Portland Motorcycle Accidents Attorney
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Portland understand just how vulnerable riders are on our roadways.
We understand that motorcyclists are vulnerable and we fight tirelessly to ensure that they are able to get justice and full and fair financial compensation for their damages. If you or your family member was hurt in a bad accident, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation with a top-tier Portland motorcycle accident attorney.
We understand that motorcyclists are vulnerable and we fight tirelessly to ensure that they are able to get justice and full and fair financial compensation for their damages. If you or your family member was hurt in a bad accident, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation with a top-tier Portland motorcycle accident attorney.
A portion of the size of a passenger vehicle, and designed to provide little protection for the rider, motorcycles are easily overtaken by much larger cars, trucks, and SUVs during a collision, which often leads to severe injuries and tragic fatalities.
Portland, OR Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcyclists face heightened safety risks. Given that riders have limited protection, they are more likely to be hurt if a collision occurs. Notably, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cites nationwide data showing that approximately 80% of motorcycle wrecks result in rider injuries. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) reports that there were 1,016 motorcycle crashes statewide in 2022 alone.
All communities across the state are affected by the risks associated with motorcycle accidents. Notably, in 2022, there were 116 motorcycle accidents reported in the City of Portland. Collectively, those accidents resulted in 94 confirmed injuries and 10 confirmed fatalities. Motorcycle safety is of the utmost importance.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists make up only 3% of the registered vehicles in the country but are responsible for 14% of all traffic-related fatalities. Last year alone, there were 4,985 motorcycle fatalities in the United States, 75 of which occurred in Oregon.
Approximately 100,000 other motorcyclists across the country survive these crashes but are injured as a result of the extreme collisions and pay dearly for the recovery necessary to get their lives back on track.
Our Portland motorcycle accident attorneys provide the representation injury victims need to pursue the negligent driver who caused their crash or the loss of their loved one, so they can focus on their physical and emotional recovery while we handle their personal injury claim against the insurance company.
Know the Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Portland, Oregon
Involved in a motorcycle crash in Portland or elsewhere in the surrounding area? A proactive approach to the claims process is a must. You need to take action to protect your health, safety, well-being, and legal rights. Here are the key things that motorcycle accident victims should do after a collision:
- Stop your motorcycle and call the police to report the crash.
- Exchange information with all other parties to the accident;
- Get immediate medical attention for any injuries.
- Document the scene of the motorcycle accident.
- Notify your own insurance company that a crash happened; and
- Consult with a Portland motorcycle crash lawyer.
What are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Portland, Oregon?
According to the Oregon DMV, there are nearly 135,000 motorcycles registered in our state, which are highly outnumbered by the other 4.1 million registered vehicles that share the roadways with riders.
One common cause of motorcycle accidents is when a driver in a larger vehicle fails to see a motorcyclist and hits the rider. A common refrain after these collisions is, “I just didn’t see the motorcyclist.”
All drivers owe a duty of care to the motorists with whom they share the roads, which means they must look for other vehicles before changing lanes or making turns, and when they do not, their behavior can be considered negligent.
Other common causes of motorcycle accidents in Portland may include:
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- Aggressive and reckless driving
- Dangerous road conditions
- Distracted driving
- Drivers making left turns in front of a motorcyclist
- Drivers who disobey traffic signs and signals
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Motorcycle defects
- Opening car doors without checking their surroundings
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash that was caused by another driver’s negligence, contact our Portland motorcycle accident attorneys today to learn more about your right to file a personal injury claim, so you are not left shouldering the costs of your medical care and lost wages.
What are the Most Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries in Portland, Oregon?
When riding a motorcycle, you do not have the protection that a car offers, like airbags, doors, or a roof. Motorcycle accidents are notoriously dangerous due to the lack of structural protection that motorcycles offer compared to cars. The rate of serious injuries—and fatalities—is far higher for motorcyclists than for other motorists. Riders are directly exposed to the force of a collision, and for obvious reasons, that significantly increases the risk of severe injuries.
Some of the most common motorcycle collision injuries may include, but are not limited to:
- Cuts and scrapes are commonly referred to as “road rash.”
- Torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons
- Multiple fractures or broken bones
- Facial fractures and broken teeth
- Burn injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Damaged internal organs affecting their functionality
- Neck and spinal injuries with partial or complete paralysis
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Skin loss that requires grafting procedures
- Traumatic brain injuries with neurological damage
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
At The Law Offices Of Jon Friedman, Our Portland Personal Injury Attorneys Also Focus On The Following Practice Areas:
- Airplane Accident
- Auto Wreck
- Bicycle Accident
- Bus Accident
- Boating Accident
- Construction Accident
- Dog Bite
- Pedestrian Accident
- Slip and Fall
- Product Liability
- Legal Malpractice
- Medical Malpractice
- Scooter Accident
- Train Accident
- Truck Accident
- Wrongful Death
While our Oregon laws require all motorcycle riders and their passengers to wear a DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet when they ride, head trauma and traumatic brain injuries are still very common with motorcycle crashes.
