Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Oregon Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Oregon, Youd Law is here to help. Our experienced team of motorcycle accident attorneys understands the unique challenges riders face on the road. We are dedicated to providing expert legal representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We want you to focus on recovery and let Youd Law handle the rest. Our expert services don’t cost you anything upfront, and we only charge our normal rates once you receive a fair settlement.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries and emotional trauma for riders and their families. Navigating the legal aftermath can be overwhelming, which is why having a skilled motorcycle accident attorney on your side is crucial. At Youd Law, we have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in Oregon who have been involved in motorcycle accidents.

Common Causes For A Motorcycle Crash

Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents can help you take preventative measures to stay safe on the road. Some of the leading causes include:

Negligent Drivers: Motorcycles are often overlooked by other drivers, leading to collisions when they fail to yield or check blind spots.
Distracted Driving: Drivers using phones or engaging in other distractions are a significant risk to motorcyclists.
Unsafe Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, potholes, and debris can lead to accidents for motorcyclists.
Impaired Drivers: Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol poses a significant threat to everyone on the road, especially motorcyclists.

None of those conditions are your fault. Whereas you should be able to enjoy the same road conditions and considerations as other drivers, not all drivers are as aware of motorcyclists as they are of larger vehicles. Unfortunately, this puts riders at a disadvantage. Notwithstanding, you are entitled to the same conditions and considerations as other vehicles. So those responsible for motorcycle accidents, no matter how they occur, need to be held accountable.

Mistakes to Avoid After a Motorcycle Accident

No matter what happened or what caused the accident, there are some basic things you should avoid doing after a motorcycle accident:

Admitting Fault: Avoid making any statements or admissions of guilt at the accident scene. Even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident, it’s important to not admit fault. The fault may not be entirely clear and admitting fault can impact your ability to seek compensation.
Neglecting Medical Attention: Don’t delay seeking medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. This also means you should avoid self-diagnosis. Some injuries may not show immediate symptoms, and seeking prompt medical care can help establish a connection between the accident and your injuries. This documentation is crucial for your claim.
Settling Too Quickly: Avoid accepting a settlement offer from an insurance company without consulting an attorney like Lance Youd. Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement to minimize their liability, but it may not cover all of your expenses, especially if you have long-term or severe injuries.
Giving a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice: Insurance companies may request a recorded statement about the accident. Talk to Youd Law before providing any statements. We can help guide you on what to say to protect your rights.
Neglecting to Gather Evidence: Don’t forget to collect evidence at the accident scene. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle. Get contact information from witnesses, and obtain a copy of the police report. This evidence can be crucial in building a strong case.

While we can’t guarantee that your case will win or that you will get the judgment you seek, avoiding these common mistakes can drastically improve your chances of getting fair compensation.

Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Some of the most common injuries include:

Road Rash: Skin abrasions and injuries caused by friction with the road surface.
Fractures and Broken Bones: Due to the lack of protection, bones can be more vulnerable in motorcycle accidents.
Head Injuries: Even with a helmet, head injuries can occur and may lead to long-term consequences.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents can result in damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or other debilitating conditions.

Hit on Your Motorcycle in Oregon

If you’ve been hit while riding your motorcycle, and it wasn’t your fault, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, both physical and mental. Don’t hesitate to call because you don’t feel like you can afford an attorney. Youd Law only takes clients on a contingency basis, which means that you don’t have to pay us unless we win for you. We are confident that we can get you the compensation you need in order to rebuild your life after a motorcycle accident.

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CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS IN SALEM

Motorcycles are smaller & harder for drivers to see
Driver distractions include in-dash DVD players, GPS devices, & cell phones
Motorcycles offer almost no protection for the operator
Road defects like potholes and crumbling shoulders can cause motorcyclists to flip over
Drivers refuse to share the road with motorcyclists and might cut them off or pass too closely

Serious Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcyclists suffer the full brunt of a collision and can experience devastating injuries that require immediate medical help. Some of the most painful injuries include:

Fractures
Road rash
Burns
Back injuries
Chest injuries
Organ damage
Facial injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Paralysis

These injuries are often catastrophic in nature. They can result in permanent disabilities, such as amputations, disfigurement, and chronic pain. After an accident, motorcyclists should head to the hospital to have their injuries properly diagnosed. Receiving prompt medical treatment can make a big difference in your ability to heal following a crash.

In a settlement, we will seek money to pay for all medical bills to treat your injuries, including rehabilitation and prescription drugs. We also seek compensation for lost income and benefits, pain and suffering, and damage to your motorcycle.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Accidents involving cars and motorcycles can happen almost anywhere, but some of the more common motorcycle accidents include:

Rear end collisions. A motorcyclist stopped at an intersection is at risk of getting struck from behind. Many motorists fail to see them stopped there or are distracted by cell phones so they don’t stop in time.
Left-turn accidents. A motorist might not see a motorcyclist passing through an intersection and pull into them.
Head on collisions. Some motorists collide head on with motorcyclists. For example, they might pass a slower vehicle and pull into the adjacent lane—only because they didn’t see a motorcyclist coming toward them. Other drivers will drift over the center line and slam into motorcyclists.
Rollovers. A motorcycle can flip when it hits something, such as a pothole or uneven pavement.
Near miss collisions. Even if a car does not strike you, they might drive so closely you need to take defensive action. Some motorcycle accidents are caused when the rider is forced off the road to avoid suffering a direct hit.

