Oregon & Portland Motorcycle Lawyer

Are you in need of a Portland motorcycle lawyer? Motorcycle accident victims typically suffer very serious injuries because there is little to protect the rider from the forces of cars, trucks, and other barriers in the road.  If you are in the Portland area, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer immediately.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS?

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by several factors, which include:

• Riding under the influence.
• Being drowsy on the road.
• Riding while on the phone.
• Being inattentive while riding.
• Speeding or reckless riding.
• Highway obstructions.
• Heavy vehicles.
• Faulty components.
• Lack of visibility.
• Dangerous weather.

In many situations, the motorcyclist could be at blame for the crash. However, several external factors could place the rider in harm’s path without giving him or her any time to modify their trajectory.

The manufacturer can be held liable if the accident was caused by a mechanical flaw or breakdown in the motorcycle in the Portland Area. Ryan Hilts can help you file a product liability claim against the manufacturer or other party responsible for any faulty or defective components in your motorcycle that led to the crash.

WHY DO MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS LEAD TO SO MANY DEATHS?

It is estimated that motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in an accident than those in cars. Many factors contribute to this, including:

• The extra protection that a car provides: A car’s steel chassis, seat belts, and airbags provide more protection to passengers in an accident, but motorcycles lack these features.
• Unstable nature of a bike: As they only have two wheels, motorcycles are inherently unstable and more prone to a crash. When riding a motorcycle, it is essential to be aware of the dangers of bumpy or slippery roads, loose gravel, uneven lanes, standing water, and debris on the road.
• Lack of visibility: Motorcyclists always face an increased chance of getting struck by a car or a truck that does not notice them due to a motorcycle’s reduced visibility.
• Increase skill set needs: Compared to driving a car, riding a motorcycle requires distinct physical and mental abilities. Some motorcyclists also find it challenging to adapt their skill sets to the bike they are riding.

Another damning fact about motorcycle accidents is that despite only about 8% of all households claiming they own it in the United States, motorcycles are responsible for about 14% of traffic accident deaths.

HOW ARE MOTORCYCLIST ACCIDENTS AFFECTED BY OTHER VEHICLES?

In I-84 eastbound, just west of the Northeast 33rd Avenue overpass, a motorcycle accident resulted in the rider’s death. As per police reports, a pick-up truck lost its wheel. The eastbound biker was struck as the tire bounced over the median. The biker was even struck by a car after the initial crash.

In the 40^th traffic fatality in Oregon in 2021, a motorcyclist was hit and died in a collision with a car in Southeast Portland. As per police reports, the car collided with the motorcyclist at Southeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Southeast Clay Street. The motorcyclist, unfortunately, died on the site.

As evident from the above examples, other vehicles often cause motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle accidents resulting from the involvement of other vehicles can occur in a variety of ways, including:

• Left Turns: When making a left turn, drivers of other vehicles are more likely to notice bigger vehicles than the presence of a motorcycle. Thus, when a driver of some other vehicle either fails to spot a biker or misjudges how fast the biker is going, it can lead to accidents.
• Driving too close to a Motorcycle: It becomes dangerous when drivers keep their cars too close behind a motorcycle. In such a situation, the motorcyclist is at very high risk, and in case he or she breaks hard or fails to give away, it can lead to severe accidents.
• The car failing to check blind post: If a car driver fails to check blind spots, look over his or her shoulder or utilize turn signals properly while changing lanes, it increases the danger of a collision with a motorcycle. Suppose the car driver does not carry out a proper examination of the surrounding before changing lanes. In that case, it becomes very unsafe for the passengers of the car and motorcycles as well.
• Speeding Car: We mentioned about speeding in motorcycles earlier, which applies here. Speeding a car is harmful because it makes it more challenging to manage and stop the car, and it is one of the major causes of all motorcycle collisions.
• Drunk Drivers: It is both dangerous and illegal to drink and drive above the limit in Oregon. When an intoxicated vehicle driver hits a motorcycle, they have to compensate the motorcyclist and face criminal penalties.
• Dooring: A dooring accident occurs when the driver of a parked car opens the door directly into the path of a motorcycle. This usually results in the rider losing control of the motorcycle or colliding with the door trying to swerve around it.

