What to Do If You Are Hit by a Garbage Truck in Portland

Garbage trucks are an essential part of Portland’s waste management system, but they also pose a potential risk to other drivers and pedestrians on the road. Being involved in an accident with a garbage truck can be a daunting experience, and it’s important to know how to protect yourself and your legal rights.

If you are hit by a garbage truck in Portland, remain calm, seek help, and gather as much evidence for your future claim. You should also contact a lawyer who can guide you through the claims process and help you secure the compensation that you deserve.

Call 911 to Report the Accident

The first step to take is to call 911 to report the accident. This will ensure that police and emergency services are dispatched to the scene of the collision. 

If you can speak to the responding officer, ask for his or her name and badge number so that you can look up the police report later. This document will serve as valuable evidence in your case.

Seek Medical Attention

As soon as possible after the accident, seek medical attention to treat any injuries that you may have sustained. Even if you feel fine, you may have certain injuries, such as brain trauma or organ damage, that are not showing symptoms yet. Seeking medical attention will not only ensure your safety but also create a record of your injuries that can be used to support your legal claim.

Document Evidence

If you can move around the scene of the accident without putting yourself in danger or at risk of further injury, document as much evidence as possible. Take multiple pictures and videos from as many angles as possible. 

Collect the Information of the Driver and Any Witnesses

Next, collect the driver’s information, including his or her name, contact information, and insurance details. If the driver is an employee of a garbage truck company, be sure to obtain the name of his or her employer and the supervisor’s contact information. This information will be useful when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.

If there were any witnesses to the accident, be sure to speak to them and obtain their contact information. Witnesses can provide valuable information about the circumstances of the accident and support your legal claim.

Contact a Portland Personal Injury Lawyer

Finally, it is important to contact a Portland personal injury lawyer if you have been hit by a garbage truck in Portland. Do not speak with the driver, his or her employer, or any insurance representative until you have spoken with a lawyer.

Claims involving garbage truck drivers can be very complex, especially if they involve a private company or government agency. In these situations, you need an attorney on your side who can guide you through the legal process and help you recover the compensation that you deserve.

A personal injury lawyer can provide guidance on how to proceed with your case. Your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, represent you in court if necessary, and protect your legal rights during each stage of your claim. 

After receiving medical care, contact a Portland attorney who specializes in garbage truck accidents to talk about your case and strategize your next course of action.