The Salem Fire Department reported a serious semitruck crash on Monday, October 13. Three people sustained serious injuries.
Source: KPTV.
The collision, which involved a semi-truck and a pickup towing a camper, occurred around 10:30 p.m. near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway NE and Broadway Street NE. Fire officials said both drivers were trapped in their vehicles before being freed by firefighters using specialized rescue equipment.
A total of three individuals were transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, and as of Wednesday morning, no updates on their conditions have been provided. Firefighters also saved a dog that was trapped inside the pickup. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Speak to a Portland Truck Accident Lawyer
Read More from DeShaw Law: Oregon Truck Accident Attorney Shares 5 Surprising Facts
Truck Accident Injuries are Common on Major Oregon Highways
Commercial truck accidents occur on and around the major Oregon highways every day. While car accidents are statistically more common, semi truck accidents increase in frequency on Portland-Metro highways and thoroughfares like I-84, I-5, and I-205. Truck drivers must be extremely careful when traveling at high speeds alongside passenger vehicles. With large blind spots, dangerous cargo, and the stress of long shifts and driver fatigue, the trucking industry has an obligation to keep Oregon drivers safe.
Highway crashes in Portland, Oregon, especially at busy interchanges like NE 82nd Ave, pose significant risks due to high speeds, dense traffic, and limited escape options. Shoulder-blocking incidents create additional hazards for both stranded drivers and emergency crews, increasing the risk of secondary crashes. Local officials stress the importance of quick response protocols and public awareness of “Move Over” laws designed to protect crash responders.
Anyone involved in a highway crash should seek medical attention promptly, as injuries such as whiplash or back trauma may not be immediately apparent. Events like this highlight the value of alert, attentive driving, especially near congested interchanges—even in clear weather conditions.
What To Do After a Truck Accident in Oregon
If you are in a truck accident, it’s important to know what to do to stay safe and protect your rights. DeShaw Law highly recommends that you get a medical exam as soon as possible to establish a baseline of care, and never to admit fault (which may not be evident at the time of the crash). We further advise you to save our number in your phone as Oregon Truck Accident Attorney: (503) 227 1233.
Additionally, follow these simple steps after an Oregon trucking accident:
- Check for injuries and ensure everyone’s safety. After the crash, quickly assess yourself and passengers for injuries and call out to others involved to see if anyone is hurt. If possible, move away from traffic to reduce the risk of further harm while waiting for help to arrive.
- Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency assistance. Always notify law enforcement and emergency responders, no matter how minor the crash may seem. This ensures medical help arrives promptly and creates an official accident report that may be required for insurance or legal purposes.
- Move to a secure location if possible, but do not leave the scene. If vehicles are blocking traffic or creating danger, carefully relocate them to the shoulder or another safe area. Stay on the scene until police have completed their report, as leaving early can result in penalties.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, such as internal trauma or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately after impact. Visiting a doctor documents your condition early and helps safeguard against complications later.
- Gather information from the truck driver, including contact, insurance, and company details. Exchange names, phone numbers, insurance policy information, and vehicle registration details. Make sure to record the trucking company name and the U.S. DOT number from the truck if available.
- Collect evidence by taking photos of the vehicles, the accident scene, and any visible injuries. Use your phone to capture wide shots and close-ups of damage, skid marks, weather conditions, and traffic signs. These photos help reconstruct how the accident occurred and can support an insurance or legal claim.
- Find and get contact information for witnesses. Witness statements can be crucial in confirming what happened. Politely ask for their names, phone numbers, and emails before they leave the scene.
- Avoid discussing fault. Do not admit blame or speculate about why the accident occurred, even casually. Wait until you’ve spoken with authorities or legal counsel to avoid jeopardizing your case.
- Report the accident to your insurance company. Contact your insurer as soon as you can after leaving the scene. Provide accurate details and photos, but avoid giving formal statements until you understand the situation fully.
- Consult a truck accident attorney before accepting any settlement or making statements to insurance companies. Truck accidents can involve complex liability and multiple parties. A qualified attorney can help protect your rights, ensure fair compensation, and handle communications with insurers and trucking companies.
Speak to a Portland Truck Accident Lawyer
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a truck crash, don’t be surprised if the trucking company wants to resolve your case quickly—and under full value. When you hire a truck accident attorney, you improve the chances of receiving the full, fair value of your claim. Collectible damages in truck accidents include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Truck accident cases can be extremely complicated to resolve, and insurance companies will fight to retain as much as they can from you. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help resolve your truck accident claim and collect compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and even wrongful death. You will need a lawyer after a truck accident resulting in serious injuries.
Read More From DeShaw Law: What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
If you have been in a serious truck crash, the experienced truck accident attorneys at DeShaw Law are here to help. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we do not collect money until our clients do. Contact us today for a free consultation.