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Motorcycle accidents are always a scare, and what comes after can be even more alarming. One moment, you're driving in the streets of Portland; the next, you're dealing with a catastrophic injury, a damaged bike, and a pile of bills. It's not just about the pain; it's about the financial toll and emotional chaos that follows.
Our law firm knows the complex problems that motorcycle accident victims face, which is why we work hard for the financial compensation you deserve. We have years of experience in personal injury law, and we're not afraid of standing up to insurance companies that often try to understate or deny your claim. Contact us for a free consultation.
If you’re a motorcycle rider in Portland and got injured by a negligent driver, you might receive compensation. This can include:
Medical expenses: Emergency room visits, ongoing medical care, physical therapy, medical devices, and necessary surgeries.
Lost wages: Injuries that stop you from working in the short term and loss of future earnings.
Pain and suffering: Physical pain caused by the motorcycle accident and subsequent injuries.
At Siefman Law LLC, we firmly believe that victims deserve high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That's why we operate on a contingency fee basis.
This means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your claim. This helps you focus on getting better while we concentrate on getting you the compensation you deserve.
At Siefman Law LLC, we firmly believe that victims deserve high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That's why we work on a contingency fee basis.
This means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your claim. This helps you focus on getting better while we concentrate on getting you the compensation you deserve.
A motorcycle accident often comes with dealing with insurance companies and insurance claims to determine the extent of your insurance coverage.
Unfortunately, insurance companies minimize and even deny claims to prioritize their profits. One of the few ways to avoid that is working with a motorcycle accident lawyer to negotiate a fair settlement and protect your rights and interests.
If the insurance provider refuses to offer a settlement that aligns with your requirements, we may suggest pursuing an insurance claim through the court system. It may be the only way to obtain fair compensation. Here is what you need to consider when dealing with your insurance company:
Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind: Insurance companies are businesses. Their ultimate goal is to protect their bottom line. They will likely try to downplay your claim or deny it altogether. Having a motorcycle accident lawyer in your corner who can negotiate with the insurance company can turn the table.
Be careful what you say: Anything you say to an insurance company can be used against you. Let your attorney handle negotiations with the insurance company to avoid inadvertently damaging your personal injury claim.
Understand your policy: understand the limits of your policy — from medical care to property damage — and what types of injuries it covers. If you're unsure, Portland motorcycle accident lawyers can assist you in interpreting it.
Don't accept the first offer: Insurance companies often offer a low initial settlement in hopes that victims will accept it so they can close the case quickly. However, these initial offers rarely cover the total damages of a motor vehicle accident. Your attorney can offer personal injury protection, determine if an offer is truly fair, and negotiate for a higher settlement if necessary.
Keep detailed records: Keep track of medical bills, repair costs, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident. These records are crucial in calculating the value of personal injury claims.
While injured motorcyclists face different recovery processes that can go from serious accidents to fatal injuries, there are some common causes of motorcycle crashes, and most of them involve negligent drivers:
Distracted driving is a common problem in Portland, Oregon. Some types of distracted driving include texting while driving, talking on the phone, drinking, adjusting the radio, talking to other passengers, and the list goes on. Only a small percentage of drivers will admit they were distracted when involved in an accident that resulted in a badly injured motorcyclist. This is where motorcycle accident attorneys can make all the difference in proving liability.
Some drivers fail to abide by local traffic laws or even defy them carelessly. Speeding, tailgating, and other reckless driving practices endanger motorcyclists and can lead to severe motorcycle accidents. This type of personal injury case is one of the hardest because a serious accident would have been avoided if drivers had been more responsible.
Drunk and drugged drivers fail to notice motorcycles on the road. If you were the victim of a drunk driver, you may recover financial compensation. Alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction times. A reckless driver is a danger to everyone on the road, especially motorcyclists who lack the extra protection of a motor vehicle.
Drivers who often change lanes without checking their blind spots collide with motorcyclists and cause serious injuries. They might be liable for the injuries they cause. Our Portland law office has seen how drivers changing lanes without checking their blind spots cause big trouble for vehicles involved and even lead to wrongful death cases.
Under Oregon law, you have two years from the date of a motorcycle accident that results in injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. The clock usually starts ticking on the date you were injured.
However, there might be a few exceptions. For example, if you only discovered your injury later, the date of discovery rather than the date of the accident might mark how much time you have to file a claim.
Contact a Portland motorcycle accident attorney immediately to discuss your rights and legal options.
