82,564. That’s the number of motorcyclists who were injured in a single year across the country, according to the National Safety Council. Every motorcyclist is vulnerable to severe injuries in a collision with another car. If two cars get into a fender bender, the damage and injuries can be minor.
If that same car collides with a motorcycle, the rider can end up falling to the ground with the full weight of their bike on top. That is a situation no rider wants to find themselves in.
If you were injured by another driver while out on your bike in Portland, you’re entitled to hold that driver accountable. To make sure that you receive the maximum amount you’re entitled to, you’ll want to enlist the services of an experienced Portland motorcycle accident attorney, as you’ll find at Dozier Law Group.
We listen carefully to our clients and always provide the information they need to make informed decisions about their claims. That begins with a thorough understanding of the common motorcycle accident injuries, their costs, and the associated pain and suffering.
When calculating a fair settlement amount, everything has to be on the table.
Motorcycle riders enjoy the feeling of cruising along the open road through the Columbia River Gorge or around the Mt. Hood Loop.
Unfortunately, those amazing excursions can turn tragic if a reckless driver crashes into the bike. Even a slight tap can send a motorcycle spilling out. Without the protections of a seat belt or airbags, a motorcyclist is especially susceptible to injury.
Experienced motorcyclists know the value of wearing protective riding gear. That can include helmets, gloves, jackets, and pants with special padding. Even with that gear, serious injuries can occur, including the following:
Road rash is the one injury that most motorcyclists will experience at least once in their lives. It can range from minor to extremely severe. This is a skin abrasion that occurs when a rider is thrown from their bike. The force of that impact results in a skid across the pavement. Road rash can be extremely painful and discomforting. It can also lead to complications like infections or nerve damage.
Another common injury sustained in motorcycle accidents is broken or fractured bones.
The difference between a break and a fracture is severity. A fracture is more akin to a crack in the bone, whereas a break is a clear separation. Hands, wrists, and arms are susceptible to these types of injuries. These are referred to as “biker’s arm” and happen when the rider falls on their arm. The result can be a break, fracture, or nerve damage.
When tossed from their bike, a motorcyclist can land on their spine, causing instant trauma. Spinal cord injuries can cause temporary or permanent paralysis. That can be a life-altering injury requiring ongoing care, home modifications, and a disability that prevents the victim from returning to work.
Common types of abdominal motorcycle injuries include lung lacerations and rib fractures. A rider can experience heart lacerations, and other vascular injuries can also occur. There can also be bruising and injury to all the internal organs.
Any one of these injuries can lead to surgery, hospitalization, extended periods of recovery, and physical therapy. All of those expenses need to be included in any fair settlement offer.
With years of specialized expertise in Portland and throughout Oregon, our team navigates motorcycle accident laws effectively. We hold negligent parties accountable, ensuring justice for injuries and damages. Trust our dedicated representation to navigate the complexities of your motorcycle accident case with proven results.
A helmet not only protects a motorcycle rider, but it is also the law. Oregon motorcycle helmet laws require you to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, moped, or unenclosed autocycle. That law also extends to any passenger.
Studies conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) show that the risk of death in a motorcycle accident is reduced by 37%- 42%. That makes wearing a helmet a safe choice, but it doesn’t provide absolute protection. The harder the impact, the more likely it is that a ride will sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
In medical terms, a TBI disrupts the brain function and is caused by external forces such as a bump or jolt to the head. In a motorcycle crash, that type of injury can manifest as a mild concussion to a life-altering injury or even death. A TBI can include the following:
A concussion is a type of brain bruising that happens when the head is struck from rapid acceleration/deceleration.
The force of impact between a rider and the ground can lead to blood clots forming in or on the brain (epidural or subdural).
This is a shearing of brain tissue from rotational forces, and it is often considered an extremely severe TBI.
A helmet protects the rider by diffusing the point of impact and spreading that kinetic force over a wider area. A certified helmet will also have an inner foam liner that compresses to absorb shock. That helps reduce brain trauma.
The issue of helmet use can also be a factor in the personal injury claim process.
