Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Well over 100,000 motorcycles are registered in Oregon, and with most of the state’s population living in the Portland metro, we’ve got our fair share of motorcycles (and motorcycle accidents) here. Over 100 motorcycle accidents happen in Portland every year that result in property damage, personal injury or death, and the vast majority of those accidents involve a crash with another motor vehicle. When cars and bikes collide, it’s the motorcycles that bear the brunt of the force and the motorcyclists who suffer the worst. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Portland caused by a negligent driver, or if you lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle crash, the personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Rosenbaum Law Group can help you get the compensation you need to deal with your doctor and hospital bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our team is highly experienced in handling out-of-court settlements as well as going to trial, and we are dedicated to achieving success with significant results. Call our experienced Portland motorcycle accident lawyers today.
Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents in Portland
Oregon abounds with miles of interstate and state highways and rural roads teeming with adventure, excitement and natural beauty for motorcyclists. Riding in Portland is a little different, where bikers have to contend with increased traffic and congestion on city streets and highways. Data from the Oregon Department of Transportation show that over ten percent of motorcycle accidents in the state happen here. About two-thirds of Portland motorcycle accidents happen on city streets, and most of the rest occur on state highways. Almost all crashes happen on dry surfaces, the majority in daylight hours, and mostly by local residents. Of the many different reasons for motorcycle accidents in Portland, the leading causes are:
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Following too close
- Drinking and driving
- Disregarding traffic signals
- Improper overtaking
- Other improper driving
The leading ways Portland motorcycle crashes occur are:
- One vehicle entering at an angle
- Two vehicles traveling in the same direction, with one vehicle stopped
- Two vehicles traveling in the opposite direction, with one turning and the other traveling straight
This last type is one of the most common and dangerous forms of motorcycle accidents. Most often, the car driver is turning left, whether at an intersection or midblock, and a motorcycle is coming from the opposite direction. Drivers misjudge how far away the motorcycle is and how fast it is approaching. Rather than wait for the motorcycle to pass, they start their turn into the motorcycle’s path. The motorcyclist doesn’t have time to brake safely or maneuver out of the way. Bikers can get hit by the turning car, crash into the car, leave their lane or wind up in a collision with another vehicle or fixed object trying to avoid a crash with the turning vehicle. There is rarely a good outcome for the motorcyclist when the driver makes this dangerous mistake.
Other motorcycle accidents commonly happen when drivers are changing lanes, especially on highways. Drivers tend not to be aware of motorcycles on the road as they are smaller and make up only a small percentage of vehicles. It is critical for any driver changing lanes to signal and check blind spots by looking over their shoulder, and failing to do both is a clear example of negligence. This negligent behavior is especially risky when motorcycles are in the vicinity and is highly likely to cause a crash.
At Rosenbaum Law Group, our motorcycle accident lawyers know that motorcycle riders are often the victim of another driver’s negligence, yet insurers and even jurors are likely to be biased against them and blame them for some or all of the responsibility in causing the crash. Our attorneys work together to discover the true facts behind the accident and hold negligent drivers fully accountable when they are the reason for the crash. Such diligence is essential to ensuring motorcycle accident victims aren’t unfairly accused of negligence or recklessness in causing a crash, which can reduce the amount of compensation to which they are entitled or defeat their claim altogether. Our team has the knowledge and experience you need for a successful resolution of your claim.
Contact Rosenbaum Law Group Today
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Portland, or if you lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle crash caused by a negligent driver, the personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Rosenbaum Law Group are here to help. Call our experienced Portland motorcycle accident lawyers today.