Motorcycle accidents are reported to be more severe than car accidents because motorcycle riders are more exposed. When other vehicles crash with motorcyclists, the injured victims bear the full force of the collision. Unfortunately, this means that motorcycle crash injuries can be severe and even catastrophic. Let's talk about some of the most common injuries:
Traumatic brain injury: Concussions, skull fractures, and other brain injuries can be life-threatening and require extensive surgeries to repair. Injuries to the brain sometimes affect a person’s reasoning, personality, and memory. Even with a helmet, motorcyclists are at risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that can lead to severe brain damage and extensive or even life-long care.
Spinal damage: If the spine is ruptured in a motorcycle collision, it can result in paralysis and a completely changed life. Motorcycle riders victims of spinal damage require long-term medical care and rehabilitation, highlighting the need for experienced personal injury lawyers to handle these complex cases so victims recover some semblance of normalcy.
Burns: Many motorcycle accident cases involve burns when the driver is exposed to chemicals or fire following a crash. Additionally, when a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike, their skin scrapes across the pavement, causing “road rash” injuries similar to burns. This can result in disfigurement and require extensive treatment, often leading to personal injury cases.
Broken/fractured bones: Broken or fractured bones are very common motorcycle crash injuries. Without the safety of a vehicle to protect them, bikers are impacted by the other vehicles directly. This can cause broken or fractured bones at the site of the impact. These injuries can require surgery, physical therapy, and a lengthy recovery.
Wrongful death: The most tragic outcomes of traffic accidents are motorcycle accident fatalities. If your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident due to someone else's negligence, you may have a wrongful death claim.
The Portland motorcycle accident lawyers at Siefman Law LLC handle these cases with sensitivity and professionalism. We understand that no amount of money can compensate for your loss, but we also know that the financial strain following such a tragedy can be overwhelming. We're here to help you seek justice for loss of income, funeral expenses, and the pain and suffering.
When you're dealing with a motorcycle accident or a denied insurance claim, you need more than just legal representation; you need a skilled team that cares about your recovery and your future.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, we can work with you to independently investigate your claim and identify the at-fault party or parties.
Jeff Siefman is an experienced Portland motorcycle accident attorney who is well-versed in the strategies insurance companies use. Don't try to take on the insurance companies alone. Contact Siefman Law LLC for a free consultation today, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Motorcycle accidents and car accidents are quite different. For starters, the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident are often more severe due to the lack of protection that a motorcycle provides. The more serious nature of the injuries can lead to increased medical costs and longer recovery times.
If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else's negligence, hiring a personal injury attorney is highly recommended. Portland motorcycle accident attorneys can help establish liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for fair compensation in motorcycle accident claims.
After a motorcycle crash, your priority should be safety. If possible, move to a safe area and call 911. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don't think you're badly injured. Some injuries may not show right away. Document the accident scene and get the contact information from witnesses. Don't admit fault or discuss the accident with other parties involved. Contact a Portland motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover compensation as long as you're not more than 50% at fault for the accident. Even so, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help argue against any unfair assignment of fault to maximize your compensation.
You may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases of severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, you might also be able to claim compensation for long-term care and loss of earning capacity. If you've lost a family member in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
Under Oregon law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, it's best to contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Early investigation can be crucial in preserving evidence and building a strong case.
If the other driver was distracted or violated traffic laws, this strengthens your case. Distracted driving is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. If the driver failed to obey traffic signals or was drunk driving, they may be held liable for your injuries. Your motorcycle accident lawyer may find evidence to prove the other driver's negligence.
Medical records are important in proving the extent of your injuries. Seek medical attention immediately after the accident and follow through with all recommended treatments. Keep detailed records of your medical expenses, including costs for physical therapy and any assistive devices. Your motorcycle accident attorney can consult medical experts to demonstrate the long-term impact of your injuries.
Accidents involving commercial vehicles can be more complex because multiple parties may be liable, including the driver, the company that owns the vehicle, and potentially others. These cases often involve higher insurance policy limits but also more aggressive defense tactics. It's crucial to have an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to fight for your rights.
In Oregon, motorcycles are not required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which is mandatory for passenger vehicles. This means that if you're injured in a motorcycle accident, you may not have immediate coverage for medical expenses and lost wages. However, you may still be covered under the at-fault driver's liability insurance or your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. A skilled Oregon motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your coverage options and pursue all available sources of compensation.