Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Representing riders, passengers, and families in Oregon
Motorcycle riding provides a lot of joy. This joy includes riding in the open air and sharing the company of other riders. Motorcycles are much more affordable than cars. Unfortunately, motorcycle riding is also dangerous. Motorcycles provide no physical protection. When collisions happen, riders are likely to strike another vehicle and also strike the hard ground. At Philbrook Law, we hold car drivers, truck drivers, and others accountable when they fail to respect the right of a motorcycle driver to be on the road. Our Portland motorcycle accident lawyers have the experience to show your accident happened and who is responsible. We demand full compensation for all your economic damages including your medical bills, lost income, and all your personal damages, including your pain and suffering.
How can we help?
- Why are motorcycle accidents so dangerous?
- What are the reasons motorcycle accidents happen in Portland?
- What types of injuries do motorcycle riders suffer?
- What damages can you seek in a motorcycle accident claim?
- What laws govern motorcycle riding in Oregon?
- Do you have a Portland motorcycle accident lawyer near me?
Why are motorcycle accidents so dangerous?
According to Injury Facts, in 2022 motorcycles accounted for 14.6% of all deaths even though motorcycles only make up 3% of all registered vehicles and only .7% of all vehicle miles traveled in the US. Nearly two-thirds of all fatal motorcycle accidents occur on urban roads and 94% occur in good weather.
Motorcycles don’t have hoods, roofs, trunks, or doors to protect riders. Motorcycles are less stable than cars. Even experienced motorcycle operators have a high risk of being in an accident.
Many truck and car drivers don’t see motorcycles or respect the rider’s right to be on the road.
What are the reasons motorcycle accidents happen in Portland?
At Philbrook Law, we hold non-motorcycle drivers and motorcycle drivers accountable when they cause an accident in Portland, including the following causes:
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Motorcycle riders may cause injuries to passengers and riders on other motorcycles due to:
- Lack of experience
- Lane-splitting
- Lane-sharing
- Not handling curves carefully
- Dangerous road surfaces including potholes, gravel, and roadkill
- Rain, snow, fog, and other bad weather
- Failing to properly equip or inspect the bicycle
- Weaving in and out of traffic
We also filed claims against:
- Manufacturers for making defective tires, brakes, throttles, clutches, electrical systems, and other motorcycle parts.
- A seller of alcohol if a drunk driver caused your accident
- The Oregon Department of Transportation of local agencies/entities for failing to properly design or maintain the road where your accident happened.
All motorcycle riders should take education courses to understand the mechanics of their motorcycles, the risks of riding a motorcycle, and how to ride to reduce those risks.
What types of injuries do motorcycle riders suffer?
At Philbrook Law office, we represent families when a loved one dies in a motorcycle accident in Portland, Oregon. Our personal injury lawyers also represent anyone who suffers any type of motorcycle accident injury including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries can occur when a rider’s head strikes another object, the hard ground, or if the head moves violently from side to side. Riders who fail to wear a helmet are more prone to traumatic brain injuries. TBIs cause physical pain, loss of bodily function, a decline in cognitive abilities, and emotional trauma.
- Spinal cord injuries. Motorcycle riders may injure their spine, which can cause a rider to suffer partial or full paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can also cause chronic, neck, back, and spinal pain. Victims often require a lifetime of medical care.
- Road rash. This is a common motorcycle accident injury that occurs when a rider slides along the asphalt. If the driver doesn’t have the proper clothing, they may require skin grafts and plastic surgery. Road rash can also cause open wounds, infections, abrasions, and nerve damage.
- Broken bones. Riders may suffer fractures to their hands, arms, legs, and other body parts depending on how they fall.
- Other motorcycle injuries that our Portland motorcycle accident lawyers handle include:
- Third-degree burns
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Crush injuries
- Neck, back, and shoulder pain
- Nerve, ligament, muscle, tendon, and ligament damage
We work with your doctors to obtain a proper diagnosis of your injuries, show what medical treatments you’ll need, review the possible complications, and explain how your motorcycle injuries are affecting every day and every part of your life.
What damages can you seek in a motorcycle accident claim?
Our Portland personal injury attorneys demand compensation for all your current and future damages including your:
- Medical bills. These expenses include your ER care, hospital stays, surgeries, visits with physicians, physical therapy and other rehabilitative therapy, assistive devices, assistive technology, and medications.
- Lost income and benefits. We demand compensation for all the money you lose because you can’t work – now and for as long as you can’t do your job.
- Pain and suffering. You’re entitled to compensation from the liable parties for all your aches, pains, itches, worries, stresses, and any anxiety or depression you have.
- Scarring and disfigurement. Even with skin grafts and plastic surgery, motorcycle accident victims in Portland may live with permanent scars and disfigurement.
- Property damage. We demand compensation to pay for the cost of repairing your vehicle or replacing your vehicle if your motorcycle is totaled.
- Other damages. These damages include the loss of bodily function, inability to enjoy life’s pleasures, and loss of consortium.
You may be entitled to punitive damages if the defendant’s conduct was unconscionable.
If your close relative such as a spouse, parent, or child died in an accident, our Portland motorcycle accident lawyers file a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties. We demand compensation for:
- The funeral and burial costs
- The income the family members lose because their loved one isn’t alive to provide financial support
- The loss of companionship, education, and guidance your loved one would have provided.
What laws govern motorcycle riding in Oregon?
Motorcycle owners and riders must comply with the following Oregon requirements:
- All Oregon riders, whatever their age, must wear a helmet that meets specific safety standards
- Riders must have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license
- Riders cannot split lines, which means they are passing another vehicle within the same lane
- Must have passenger seats and footrests if they carry passengers
- Motorcycle owners must comply with noise limits
- Motorcycle riders must also use “approved protective eyewear unless they are in an enclosed cab”
Do you have a Portland motorcycle accident lawyer near me?
Philbrook Law meets motorcycle accident victims and families at our Portland, Oregon office located at 107 SE Washington St. Suite 520. We also conduct consultations by phone and through online conferences. If your injuries prevent you from coming to our office, our lawyers will travel to your home or a nearby healthcare facility to talk with you.
We understand how upset and scared you are. Our lawyers will answer all your questions and guide you through the motorcycle accident claims process.
Contact our Portland motorcycle accident lawyers today
Philbrook Law has been fighting for personal injury victims for nearly 20 years. Former clients recommend us. Insurance companies and defense lawyers respect us. We thoroughly prepare each accident claim. Our lawyers anticipate the arguments that insurance carriers and their attorneys make. Call our Portland motorcycle accident lawyers or complete our contact form to schedule a free appointment. We have offices in Portland, Oregon and in Vancouver and Battle Ground Washington.