Oregon Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Automobile accidents are frightening enough, but what happens when you strip away the pounds of protective metal in favor of a motorcycle helmet and a pair of gloves? A motorcycle accident becomes exponentially more deadly. This is why you need a local Oregon motorcycle accident attorney to represent your interests and handle your motorcycle accident lawsuit while you recuperate.

Regardless of who is at fault, the person on the motorcycle will often sustain worse injuries than the person driving the car or truck, because they are more vulnerable.

We’ve developed a few commonly asked questions received at Galm Law to help guide you through the process after a motorcycle accident in Oregon:

What Steps Should I Take After a Motorcycle Accident?

The first thing you should do after a motorcycle accident is determine what kind of medical treatment you need. If you are injured or in pain, you must see a doctor immediately. If you feel well enough at the accident scene, take pictures of everything around you and the accident. If there were witnesses, get their names and contact information. If you have a motorcycle accident, make sure to look at the road and surrounding objects or debris. After you gather evidence, call the police. Once the police have been called, open a claim with your insurance company so they can take care of your medical expenses.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Generally, you have two years after a motorcycle accident occurs to file a claim. If you’re under 18, the statue tolls until you turn 18. The time for commencing an action may not be extended for more than five years, or for more than one year after the person attains 18 years of age, whichever occurs first.

How Long Will the Investigation and Claims Process Take Before Reaching a Settlement?

Because it’s hard to know just how bad your injuries are, our Oregon motorcycle accident attorney recommends waiting until you’ve completed treatment before reaching a settlement. When you’re healthier, then we can start the process of collecting all your medical documents, speaking with your doctor, assessing your motorcycle accident case and then sending a demand if appropriate. From there, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to reach a settlement or verdict through your motorcycle accident lawyer.

Even if I’m Not Wearing a Helmet at the Time of the Motorcycle Accident, Can I Still Recover Damages from the Bad Driver?

Yes and no. Not wearing a helmet alone does not automatically bar a motorcycle accident claim. However, a jury will weigh the question of whether your motorcycle accident injuries were caused or exacerbated by the fact that you were not wearing a helmet, and that may diminish your ability to recover compensation.

Can a Motorcycle Passenger Bring a Claim?

Yes, absolutely. A motorcycle passenger can bring a claim against either the bad driver who caused the accident, the motorcycle rider themselves, or a third party. For example: if the road is a hazard that the city has failed to fix—such as debris in the road, large potholes or blind corners with no signage, then a passenger can potentially bring a claim against the city or state.

What Causes a Motorcycle Accident in Oregon?

Motorcycle riders who do not wear a helmet are especially at risk of serious injuries such as head injuries, traumatic brain injuries and death. With an Oregon motorcycle accident attorney advocating for you, you can focus on getting healthy and getting back to the road. As an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Oregon, Paul Galm has helped many motorcyclists receive the financial compensation they deserve.

Possible causes of motorcycle accidents can include:

• Car drivers who don’t pay attention to their surroundings

• Car drivers who do not look in their mirrors for motorcycles or bicyclists

• Swerving or sideswiping motorcyclists

• A driver who is intoxicated

• A driver who is operating their car without proper maintenance of safety features, such as the brake system

Contact an Oregon Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Oregon and need to speak with an experienced, compassionate advocate, contact Paul Galm today. The first call to our law firm is always free, so you have nothing to lose.

Paul C. Galm has extensive experience in motorcycle accident litigation. Most motorcycle accident cases at Galm Law are referral-based because once you work with our Oregon motorcycle accident attorney, you will understand our commitment to helping you with your claim so you can get the funds and justice you deserve.