Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Portland

FAQs

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

  Call 311 or 503-823-3333 for non-emergency assistance. You can also report non-emergency livability issues to PDX Reporter, an online-only resource.

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

  You can request a copy of the police report for an accident by contacting the Portland Police Bureau's Records Division at 503-823-0043 or the Police Report Request and Help Line at 503-823-0041. Another way is by filling out a request on the official website of the City of Portland.

• What are the most dangerous roads for motorcycle riders in Portland?

  Some of the high-crash network intersections that are identified as dangerous for motorcyclists in Portland are the following:

  SE 122nd Avenue and Stark Street SE 122nd Avenue and Division Street SE 82nd Avenue and Powell Boulevard SE 148th Avenue and Stark Street SE 148th Avenue and Powell Boulevard NE 82nd Avenue and Glisan Street NE 99th Avenue and Glisan Street SE 92nd Avenue and Holgate Boulevard SE 122nd Avenue and Powell Boulevard NE 122nd Avenue and Glisan Street

• Is PIP insurance required for Portland motorcycle riders?

  Motorcycle insurance carriers are not required by law to provide PIP benefits. However, you, as a motorcycle rider, can obtain PIP coverage . Ask your insurance agent on how to apply for the extra protection. PIP benefits cover damages like medical bills and lost earnings.

• What factors affect the value of a motorcycle accident case in Portland?

  The severity of the injury is the most important determinant of value in a Portland motorcycle accident case. The more serious your motorcycle accident injury, the more money you'll need to be compensated. An insurance provider and a judge or jury may consider the severity of your injuries, your health prior to the crash, your income level at the time of the collision, and the damage to your motorcycle. Hire a motorcycle accident attorney to help you prove the negligence of the at-fault party.

• Should you give the insurance adjuster a recorded statement after a motorcycle accident in Portland?

  You should never give a recorded statement to the insurance provider of the individual who struck you in a Portland motorcycle accident. Insurance carriers can use the recording to lower the amount of compensation they pay you. Before agreeing to anything, consult with your motorcycle accident lawyer.

• Can you file a claim if you were not wearing a helmet during a motorcycle accident in Portland?

  Even if you were not equipped with a helmet, you may still sue the at-fault individual in a Portland motorcycle accident for damages and losses like hospital bills and motorcycle repair costs. However, your compensation may be reduced because you did not wear a helmet. Motorcycle helmet laws in Oregon require riders to wear US DOT-approved helmets.

• 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.