Committed Advocates for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Portland and Beyond
We understand the physical and emotional toll of serious injuries. At Newlin Law Offices, we approach each case with empathy and care because we know that healing is not just about medical recovery but also finding peace and justice.
In Oregon, the reality of motorcycle accidents is stark. Between January 1, 2022, and February 1, 2023, the Oregon State Police covered 251 crashes involving motorcycles. Tragically, 44 of these crashes resulted in fatalities. This data underscores the risks motorcyclists face and the importance of having experienced legal representation.
We are your trusted advocates, fighting tirelessly for you to receive the compensation you deserve. With years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases, we possess the knowledge and resources needed to tackle claims like yours.
We handle motorcycle accidents in Portland and throughout Oregon. When you choose us, you choose unwavering support and a dedicated team ready to fight for your rights. Contact us by phone or online for a free consultation.
Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases We Handle
At Newlin Law Offices, we handle cases involving a variety of motorcycle accidents:
- Rear-End Collisions: These accidents, often caused when a distracted or negligent driver does not maintain a safe following distance, occur when a vehicle strikes the back of a motorcycle.
- Intersection Crashes: Motorcycle accidents at intersections typically happen when a vehicle fails to yield the right-of-way, resulting in a collision.
- Lane Change Accidents: These accidents occur when a driver changes lanes without properly checking their blind spots, colliding with a motorcyclist in an adjacent lane.
- Left-Turn Collisions: Left-turn collisions are accidents that happen when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle, often due to misjudging distances or failing to see the motorcycle.
- Hit-and-Run Incidents: Hit-and-run accidents involve a driver leaving the scene after colliding with a motorcycle; identifying the responsible party can be challenging.
- Distracted Driving Accidents: Motorcycle accidents can result when drivers are distracted by texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other activities.
- Drunk Driving Crashes: Alcohol or drug impairment can impair a driver's judgment and reaction time, and motorcycle accidents involving impaired drivers are often severe.
- Speed-Related Collisions: High speeds reduce a driver’s or rider's ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, sometimes leading to motorcycle accidents.
- Lane-Splitting Accidents: Lane-splitting involves a motorcyclist riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic; accidents can occur when drivers are unaware of this practice.
- Parked Car Door Accidents: Also known as "dooring," these accidents happen when a vehicle driver or passenger opens a door without checking for approaching motorcycles, causing a collision.
- Sideswipe Accidents: These occur when a vehicle strikes the side of a motorcycle, often when changing lanes or merging onto a highway.
Any type of motorcycle accident can cause devastating injuries. When the accident wasn’t your fault, the at-fault party should be held accountable — and we can help.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents in Portland
Motorcyclists lack the protective features found in cars, such as airbags, doors, and roofs. This lack of protection makes motorcycle riders highly vulnerable to serious injuries in the event of a crash.
Common injuries from motorcycle collisions can include:
- Road rash (cuts, scrapes, and friction burns from sliding on the pavement)
- Torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons
- Multiple fractures or broken bones
- Facial fractures and dental injuries
- Burn injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Damage to internal organs impacting their function
- Neck and spinal injuries, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Skin loss necessitating grafting procedures
- Traumatic brain injuries, possibly causing neurological damage
- Amputations
Sadly, motorcycle riders are more likely than occupants of other vehicles to die in crashes. When the worst happens, motorcycle accident attorneys can pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible party.
What Types of Compensation Can I Seek After a Motorcycle Accident?
If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident and sustained injuries, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your losses. The types of damages in Portland motorcycle accidents may include economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
These are tangible financial losses that can be calculated precisely:
- Medical Expenses: All past and future medical bills related to your accident injuries, such as hospitalization, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income you couldn't earn due to the accident, including missed work days, reduced work hours, and potential future income losses.
It can be easy to underestimate your economic losses, especially for a catastrophic injury that will impact your career and require years of medical care. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer knows how to calculate the financial impact of the accident and will advocate for a full recovery.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are less tangible and more subjective, covering the emotional and psychological impact of the accident:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life as a result of the accident and your injuries.
- Mental Anguish: Damages for the psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that may follow a motorcycle accident.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the harm to your relationships with loved ones due to the accident.
A skilled motorcycle accident attorney can estimate a fair value for non-economic losses and fight for that amount in negotiations or at trial.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct by the at-fault party, punitive damages may be awarded at trial. These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer rather than compensate the victim.
Sources of Compensation After a Portland Motorcycle Accident
When you've been involved in a motorcycle accident in Portland, you may face a multitude of challenges, including high medical bills, disability, lost wages, pain, suffering, and a change in your quality of life. It's crucial to identify potential sources of compensation to help you recover from these setbacks. These sources may include:
At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance
In Oregon, drivers must carry bodily injury liability insurance covering at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, along with property damage liability insurance of at least $20,000 per crash. If the accident resulted from the other driver's negligence, their liability insurance should cover your claim.
Your Own Insurance Policy
Motorcycle riders are mandated to carry insurance similar to standard vehicle drivers. This includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, with minimums of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash for bodily injury.
If the at-fault driver lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage, your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy can provide additional support.
Navigating Motorcycle Accident Liability in Oregon: What You Should Know
Liability in a motorcycle accident case in Portland, Multnomah County, or surrounding areas is based on Oregon law. Here are key insights into how liability is determined in Oregon motorcycle accidents:
Fault-Based Liability
Liability in Portland, OR, motorcycle accidents hinges on the concept of fault. Essentially, the person responsible for causing the accident is considered liable for resulting damages and injuries. Fault is determined by assessing negligence, which includes actions like speeding, distracted driving, driving while intoxicated, and disregarding traffic signals.
Comparative Negligence
Often, multiple parties may share fault for the same motorcycle accident. Oregon applies a comparative fault standard (ORS § 31.600) to all motor vehicle collisions. If you are found partially at fault for your motorcycle crash, your recovery may be reduced proportionally.
Thorough Investigation
Determining motorcycle accident liability in Oregon demands a comprehensive investigation led by a skilled Portland attorney. During this investigation, your attorney will explore all relevant evidence to establish fault and increase your chances of full recovery. Our dedicated Portland, OR, motorcycle accident lawyer is prepared to thoroughly investigate your case.
Our Proven Results: Past Case Success
How Can Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help You?
Discover how we can assist you in your motorcycle accident claim, protecting your rights and fighting for full recovery:
- Experienced Legal Representation: Our skilled motorcycle accident lawyer brings years of experience to every case.
- Thorough Investigation: We conduct comprehensive investigations to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the accident scene.
- Evidence Preservation: We work swiftly to preserve crucial evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements, to strengthen your claim.
- Negotiation With Insurance Companies: Our lawyer handles negotiations with insurance companies to secure the full compensation you deserve, sparing you the stress of dealing with adjusters.
- Litigation: If negotiations don't yield a fair settlement, we're prepared to take your case to court, leveraging our litigation skills to fight for your rights.
- Personalized Legal Strategies: We tailor our legal approach to your unique circumstances, addressing your specific needs and concerns throughout the legal process.
- Emotional Support: We understand the emotional toll of a motorcycle accident, and we provide compassionate support during this challenging time.
- Medical Resources: We can connect you with trusted medical professionals so that you can receive the necessary care and documentation for your injuries.
- Timely Legal Action: We're committed to adhering to legal deadlines to prevent unwelcome delays, filing paperwork accurately and promptly.
We've helped numerous accident victims in Portland, Multnomah County, and the surrounding areas recover the compensation they deserve, and we could help you, too.
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