The lifetime cost of a patient’s treatment for a traumatic brain injury is estimated between $85,000 and millions of dollars, depending on their unique medical needs and ongoing care requirements. When someone else was responsible for your motorcycle crash, they may also be liable for the financial compensation that accompanies your care.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents in Oregon?
Two years. Under Oregon law (ORS § 12.110), injured motorcyclists generally have two years from the date of their crash to take legal action. What happens if you fail to bring a motorcycle accident injury claim in a timely manner? You could lose out on your right to recover compensation at all. As there are only very few exceptions to Oregon’s statute of limitations for motorcycle injury claims, you need to take immediate action after a crash. Consult with a Portland motorcycle accident lawyer right away.
Recovering Financial Compensation After a Serious Motorcycle Crash
A motorcycle crash can cause serious injuries. Following a bad accident on a motorcycle in Portland, you need compensation to pay bills and support your family. How much compensation can you expect to recover in a motorcycle accident injury claim? In Oregon, injured riders have the right to pursue compensation for the full extent of their damages, including non-economic losses. Our Portland, OR, motorcycle accident lawyers can help you get the best possible settlement or verdict. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Motorcycle repairs or replacement;
- Ambulance costs and emergency medical care;
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
- Loss of wages and loss of future earning power;
- Pain and suffering & mental anguish;
- Disability, disfigurement, and physical impairment;
- Reduced quality of life; and
- The wrongful death of a family member killed on a motorcycle.
An Overview of Motorcycle Accident Liability in Oregon
Who is responsible for a motorcycle crash in Oregon? The party that caused the accident through their negligence can be held liable for the damages. Every bad motorcycle accident should be thoroughly investigated by a Portland, OR, attorney. Your lawyer will gather evidence that you need to prove fault and establish liability. Some examples of negligence that contribute to motorcycle accidents include:
- Speeding;
- Distracted driving;
- Tailgating;
- Drivers making left turns in front of riders;
- Drivers failing to notice motorcycles, and
- Motorcycle defects.
Oregon is a modified comparative negligence state (ORS § 31.600). This legal principle allows for the allocation of fault among multiple parties involved in an accident, including a motorcycle crash. A motorcyclist in Portland can recover compensation as long as they are found to be less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
What Determines the Value of a Motorcycle Accident Case?
The value of a motorcycle accident injury claim is determined based on a wide range of case-driven factors. Major issues are liability, damages, and the amount of insurance coverage. There is no one set formula for determining the precise value of a motorcycle accident injury case. Your accident and your injuries should be carefully evaluated by an experienced Portland, OR, motorcycle accident lawyer. Do not accept less: An attorney can help you take action to maximize your recovery.
How to Deal With Insurance Adjusters After a Motorcycle Accident in Portland, OR
Motorcycle accident claims are generally handled by insurance companies. Following a collision, you will likely be forced to work with one or more insurers to get compensation. As dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, it is imperative that you are prepared. Here are four important tips to keep in mind:
- Insurance Adjusters Are Not On Your Side: Insurance adjusters are trained to sound friendly and disarming. Yet, their job is to protect the company’s bottom line. Approach conversations with caution, as they are skilled at reducing the value of claims.
- You Should Never Admit or Accept Fault: Fault matters in Oregon motorcycle accident cases. Even if you believe you may be partially at fault, admitting this to an insurance adjuster can jeopardize your claim.
- Do Not Give a Recorded Statement: You are not required to submit a recorded statement immediately after a motorcycle crash. It is best to decline to give such a statement and wait to get a lawyer.
- It is Best to Work Through an Attorney: The best tip for dealing with insurance adjusters after a motorcycle accident is to work through a lawyer. Your attorney will ensure that your rights and your interests are protected each and every step of the way.
Why Injured Motorcyclists in Portland Trust the Law Offices of Jon Friedman
Dealing with a motorcycle accident claim can be difficult. Attorneys Jon M. Friedman and Jon D. Friedman are a father and son deal who are dedicated to personalized, caring legal representation. When dealing with insurance companies, you need an experienced advocate. When you contact our Portland office, you will connect with an Oregon motorcycle accident attorney who can:
- Hear what you have to say and answer your personal injury questions.
- Investigate your motorcycle crash—gathering the evidence to prove fault;
- Take care of the legal/insurance claims paperwork and represent you in settlement; and
- Build a personalized strategy focused on maximizing your motorcycle crash compensation.
Partnering with an Experienced Portland Motorcycle Accident Attorney to Pursue the Best Outcome for Your Unique Circumstances
Any unexpected expense can place our residents in significant financial trouble.
When they have been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by a negligent driver, the surprise nature of the collision combined with their need for medical care and time away from work to heal can devastate their financial condition.
Our Portland motorcycle accident lawyers will seek the compensation our clients need to focus on their recovery, not the stress of their injury circumstances.
Contact Our Portland, OR, Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyers Today
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our Portland motorcycle accident attorney invests the time, the resources, and the attention to the small details to get results. Give us a call now or contact us for a free, strictly confidential initial consultation. We handle motorcycle accident injury claims in Portland, Multnomah County, and throughout the state of Oregon.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle collision, contact our Multnomah County and Portland personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Jon Friedman today by calling 503-242-1440 for a free, confidential assessment of your claim