PORTLAND MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT INJURIES

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”), in more than 80% of all recorded motorcycle accidents, the rider is seriously injured or killed. There are a lot of significant injuries that may result from motorcycle accidents because of how the rider and passengers are likely to be thrown from the vehicle. The following are some of the most frequent injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents:

• Traumatic Brain Injury: The most prevalent cause of fatality in motorcycle accidents is a traumatic brain injury—survivors frequently suffer physical and mental impairments that need long-term care. NHTSA data shows that helmeted motorcyclists are seventy-three per cent less likely to die and three times less likely to suffer brain damage in an accident than unhelmeted riders. Sixty-seven per cent of brain injuries can also be prevented with helmets.
• Spinal Cord Damage: In a motorcycle accident, there are always risks of damage to the spinal cord, resulting in the total loss of function and feeling below the point of impact. Riders who suffer severe damage to the spine at a high point cannot breathe independently.
• Leg Amputations: Leg amputations could be necessary due to severe bone fractures or infected wounds during or after a motorcycle accident.
• Disfigurement: and the need for reconstructive surgery can ensue from facial fractures.
• Fractures: Fractures caused by motorcycle accidents can cause lifelong nerve damage or even lead to paralysis in some instances.
• Internal bleeding: In motorcycle accidents, this can be caused by blunt force trauma, fractured ribs, or a combination of these factors.
• Nerve Damage: If one is involved in a motorcycle accident, the rider’s impulse to use their arm to protect the body might result in significant nerve damage in the arm. Biker’s arm injuries are frequently long-lasting.
• Road rash: It is one of the most frequent and least severe injuries sustained in a motorcycle collision. On the other hand, road rash can cause permanent scarring or an infection leading to organ failure or even death.
• Anxiety, depression, or PTSD: The psychological effects of a motorcycle accident can be terrible and lead to anxiety and depression.

In Oregon, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is not required on motorcycle policies. Unfortunately, insurance companies rarely offer PIP to bikers. Therefore, you will typically have significant unpaid medical bills unless you have your health insurance.

PORTLAND MOTORCYCLE LAWYER: RYAN HILTS

We are experienced in getting your unpaid bills paid, as well as obtaining significant sums to compensate you for your injuries. Ryan Hilts is a motorcycle accident lawyer serving the Portland, Oregon, surrounding areas. Ryan Hilts is a personal injury lawyer in Lake Oswego and the Portland area. For more information, contact Ryan today.

COMMON AREAS FOR OREGON MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

Motorcycle accidents can occur in various areas and cities throughout Oregon. Here are some common areas and cities where motorcycle accidents are reported:

1. Portland Metro Area: As the largest metropolitan area in Oregon, the Portland metro area sees a significant number of motorcycle accidents. The high population density, busy roadways, and diverse mix of urban and rural areas contribute to the occurrence of motorcycle accidents.
2. Interstate 5 (I-5): Being a major north-south interstate that runs through Oregon, I-5 is prone to motorcycle accidents. The high-speed nature of the highway, heavy traffic, and potential for driver negligence or distractions can lead to accidents involving motorcycles.
3. Coastal Highways: Oregon’s scenic coastal highways, such as U.S. Route 101, attract numerous motorcyclists who enjoy riding along the stunning coastline. However, the winding roads, unpredictable weather conditions, and potential hazards pose risks for motorcycle accidents in these areas.
4. Bend and Central Oregon: Bend, along with other cities and towns in central Oregon, is a popular destination for motorcyclists due to its beautiful landscapes and recreational opportunities. However, the region’s winding roads and the influx of motorcycle tourism contribute to a higher occurrence of motorcycle accidents.
5. Eastern Oregon: The expansive rural areas of Eastern Oregon present unique challenges for motorcycle riders. Wide-open spaces, long stretches of highway, and limited access to emergency services can increase the risks of accidents in this region.
6. Willamette Valley: The Willamette Valley, including cities like Eugene, Salem, and Corvallis, is another area where motorcycle accidents are relatively common. The mix of urban and rural roads, along with high traffic volumes, can lead to accidents involving motorcycles.

It’s important to note that motorcycle accidents can happen in any part of Oregon, and it’s crucial for motorcyclists to exercise caution, follow traffic laws, and wear appropriate safety gear. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident, consulting with a motorcycle accident attorney is advisable for personalized legal guidance based on your specific situation.

Oregon Motorcycle Accident FAQs