, we understand Oregon trucking laws and step in to handle all communications with insurers. You don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or being pressured into a quick settlement. Our team knows how insurance companies operate and can spot common tactics used to minimize payouts. We make sure that any offer reflects the full scope of your losses, including emergency care, ongoing rehabilitation, lost income, pain and suffering, and any permanent limitations.
When you have professional representation, that also sends a clear message to insurers: your claim will be taken seriously and attempts to undervalue it will not go unchecked. You get the peace of mind to focus on recovery while we protect your financial and legal interests.
Yes. Trucks must follow strict federal and state regulations regarding hours of service, load limits, and vehicle maintenance. Violations of these rules can establish negligence in your favor. Lawyers often investigate driver logs, inspection records, and company compliance to strengthen claims in Portland crashes.
Absolutely. Multi-vehicle collisions are common on Portland highways and city streets. Liability may be shared among several drivers or companies. We will make sure all responsible parties are held accountable.
Yes. Crashes near high-traffic areas like the Hawthorne, Morrison, or Steel Bridge, or on I-5 and I-205, can be more complicated due to traffic patterns, bridge regulations, and high speeds. Evidence collection and expert analysis are often needed to accurately prove fault and damages.
Oregon law allows a claim for personal injury or property damage to be filed within 2 years of the crash (ORS 12.110). If a government vehicle or entity is involved, the notice period is shorter (ORS 30.275). Working with a Portland truck accident lawyer makes sure deadlines are met and your rights are protected.
At Dozier Law Group, we know Portland’s roads and the hazards posed by commercial trucks. We take the time to investigate, collect evidence, and handle insurers for you and your family.
We also identify all parties responsible for your crash and hold them accountable. We are here to provide the support when you need it most.
By scheduling a consultation with our Portland truck accident lawyer, Dozier Law Group can help you discover the options to take for your case.
