LOGGING
TRUCK ACCIDENT
LAWYER
Portland, Oregon Logging Truck Accident Lawyer
Logging trucks are a fact of life in Oregon. From steep forest roads to mill gates along city streets, log trucks operate in places that ordinary trucks don’t. When a logging truck collides with a passenger vehicle or drops a log into traffic, the consequences are often catastrophic.
If you or a loved one was injured in a logging truck crash in Portland, Beaverton, or anywhere in Oregon, we can help. Call 503‑626‑6221 for a free consultation.
Why Logging Truck Accidents Are Unique
Logging operations create hazards that are unique to timber hauling:
Shifting or falling logs – improper wrapper tension, damaged stakes, or unbalanced tiers can allow a log to roll off the bunk during braking or cornering
Steep grades and brake fade – long downhill runs from timber sale areas in the mountains increase the risk of runaway trucks when brakes are overheated or out of adjustment
Over‑dimension loads – oversized log bundles can strike tree canopies, signs, or bridge structures, and can encroach into oncoming lanes on tight curves
Mixed surfaces and visibility – transitions from gravel or mud to pavement near landings and mill gates lengthen stopping distances, and running loads at dawn or dusk reduces visibility
Time pressure – tight turn‑times between landing, scale, and mill can lead to skipped inspections or speeding
Common Causes of Logging Truck Accidents in Oregon
Load securement failures – too few or too small wrappers/binders or wrappers/binders that are not tensioned or re-tensioned properly
Improper loading by the loader or shovel operator
Brake, tire, and steering defects or poor maintenance
Hazardous ingress/egress at mill gates or timber sale landings
Overweight, overheight, or overwidth operation without proper permits or route planning
Poor weather and road conditions – Oregon’s rainy weather can increase the risk of accidents, particularly when drivers fail to adjust their speed accordingly
Negligent hiring and training – Some companies fail to provide adequate training or hire drivers without proper background checks
Driver fatigue or distraction – Drivers work long hours and may not take legally required breaks, leading to drowsy driving
Aggressive driving – Tight schedules can result in reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, unsafe lane changes, or following too closely
What To Do If You’ve Been Injured In A Logging Truck Accident In Oregon?
If you have been injured in a truck accident, what you do immediately afterward can be crucial for protecting your health, safety, and any potential legal claim. Here are steps you can take to protect yourself and your legal rights after suffering a truck accident injury.
Who May Be Liable For a Logging Truck Accident
Logging truck cases, like many commercial motor carrier cases, often involve more than just the driver. Other parties that may also bear responsibility can include:
Motor carrier/trucking company for hiring, training, dispatch, maintenance, and supervision
Timber company or landowner for unsafe landing layout and directing unsafe loading practices
Loader/shovel operator for improper placement, overhang, or unbalanced tiers
Mill or scale site for dangerous traffic patterns, inadequate lighting, or poor gate control
Broker/shipper for negligent selection or unsafe schedules
Maintenance contractors for faulty brake, steering, or tire work
Key Evidence in a Logging Truck Case
Early investigation matters. We work quickly to preserve:
Electronic data (ECM/telematics: speed, brake use, throttle, and diagnostic codes)
Dashcam and site video (truck-mounted cams and video cameras at scale houses, mill gates, and nearby businesses)
Load documents (trip tickets, scale slips, species/length mix, and permits)
Inspection/maintenance records (DVIRs, repair invoices, out‑of‑service reports)
Wrapper and stake hardware (chain grade/size, damaged binders, broken stakes, wrapper positions)
Scene documentation (FARO scans, skid and gouge marks, log positions, debris)
Dispatch and radio traffic (turn‑time pressure, reports of brake fade or equipment problems)
Witness statements (other loggers at the landing or gate, scalers, and first responders)
Independent safety researchers, including Oregon’s Fatality Assessment & Control Evaluation (OR‑FACE) program, have documented real‑world examples where mechanical failures and steep grades combined to produce deadly outcomes. These investigations highlight why preserving vehicle and site evidence immediately is so important in logging truck cases.
Why Choose Us?
When you choose the Law Office of Benjamin B. Grandy, you're choosing an office committed to you and your case. Here's what sets us apart:
Experience and results: 30+ years representing injured Oregonians and millions recovered in complex vehicle cases.
Thorough Investigations: Our office will work tirelessly to gather evidence, analyze crash details, and thoroughly prepare your case.
Personal Attention: We understand that every client's situation is unique, and we provide tailored legal strategies to meet your specific needs. You will talk directly with a lawyer, and your case won’t get lost in a stack.
No Fee Unless We Win: When we take a case, we make our legal services available on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fee unless we win your case and obtain compensation on your behalf. With a contingency fee, you can seek justice without fearing financial ruin.
Contact a Portland and Beaverton Logging Truck Accident Lawyer Today
A logging truck crash can leave you facing serious injuries, lost income, and an uncertain future. You don’t have to navigate the process alone. We proudly serve Portland, Beaverton, and communities throughout Oregon. Call 503‑626‑6221 for a free consultation.
Related pages:
Truck Accidents
Semi‑Truck Accidents
Delivery Truck Accidents
Last Updated: 09-06-2025
THE LAW OFFICE OF BENJAMIN B. GRANDY, PC, REPRESENTS PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUFFERED PERSONAL INJURY OR WRONGFUL DEATH THROUGHOUT OREGON INCLUDING IN
Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Cornelius, Forest Grove, McMinnville, Woodburn, Canby, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Corbett, Wood Village, Hood River, Gladstone, Tigard, King City, Newberg, Dundee, Molalla, Kaiser, Silverton, Estacada, Astoria, Cannon Beach, Seaside, St. Helens, Scappoose, Damascus, Tillamook, and Oregon City, and in the counties of Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Clatsop, Columbia, Marion, Tillamook, Yamhill, Hood River and Lane.