Lake Oswego Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Expert Representation for Injured Motorcyclists in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties

The scenic community of Lake Oswego and beautiful surrounding areas attracts countless motorcyclists each year, eager to traverse the open roads enveloped by natural beauty. Here at Youd Law, we understand that while the freedom of the ride is unparalleled, the risks are also significant. Motorcycles, though a smaller fraction of traffic, face disproportionately high risks of serious injuries in accidents.

In 2022, Oregon saw 96 fatal motorcycle crashes, as reported by the Oregon Department of Transportation, with many other accidents causing severe injuries such as spinal cord damage and broken bones. Youd Law, led by the experienced Lake Oswego motorcycle accident lawyer, Lance D. Youd, stands ready to champion the rights of motorcyclists. We take pride in our deep commitment to ensuring that you receive just compensation, handling all cases on a contingency fee basis.

Motorcycle Accidents in Lake Oswego

Despite common misconceptions, motorcycling is not inherently reckless. Oregon law mandates that all motorcyclists pass a state-approved education course to obtain a valid motorcycle endorsement, ensuring that every rider on Lake Oswego’s roads knows and respects the same rules that govern all motorists. Unfortunately, the same level of diligence is not always reciprocated by other drivers. In fact, it is much easier to obtain a regular driver’s license and there is probably too little emphasis placed on how aware drivers need to be of all other kinds of vehicles. 

The reality is that a motorcyclist is far more likely to be the victim of another driver’s negligence than vice versa. Many motorcycle accidents are simply the result of a car or truck operator not paying attention. 

Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Lack of Visibility: Motorcycles can quickly enter and exit blind spots, making it crucial for other drivers to maintain vigilance at all times.
• Distracted Driving: Smartphone use, dashboard operations, or simple inattention can lead to catastrophic oversights where motorcycles are concerned.
• Aggressive Driving: Unwarranted hostility towards motorcyclists can provoke dangerous maneuvers, escalating the risks of crashes.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use impairs reaction times severely, endangering all road users, especially motorcyclists due to their vulnerability.

Beyond these driver-specific issues, other factors can also play significant roles in the cause of motorcycle accidents:

• Perilous Road Conditions: The thrill of the ride shouldn’t be marred by preventable hazards. Unfortunately, motorcycles are particularly vulnerable to road imperfections like potholes and cracks. In instances where negligent maintenance by state or local authorities contributes to an accident, they could be held accountable. Ensuring roads are safe is not just a courtesy—it’s a responsibility. Your tax dollars pay for roads to be safe and well-maintained. 
• Defective Motorcycles: Complexity in engineering shouldn’t lead to compromise in safety. Motorcycles, with their intricate assembly of parts, must be flawlessly designed and manufactured. A single flaw in the system—from brakes to engine components—can be disastrous. Under Oregon’s stringent product liability laws, manufacturers could be held liable if their oversight leads to an accident, ensuring that accountability is maintained at every level of production.
• Faulty Safety Gear: Even the best protective gear is only as reliable as its design and production standards. When safety equipment fails to protect as promised, the consequences can be severe. If a motorcyclist is injured due to defective gear, such as a helmet that fails upon impact, product liability laws provide a recourse to seek damages from manufacturers or retailers. This ensures that standards are rigorously upheld, safeguarding the well-being of riders.

Our team at Youd Law diligently investigates every potential factor to ensure that untoward conditions, entities, and products are held accountable.