How Motorcycle Accidents Differ from Car Accidents

In the past you may have negotiated your own car accident settlement and this is why you are searching for an attorney now. It is complicated and the negotiation process without the sklls of a seasoned attorney can leave you with less than a fair settlement. Attorney Lance Youd has experience and knows how to negotiate motorcycle collisions. He understands their unique angles and will bring the knowledge you need for the best outcome and settlement.

Motorcycle accident injuries tend to be more serious, so more money is in play. Consequently, insurers are more aggressive at defending themselves in these cases. It is not unusual for motorcycle accidents to be worth six figures or more, and insurers typically balk at paying those sums.

The insurance adjuster may harbor bias against motorcyclist assuming bikers are usually responsible for the crash, so they will refuse to offer fair compensation. If your case goes to trial, then jurors might feel a similar bias. You need an attorney who can gather all the evidence to show you were not to blame.

Some motorcycle accidents are also caused by road defects. A giant pothole can send a biker reeling through the air. Even large potholes are unlikely to cause car accidents. Suing a city or town for a road defect is a significant challenge. The state of Oregon and its municipalities are usually immune from lawsuits. But you can sue in limited exceptions if you have a lawyer who understands the process.

4 Mistakes to Avoid after a Motorcycle Accident

We recommend that you avoid doing any of the following, which will only hurt your case:

1. Don’t forget to call the police after the crash. Reporting the accident protects you because you will have an official record of where and when the accident happened. Also, if a road defect contributed to an accident, the government needs to know so they can fix it.

2. Don’t admit responsibility for the accident. Doing so will only undermine your case, and the other side could use this information to reduce their liability.

3. Never give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without your lawyer present. The adjuster might dig for information to use against you, such as an admission of fault or risky riding.

4. Never self-diagnose your injuries. If you feel pain, head to the hospital to have a doctor look at you. Refusal to get timely medical care can also undermine a case and delay getting well.

If you avoid these 4 mistakes, we can’t guarantee you will receive compensation, but you will improve your odds considerably.

Motorcycle Accident FAQs

Is Lane Splitting Legal?

Lane splitting refers to motorcyclists moving in between lanes, usually at intersections when vehicles are stopped. Many riders like to lane split because it protects them from rear-end collisions. Unfortunately, Oregon does not allow lane splitting currently, although the state has considered different bills over the years.

Are You Required to Wear a Helmet?

Yes. Oregon law requires that those riding motorcycles have a helmet on in most cases. Studies have shown that helmets reduce fatalities and serious head injuries, so they are important pieces of safety equipment. You can be fined for riding without a helmet.

Can You Receive Compensation if You Were Negligent?

Possibly. Oregon law allows motorcyclists to sue for compensation if they are not more at fault than other parties combined. In practice, you can be up to 50% to blame for the wreck but not more. Any compensation a defendant pays will be limited to their share of fault.

For example, imagine you were weaving in traffic and a distracted driver struck you. Both sides could be 50% to blame. If your losses total $100,000, the driver only needs to pay $50,000. You will be responsible for the other 50%, since that represents your own negligence.

Contact Our Salem Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Attorney Youd is available to help any biker harmed on the road. Whether you were hit by a careless motorist or upended by a road defect, let us review the facts and analyze whether you have a strong claim. It is possible to get compensation for an accident, but you need the right lawyer on your side.

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If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to seek legal representation. At Youd Law, we have over 30 years of experience winning in court and getting fair compensation for personal injuries sustained in accidents of all kinds. We are confident that we can help you! Call today for a complimentary consultation.

Call (503) 399-8967 to schedule a time to meet.

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frequently asked questions

If you're involved in a motorcycle accident, it's essential to take the following steps:

Seek Medical Attention: Ensure you receive proper medical care for any injuries sustained.
Document the Scene: Take photos, gather witness information, and exchange details with involved parties.
Report the Accident: Notify the appropriate authorities and obtain a copy of the accident report.
Contact an Attorney: Consult with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney to understand your legal rights and options.

While it's possible to handle a motorcycle accident claim on your own, having a skilled attorney can greatly increase your chances of receiving fair compensation. An attorney can navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court if necessary.

The value of a motorcycle accident settlement depends on various factors, including the extent of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Consulting with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney will help provide a more accurate estimate based on the specifics of your case.

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, seek medical attention immediately. Then, contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Youd Law to discuss your case and explore your legal options. A consultation with a lawyer can provide valuable insights into how to proceed with your claim.

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Our clients say it best

At Youd Law, we pride ourselves in offering unmatched service. Lance and his staff are responsive and respectful, providing efficient, expert assistance in a kind and courteous manner.

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We cannot thank you enough for your generous intervention for our dear friends. It shows how God used you to answer prayer!

K H Family Family Law 2019

I wouldn’t want to go up against you Lance. Thanks to you and your team for your hard work.

KW July 2019

It’s been a long battle and I want you to know I appreciate all you have done.

RD July 2019

God answers…..One of our dear friends reached out to a lawyer she knows for me. What a great man! He contacted me and spent over a half an hour on the phone answering my questions.

D & D FAMILY LAW 2019

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