Garbage trucks are a frequent fixture of Portland streets, both in residential neighborhoods and in commercial districts.
While these vehicles are an essential part of keeping our city clean, they can also be the source of catastrophic harm.
If you suffered injuries in a collision with a garbage truck, turn to Rizk Law for support in seeking the compensation you deserve.
Contact us right away for your free consultation with an experienced garbage truck accident lawyer in Portland.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Garbage Truck Accident in Portland
Take these steps after an accident with a garbage truck to protect your health and your rights:
- Call 911 to request a police response, as well as emergency medical care if necessary.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, the vehicles, any visible injuries, and the surrounding conditions.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the garbage truck driver.
- Seek medical treatment and follow the doctor’s instructions.
- Call an experienced Portland truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Common Causes of Garbage Truck Accidents
The process of navigating collection routes and picking up waste comes with its own set of unique hazards, making these cases different from most other types of collisions.
Some common causes of garbage truck accidents our attorneys see in the Portland area include:
- Reversing along residential collection routes with limited visibility
- Frequent stops that surprise or obstruct nearby drivers
- Side-loader arms striking vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians
- Rear-loader workers entering traffic while collecting bins
- Wide turns, blind spots, and curbside maneuvering
- Overloaded trucks or unsecured debris falling into the roadway
- Driver fatigue, distraction, speeding, or inadequate training
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Garbage Truck Accident in Oregon?
Pursuing full compensation depends on identifying every liable party – and garbage truck accident liability is rarely limited to the negligent driver themselves.
Depending on the circumstances, other responsible parties might include:
- The waste collection company
- A maintenance contractor
- A vehicle or equipment manufacturer
- A property owner
- A government agency
How We Prove Fault in a Garbage Truck Accident Case
At Rizk Law, our Portland garbage truck accident lawyers can immediately launch an investigation to determine what caused the crash and who is responsible.
This involves gathering a wide range of evidence, including:
- Black box data revealing driving information right before, during, and just after the crash
- Garbage truck maintenance logs and inspection records
- Route records and the driver’s employment documents
- CCTV, dashcam, and other video evidence of the accident
- Records of the driver’s hours on the job
What Compensation Can You Recover?
The compensation you might be entitled to after a collision involving a garbage truck depends on factors like the circumstances of the crash and the severity of your injuries.
Rizk Law can help you pursue compensation for the full extent of your losses, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Damage to your vehicle and other personal property
Oregon Laws That Affect Garbage Truck Accident Claims
Accidents involving commercial and municipal vehicles can be more legally complex because they are subject to regulations on the local, state, and federal level.
Garbage truck operators must follow all traffic laws and commercial vehicle safety rules governing licensing, inspections, maintenance, loading, and safe vehicle operation.
A violation may support a claim that the driver or their employer acted negligently. Different rules may apply depending on whether a government agency or private company owns the vehicle or employs the driver, so it’s important to clarify these details early on.
Additionally, if you bear some responsibility for the truck wreck, Oregon’s comparative negligence law could affect whether you can recover compensation and, if so, how much.
If you are more than 50 percent at fault, the court may bar you from financial recovery. Otherwise, you can still recover compensation, but the court will reduce your award in proportion to your percentage of fault.
How Long Do You Have to File a Garbage Truck Accident Claim in Oregon?
Filing deadlines in these cases depend on whether the garbage truck was a commercial or government vehicle. In cases involving commercial garbage trucks, Oregon law generally gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If a government agency oversaw the garbage truck’s operation, you must also file a notice of claim within 180 days. Rizk Law can help you complete these critical legal steps on time.
Why Choose Our Portland Garbage Truck Accident Lawyers?
When you’re navigating the aftermath of a garbage truck crash, you need skilled legal representation to help you demand the full and fair compensation you are owed under Oregon law.
At Rizk Law, our Portland truck accident attorneys have a strong track record in these cases, including:
- $225,000 recovery for a client after an impaired garbage truck driver rear-ended them
- $125,000 recovery for a client hurt in a T-bone collision with a garbage truck*
Rizk Law has served injured Oregonians for over 20 years from our office in Portland. We focus on meeting the needs of our community and maintain strong relationships with local experts who help us fight for the justice our clients deserve.
As one satisfied client wrote:
“Rizk Law resolved a unique situation for me. Everyone I dealt with at this firm was professional, informative, and kind. I would recommend them to anyone looking for representation involving a personal injury.”
– Manny R.
*Each case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garbage Truck Accidents
Here are brief answers to some of the questions we receive most often about Portland garbage truck accidents.
What Happens If a City-Owned Garbage Truck Caused the Accident?
If a city-owned garbage truck caused the accident that injured you, you’ll need to act quickly because you may have only 180 days to file a notice of claim.
Take smart steps to protect yourself at the accident scene, then contact Rizk Law to learn more about your legal rights and options.
What If I Was Partially At Fault for the Garbage Truck Accident?
If you worry you may have contributed to the accident, don’t lose hope. Only a thorough investigation can determine what actually happened.
In the meantime, avoid apologizing or saying anything to the police, the garbage truck operator, or an insurance company that they might interpret as you accepting responsibility.