An insurance company will look into the type of helmet a victim was wearing. If it is not DOT-compliant, they could claim that your injuries would not be as severe. This is a common tactic that a skilled motorcycle accident attorney can defend against.
In a motorcycle accident, the rider’s limbs are exposed to crushing forces. That can lead to the following:
These are the types of injuries that can require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. It can also trigger chronic pain, permanent disability, or limited mobility that requires a wheelchair and home modifications. These are also the types of expenses that need to be factored into your demands for compensation.
A motorcyclist will often share their passion for the “freedom of the open road.” It is that same freedom that can be the cause of a spinal cord injury (SCI) if they get into an accident.
As with other types of injuries, a SCI is classified by its level of severity. It will fall into one of the following categories:
With severe SCI, the victim can experience a loss of independence as they now have to rely on someone else to help with daily tasks. They will also be prevented from participating in all the activities they once enjoyed. The ability to return to gainful employment will also be impacted.
As for costs, there may be expenses for surgeries, hospital stays, lifelong rehabilitation, and assistive devices. This is the kind of financial burden that can wipe out a family’s savings and add to the stress of recovery.
It is not only the physical injuries that a victim of a motorcycle accident can experience, but also the psychological trauma. This can manifest as a type of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD.
These types of trauma might not be as obvious as a broken bone, but they can have the same level of devastation that needs to be compensated for. This would fall under the category of non-economic damages and include the pain and suffering you experience as a result of the accident. That type of suffering can include the following:
When another driver’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident, you’re entitled to seek compensation for any financial loss. In order to calculate those losses, you and your attorney have to make a total assessment of the following:
In extreme accidents, there may be fatalities. The surviving family members would be entitled to seek a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver.
The path to recovering those losses depends on gathering all the evidence related to the accident. That will be presented to the relevant insurance company in a demand letter from your attorney.
Once they receive that letter, they are obligated to respond. That means they will open their own investigation. If their results lead to a denial or lowball offer, the Dozier Law Group can step in and take the matter to the next level, which would be recommending that you file a civil complaint. While this might delay the outcome, it might also be the best approach for getting all that you deserve and are entitled to.
Lower extremity injuries, including fractures to the legs and feet, are the most common non-fatal injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. However, road rash and head injuries are also frequently reported due to the lack of external protection for the rider. Seeking immediate medical evaluation is critical for identifying internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
Yes, you may still be able to recover damages, but Oregon’s comparative negligence laws may reduce your compensation if your lack of a helmet contributed to your injuries. Since Oregon law requires all riders to wear DOT-compliant helmets, failing to do so can be used by insurance companies to argue for lower settlements. An experienced attorney can help mitigate these arguments to protect your claim.
In Oregon, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this window typically results in the loss of your right to seek compensation. It is vital to consult with a lawyer early to ensure all deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.
After a motorcycle accident, you should first seek medical attention, even if you feel fine, to document any potential injuries. Next, call the police to file an official report and exchange information with all parties involved while taking photos of the scene. Finally, contact a local personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters to avoid making statements that could devalue your claim.
Insurance companies make it easy to file a claim. Many carriers let you file through a phone app. Although that might seem like you’ll be able to get a fast resolution, it isn’t always the case. Motorcycle accident claims can be especially complicated when the other driver attempts to shift blame.
In Portland, determining liability may involve complex factors such as comparative negligence, driver inattention, road hazards, or violations of Oregon traffic laws.
Without experienced legal representation, it is easy for insurers to minimize or outright deny the compensation you deserve.
At Dozier Law Group, we advocate fiercely for injured motorcyclists and their families.
We handle all communication with insurance companies, protect our clients’ rights at every stage of the claim, and will always pursue the maximum compensation. We want our clients to focus on their recovery, not battle an insurance company.
We understand how to investigate crashes, preserve critical evidence, and push back against insurance company bias. Our teams will secure police reports, traffic surveillance footage, and witness statements to reconstruct the accident and leave no doubt about who is responsible.
Contact Dozier Law Group today for a free consultation. There is no cost to speak with our legal team, and no obligation to move forward. Let us review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward justice and financial recovery.
