Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Bend, OR

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Bend, Oregon?

  The non-emergency number of the Bend police department is 541-693-6911.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Bend, Oregon?

  You can get a copy of accident reports from the Records Division of the Police Department of Bend.

• What report do you need to file after a motorcycle accident in Bend?

  After a motorcycle accident in Bend and other areas in Oregon, you must submit a traffic accident and insurance report with the DMV within 72 hours. It should include the following:

  • name, birthdate, address, and driver’s license number;
  • information regarding the vehicle involved in the accident, such as its license plate and identification number, the state it is registered in, and its make, model, and year;
  • insurance company and the policy number.

• How can you find the right legal assistance if you were involved in a motorcycle accident in Bend?

  After a serious motorcycle accident, it is critical that you find a personal injury lawyer serving the Bend area who has a comprehensive understanding of legal standards, local regulations, how insurance policies work, and various aspects of insurance claims. This helps you, the victim, focus on your recovery. If your loved one died in the accident, the attorney should be experienced in handling wrongful death cases.

• What cause the most fatalities in motorcycle accidents in Bend?

  In Oregon, where Bend is located, running wide in corners causes the most fatalities in motorcycle accidents. Even if roads are smooth, curvy, and well-marked, motorcyclists can crash into rocks, trees, or even over falls on curve traps. Intersections are also treacherous areas for motorcyclists, and is the cause of thousands of avoidable accidents, fatalities, and injuries each year. Other common causes of fatal crashes include cornering, passing traps, group riding, and rear-end collisions.

• What is Oregon's Move Over Law, and what does it require of Bend drivers?

  This law in Bend states that drivers behind emergency vehicles and police cars that have flashing emergency lights and are pulled over by the roadside must move over to another lane, slow down if they cannot change lanes safely, and strive to provide the maximum room possible for the ongoing emergency.

• Why is it important for motorists in Bend to take their vehicle off the highway after an accident?

  When motorists in Bend take their vehicle off the highway after an accident, they help:

  • decrease the time for clearing the crash and accident site;
  • ensure their safety and the safety of everyone in the surroundings;
  • decrease the chances of additional accidents;
  • promote the safety of highway emergency personnel; and
  • decrease congestion and delay.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.