If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident in Portland or anywhere in Oregon, Todd Huegli is ready to fight for you. Trucking companies and their insurers will try to minimize your claim—but we won’t let them. With over 17 years of experience, Portland truck accident attorney Todd Huegli has recovered millions for victims of 18-wheeler, big rig, and commercial truck crashes.
We offer free consultations and work on a no-win, no-fee basis. Our firm aggressively pursues maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers protecting their bottom line—you need a lawyer fighting for you. Call us today to get started.
Trucking accidents involve complex federal and state regulations, multiple liable parties, and aggressive insurance companies. With over 17 years of experience, our firm understands how to investigate trucking companies, identify violations of FMCSA safety rules, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Unlike standard car accidents, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties, including:
Truck accident claims are heavily defended by insurance companies that represent trucking corporations. They may delay, deny, or undervalue your claim to protect their profits. We don’t back down. We fight for full compensation, whether through negotiation or litigation.
At Huegli Law, we handle trucking accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Unlike many firms that pass clients off to staff, you will always speak directly with attorney Todd Huegli about your case.
Truck accidents in Portland and across Oregon often result in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and life-altering trauma due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. If a trucking company, truck driver, or another party’s negligence caused the crash, Oregon law allows you to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Oregon
Truck drivers are often pushed to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, leading to driver fatigue. Federal law limits truckers to 11 hours of driving per shift, but many violate these rules, increasing the risk of accidents.
Using cell phones, GPS devices, or eating while driving can cause a trucker to lose focus, leading to deadly crashes.
Many trucking accidents occur because drivers speed to meet deadlines or take aggressive maneuvers that put other motorists at risk.
Unbalanced or unsecured cargo can cause a truck to roll over or jackknife, endangering everyone on the road.
Victims of trucking accidents in Oregon may be entitled to compensation for:
Unlike a standard car accident, trucking accident cases often involve multiple liable parties. Depending on the circumstances, you may have a claim against:
An experienced Oregon truck accident lawyer can investigate and determine who is responsible for your injuries.
In Oregon, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim after a trucking accident is two years from the date of the accident (ORS 12.110). If the crash resulted in wrongful death, the deadline is three years from the date of death(ORS 30.020).
However, if a government agency (such as a state-owned truck) is involved, you must file a formal notice of claim within 180 days under the Oregon Tort Claims Act (OTCA). Since missing a deadline can result in losing your right to compensation, it’s critical to contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
accident, taking the right steps can protect your health, legal rights, and potential claim:
1. Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.
2. Document the scene (take photos/videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and injuries).
3. Get witness statements and their contact information.
4. Do not speak to the trucking company’s insurance adjusters without legal representation.
5. Contact a truck accident lawyer to investigate and handle negotiations with the trucking company and their insurers.
The trucking company will act fast to protect itself—you should too. Speaking with an Oregon truck accident attorney early can prevent mistakes that could hurt your case.
At Huegli Law, we represent victims of serious truck accidents throughout Portland and Oregon, helping them recover compensation for their injuries and losses. Trucking accidents are more complex than standard car crashes due to the size of 18-wheelers, big rigs, and commercial trucks, as well as the federal regulations that govern the industry. Every case is unique, but we handle:
A jackknife accident happens when a truck’s trailer swings out at an angle, forming an L or V shape. These crashes often happen due to brake failures, sudden turns, or improper cargo loading, and they can block multiple lanes and cause deadly pileups.
• Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, often leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
• Override accidents happen when a large truck runs over a smaller car.
Both types of crashes are often caused by sudden stops, poor truck visibility, or negligent truck driver behavior.
When a semi-truck rolls onto its side, it can crush nearby vehicles and block roadways. Rollovers are often caused by speeding, sharp turns, shifting cargo, or high winds.
A tire blowout on an 80,000-pound truck can cause the driver to lose control, leading to multi-vehicle crashes. Similarly, faulty brakes, steering system failures, or poor truck maintenance can make the trucking company liable for damages.
ecause commercial trucks require much longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles, a distracted or fatigued truck driver can cause a devastating rear-end collision. Brake failures and improper maintenance can also lead to high-speed impact crashes.
If cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift suddenly, causing the truck to tip over, jackknife, or spill debris onto the roadway. We investigate whether cargo loaders failed to follow federal safety regulations.
Truck drivers are subject to strict DUI laws, but some still drive under the influence of alcohol or stimulants to stay awake. If a truck driver was impaired at the time of a crash, the trucking company may also be held liable for negligent hiring practices.
Federal laws limit how many hours a trucker can drive, but violations are common. A drowsy or overworked driver is just as dangerous as a drunk driver. We obtain logbooks, GPS data, and black box records to prove if a trucker was driving beyond legal limits.
Because of their size, semi-trucks can cause chain-reaction crashes on I-5, I-205, and other major highways in Oregon. A single mistake—whether it’s brake failure, distracted driving, or sudden lane changes—can result in a massive pileup with multiple injuries or fatalities.
Truck accidents often cause severe injuries, even if they aren’t immediately obvious. Calling 911 ensures that first responders arrive to provide medical care and that a police report is created, which will be critical evidence in your case.
If it’s safe to do so:
rucking companies and their insurers will try to shift blame to minimize their payout. Avoid saying anything like “I’m okay” or “I didn’t see them coming”, as insurers can use these statements against you. Never give a recorded statement without consulting a lawyer first.
A police report will contain valuable information about how the accident happened, witness statements, and whether the truck driver was cited for any violations.
Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to protect them—you need someone fighting for you. A Portland truck accident lawyer can:
Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your award will be reduced by 20%.
We strive to recover full and fair compensation for all your losses, which may include:
Past and future costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
Income lost due to inability to work during recovery.
If your injuries affect your ability to earn in the future.
Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle.
Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
When injuries hinder your ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed.
In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party.
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. They may employ tactics such as:
Proposing a low settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known.
Slowing down the process in hopes you’ll accept a lower offer.
Trying to place undue blame on you to reduce their payout.
Huegli Law will handle all communications with insurance adjusters, protecting your interests and negotiating assertively on your behalf.
In Oregon, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It’s crucial to act promptly to preserve evidence and ensure all legal deadlines are met.
We offer an initial, no-obligation case evaluation to discuss your situation. You will speak directly with Todd Huegli, not screened by staff.
Gathering evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
Working with accident reconstructionists and medical professionals to strengthen your case.
Crafting a personalized approach to maximize your compensation.
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. In our experience, seeking a settlement encourages low offers from insurance companies. We believe you are in control, not the insurance company.
During this difficult time, let the team at Huegli Law provide the legal support and guidance you need. We are committed to helping you find justice and secure the resources necessary to move forward.
We are here to help you navigate this challenging journey with compassion and dedication.
