As reported by Oregonlive, a devastating crash in Portland’s Lloyd District early Sunday morning left one pedestrian dead and another seriously injured after being struck by a tractor-trailer. The collision occurred near Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Northeast Holladay Street around 2:45 a.m., according to Portland Police.

Witnesses reported that the tractor-trailer driver did not stop after the crash. One witness followed the truck for miles until officers pulled it over on Oregon 224 near Clackamas. Investigators have not yet confirmed whether the driver was aware of the collision. Unfortunately, this is all too common. The families of the person who was killed now must deal with the grief of losing a loved one while also trying to navigate the various legal issues to hold the truck driver and the company employing them accountable.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Oregon

When a loved one is killed due to someone else’s negligence, Oregon law allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These claims hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and other responsible parties accountable while seeking financial recovery for the family.

A Portland wrongful death lawyer can help families recover damages for:

Medical bills related to the fatal injury
Funeral and burial expenses
Lost financial support and income
Loss of love, companionship, and care
The pain and suffering the victim endured before death

The surviving pedestrian who was hospitalized may also bring a Portland personal injury claim to recover damages for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Wrongful death suits in Oregon can be challenging because of the legal cap of $500,000 for the non-monetary losses such as loss of society and companionship.

Why Trucking Accident Cases Are Different

Trucking accidents often involve more than just the driver. Trucking companies, contractors, and even vehicle maintenance providers may share liability. A skilled Oregon trucking accident attorney investigates all possible causes—including driver fatigue, failure to follow safety regulations, and company negligence—to ensure victims and families receive maximum compensation.

Holding Negligent Drivers and Companies Accountable

Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies have a duty to operate safely—especially in pedestrian-heavy areas like Portland’s Lloyd District. When they fail, the consequences can be life-altering. Wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits not only provide justice for victims and families but also help improve public safety by holding negligent parties accountable.

Jeremiah Ross is an experienced Portland personal injury attorney and wrongful death lawyer have represented families throughout Oregon who lost loved ones in tragic accidents. We fight to secure full and fair compensation while guiding families through the legal process with compassion and care.

📞 Contact a Portland Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one in a pedestrian accident or trucking collision, you do not have to go through this alone. Call Ross Law PDX today for a free consultation with an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Portland. We are here to protect your rights and pursue justice for your family.

👉 Free Consultation
📞 Call us at (503) 224-1658.
💻 Or reach out through our online contact form.

Oregonlive recently exposed a bribery scheme where a commercial truck driving school was paying an independent tester approximately $500 in exchange for a commercial driver’s license. According to Oregonlive, investigators suspected Skyline CDL school in Washington arranged for the Washington tester to be paid in exchange for the tester providing the students a passing grade on their commercial truck driver test regardless of whether the students passed the test or not. This resulted in many inexperienced and knowledgeable students receiving a commercial driver’s license when they did not meet the requirements.

This is a major concern because the scheme permitted numerous unqualified and inexperienced truck drivers to operate 80,000-pound tractor-trailer trucks on Oregon and Washington’s roads. 80% of the drivers who were retested and received suspected fraudulent licenses did not receive a passing grade.

These unqualified drivers can cause accidents that can result in catastrophic injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. When it turns out that the truck driver involved was operating without passing the commercial driver’s license (CDL) test, the legal implications become even more serious. In such cases, victims may have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit not only against the driver but also potentially against the trucking company, the school that arranged for the bribery, or other responsible parties. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering legal action after an accident caused by an unqualified truck driver.

The Legal Duty of Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies

Truck drivers who operate large commercial vehicles are held to high safety standards under both state and federal regulations. Possessing a valid CDL is not just a formality—it signifies that the driver has undergone proper training and testing to safely operate a commercial vehicle. When a driver operates without passing the commercial driver’s license teste, they breach their legal duty to operate safely and legally.

Trucking companies also have a responsibility to verify that their drivers are properly licensed and qualified. Allowing or negligently failing to check a driver’s credentials can expose the company to liability under the legal doctrine of negligent hiring or retention.

Filing a Civil Lawsuit: Who Can Be Held Liable?

A civil lawsuit after an accident involving an unlicensed truck driver typically seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to sue:

The unlicensed truck driver: For negligence, recklessness, or illegal operation of a commercial vehicle.
The trucking company or employer: If the company knowingly or negligently allowed the driver to operate without a license, or failed to perform proper background checks.
Other third parties: Such as the school that arranged for the bribery scheme to pay for the license, or the tester or testing agency.

Proving Negligence in an Unlicensed Driver Case

To succeed in a civil lawsuit, the injured party (plaintiff) must prove that the driver and/or company were negligent. Key evidence may include:

The driver’s driving record and proof of license status, and proof the driver took the driver’s test
Employment records from the trucking company
Police reports and accident investigation findings
Witness statements and dashcam footage

The fact that the driver lacked a valid CDL can serve as strong evidence of negligence, but it must be tied directly to the cause of the accident. For example, was the driver unable to control the vehicle due to lack of training? Did their improper maneuver cause the collision?

Potential Damages and Compensation

Victims of accidents involving unlicensed truck drivers may be entitled to compensation for:

Current and future medical expenses
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage
In a case involving a driver who received a commercial driver’s license through a bribe will certainly expose the defendants to punitive damages to punish egregious misconduct

The presence of an unlicensed driver may increase the likelihood of punitive damages, especially if the trucking company acted with gross negligence or willful disregard for public safety.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Cases involving unlicensed truck drivers can be complex, especially when corporate liability and insurance issues are involved. Trucking companies and their insurers may aggressively defend against claims to minimize payouts. An experienced personal injury attorney , such as Jeremiah Ross, and Ross Law LLC can help investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, negotiate with insurers, and advocate for maximum compensation.

Final Thoughts

An accident caused by an unlicensed truck driver is more than just a traffic violation—it’s a breach of public trust and safety that can have devastating consequences. Victims have legal rights to pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit, and holding negligent drivers and companies accountable is an important step toward justice and safety on the roads.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving an unlicensed truck driver, consulting with a qualified attorney, such as Jeremiah Ross, at 503.224.1658 can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.

Need help navigating a truck accident case? Reach out to personal injury lawyer Jeremiah Ross to discuss your commercial vehicle accidents to get started with your claim. Please remember this post is for information purposes only.

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