Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Salem, OR

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency hotline of the Salem Police Department is 503-588-6123.

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

  Motorcycle accident reports in Salem are kept by the Salem Police Department Records Section located at 333 Division ST NE, 97301. It is reachable by phone at 503-588-6144 and by fax at 503‑588‑6329.

• What are the common injuries suffered by motorcycle accident victims in Salem?

  Common injuries that motorcycle accident victims in Salem sustain include broken bones and spinal cord damage. Internal bleeding is also possible and may not be readily visible. Riders experience road rash when flung from their bikes and forced to skid on highway surfaces. Motorcycle accidents also lead to lasting brain injuries, long-term disabilities, and even death.

• What are the key differences between car and motorcycle crashes that Salem residents need to know?

  While car and motorcycle accidents in Salem are personal injury matters, motorbike riders are exposed to greater risks of bodily harm. They are directly exposed to the external world and are less protected against roadside objects and hard highway surfaces, should a bike spiral out of control. The practice of lane splitting also often places bikers in a larger vehicle's blind spot. Because of these, injuries tend to be more serious and may require higher compensation.

• What are the common kinds of collisions involved in motorcycle accidents in Salem?

  Rear-end collisions are common in Salem motorcycle accidents, which may be caused by distracted drivers who fail to see the smaller bike ahead of them. Motorcyclists also typically encounter head-on collisions when they emerge from behind incoming cars and leave little time for motorists to react. Rollovers also occur when a rider hits a pothole and flips.

• Are motorcycle riders in Salem subject to mandatory helmet laws to avert accidents?

  Yes, the Oregon law applicable in Salem mandates that to prevent accidents, a person who rides a bike must wear a helmet or face a class D traffic violation. The legislation exempts from coverage riders who are within an enclosed cab and are moving at less than 15 miles per hour. Guilty parties are required to pay a fine.

• What is the statute of limitations in Salem for motorcycle accident cases?

  Motorcycle accident cases in Salem fall under Oregon law's general personal injury rules, which set a two-year time limit from the date of an incident to bring an action to the court. If a government agency or worker is at fault, victims must file a notice of intent to file a claim within 180 days of the accident. If the crash results in a death, a plaintiff needs to sue within three years of the event.

• 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.