Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Most motorcyclists are acutely aware of the thrills and the dangers of riding a motorcycle, so they know to stay alert and drive defensively at all times. Unfortunately, careless or reckless drivers put even the most experienced bikers on the road at risk. If a motorcycle and passenger or commercial vehicle are involved in a crash, the biker is almost always the one who will suffer the most severe injuries or lose their life.

When negligent motorists fail to watch for motorcycles or fail to exercise adequate care and caution, they could be held liable for injury accidents they cause. The state of Oregon allows those who’ve been hurt to seek fair compensation for the harm they’ve suffered and losses they’ve incurred.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation. Our experienced Portland motorcycle attorneys at Siefman Law LLC understand how overwhelming crashes can be. Our dedicated legal team will take the burden off your shoulders and will aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve.

Call us today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options. We’re ready to help.

How Are Motorcycle Accidents Different From Car Accident Claims?

Unfortunately, one of the major ways motorcycle crashes differ from car collisions is that they tend to be far more catastrophic. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data reveals that motorcycle riders are 26 times more likely to be killed in a crash than motorists are. They are also five times more likely to be injured in a crash than automobile drivers or their passengers.

Motorcycle riders don’t have safety apparatus to protect them, like the physical framework of a vehicle, airbags, or seat belts. Because motorcyclists lack this protection, motorcycle accident claims tend to demand more compensation.

Unfortunately, anti-biker bias can lead to discrimination in the aftermath of a wreck. Stereotypes about bikers and motorcycle culture can lead insurance adjusters to offer lower settlements. Some may even blame the motorcyclist for a collision they didn’t cause. Our knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorneys at Siefman Law LLC can help protect you from anti-biker bias.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

While no two motorcycle accidents are the same, there are some common causes of these accidents, and most of them involve negligent drivers.

• Distracted driving – Distracted drivers focus on other tasks apart from driving. It’s an increasingly common problem in the United States and one that has deadly consequences. Some common types of distracted driving include:
  • Texting while driving
  • Talking on the phone
  • Daydreaming
  • Eating
  • Drinking
  • Adjusting the radio
  • Talking to other passengers
  • Using a GPS while driving
• Reckless driving – Some drivers fail to abide by local traffic laws or even defy them knowingly. Speeding, tailgating, and other reckless driving practices endanger motorcyclists and can lead to catastrophic injuries.
• Drunk driving – Drivers who drive while intoxicated experience impaired judgment, an inability to concentrate, and delayed reaction times. Drunk and drugged drivers might fail to notice motorcycles on the road. Driving while intoxicated is a serious offense with severe legal consequences. If you were the victim of a drunk driving motorcycle crash, the reckless driver might owe you financial compensation.
• Failure to check blind spots – Motorists may be so focused on other vehicles that they fail to notice motorcyclists in their blind spots. Drivers who change lanes without checking their blind spots can collide with motorcyclists and cause devastating accidents. They might be liable for the injuries they cause.

Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents

Unlike cars and trucks, motorcycles don’t have the safeguards that protect other vehicle occupants from collisions. When other vehicles or objects collide with motorcyclists, the victims bear the full force of the collision. Unfortunately, this means that motorcycle crash injuries can be severe and even catastrophic.

• Traumatic brain injury – Concussions, hematomas, skull fractures, and other injuries to the brain can be life-threatening and require extensive surgeries to repair. Injuries to the brain sometimes affect a person’s emotions, reasoning, personality, and memory.
• Spinal damage – Damage to the spine can be life-altering. If the spine is transected in a motorcycle wreck, it can result in paralysis below the site of the injury. Paralysis can alter an injured individual’s life forever.
• Burns, scrapes, and “road rash” – Burns can occur when a motorcyclist is exposed to toxic chemicals or fire in the aftermath of a crash. This can cause permanent disfigurement and require extensive treatment. Debris and shattered glass can cause cuts, scrapes, and lacerations to the surface of the skin, which can easily become infected. “Road rash” can occur when a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike, and their skin scrapes across the pavement. While it’s described as a rash, the injury can be severe.
• Broken/fractured bones – Broken or fractured bones are very common motorcycle crash injuries. Without the safety framework of a vehicle to protect them, bikers are impacted by the cars directly. This can cause broken or fractured bones at the site of the impact.
• Internal bleeding – Internal bleeding and organ damage can be life-threatening, but it might not be evident immediately after a crash. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident

If you’re a biker in Portland and have been injured by a negligent driver, you might be entitled to compensation. Compensation from a personal injury claim covers losses such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income due to inability to work
• Property damage, such as damage to your motorcycle
• Pain and suffering

It’s imperative to remember that insurance companies minimize and even deny claims because they are for-profit entities. Working with a skilled attorney to negotiate a fair settlement can protect your rights and interests. If the insurer won’t agree to the settlement you need, your attorney might recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit to seek fair compensation in court.

Statute of Limitations on Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits in Oregon

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, so don’t wait until it is too late to seek the compensation you need and deserve. Contact a Portland motorcycle accident attorney right away to discuss your rights and legal options.

How Siefman Law LLC Could Help

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, get in touch with one of our attorneys at Siefman Law LLC now. We’ll work with you to independently investigate your claim, collect important documents like police reports and medical records, identify the at-fault party or parties, and negotiate a settlement with the insurer. Contact us for a free consultation today. Call (503) 395-2135 for more information.