Eugene Truck Accident Lawyer – I-5 & Beltline Crash Attorneys
Truck crashes on Oregon’s I-5 corridor and the Randy Papé Beltline (OR-569) cause some of the most severe injuries in Lane County. With heavy freight traffic and complex merges, victims often face long recoveries and aggressive insurers. Our Eugene truck accident lawyers investigate quickly, preserve critical evidence, and pursue full compensation.
Prefer a general overview first? See our pillar guide: What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
Why You Need a Local Eugene Truck Accident Attorney
Truck cases are different from car accidents. They involve higher stakes, multiple defendants, and layers of state and federal rules. Local counsel adds value because we understand:
- Crash patterns along I-5 near downtown and Beltline interchanges at Delta Highway and River Road.
- Lane County court procedures and timelines for civil cases.
- Oregon laws that affect liability and recovery.
Background resources: ODOT crash data, NHTSA large-truck safety, and IIHS research on large trucks.
Common Truck Accidents on I-5 and the Beltline
- Rear-end and jackknife collisions on I-5 during congestion or sudden stops.
- Lane-change and merge crashes on the Beltline during peak hours.
- Overloaded cargo rollovers on rural stretches of Lane County.
- Multi-vehicle crashes near construction zones and interchanges.
- Fatigue-related collisions when drivers exceed legal driving limits.
Federal rules that often matter include hours-of-service limits, ELD requirements, and 49 CFR Part 395.
Who Is Liable in an I-5 Truck Accident?
Liability is rarely limited to the driver. Depending on the evidence, responsibility can extend to:
- The motor carrier for hiring, training, supervision, or unsafe dispatch practices.
- Cargo loaders and shippers at regional warehouses and distribution hubs.
- Maintenance providers if poor upkeep contributed to brake or tire failure.
- Parts manufacturers when a defective component caused or worsened the crash.
Our team moves fast to preserve electronic logging device (ELD) records, engine control module (ECM) data, maintenance logs, and post-crash inspection reports.
Oregon Laws That Affect Truck Accident Claims
Comparative Negligence
Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault, but your award is reduced by your share of fault. See ORS 31.600 in the Oregon Revised Statutes (chapter overview).
Statute of Limitations
Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash, with some exceptions for minors or wrongful death. See ORS 12.110 in the Oregon Revised Statutes (chapter overview). Speak with an attorney promptly to avoid missing deadlines.
Compensation for Eugene Truck Crash Victims
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Future care needs and life-care planning
- Wrongful death damages for eligible family members
Case value depends on liability proof, injury severity, treatment, and available insurance. No lawyer can guarantee outcomes.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Eugene
- Get medical care immediately and follow your treatment plan.
- Call law enforcement and obtain the report number.
- Photograph vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and visible injuries if safe to do so.
- Collect driver, company, and witness information.
- Avoid recorded statements to insurers until you speak with a lawyer.
- Contact a Eugene truck accident lawyer so critical electronic evidence is preserved.
Settlements vs. Trials
Many truck accident claims settle, which can shorten timelines. Serious injury and wrongful death cases may require litigation to reach a fair result. Our firm prepares every case for trial to protect your leverage from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is liable in an I-5 truck accident near Eugene?
Liability depends on the cause. It can include the driver, motor carrier, cargo loaders, maintenance companies, or parts manufacturers. Your attorney will investigate all responsible parties.
How long do truck accident cases take in Oregon?
Some resolve in months. Catastrophic injury cases can take 12–24 months, especially if litigation is necessary.
What if the trucking company is based outside Oregon?
Oregon courts may still have jurisdiction if the crash occurred here. We regularly handle cases involving out-of-state carriers.
Does Oregon require special insurance for commercial trucks?
Yes. Federal and state rules require high policy limits for commercial carriers. These policies can exceed $750,000 and often much more.
Talk to a Eugene Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were injured on I-5, the Beltline, or anywhere in Lane County, Strong Law can help. We investigate quickly and fight for the compensation you need to rebuild.
Contact Our Eugene Office Today
This article is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.