Motorcycle Accidents
If you ride a motorcycle, you already know how much fun riding can be. You know the thrill of cruising the road and the challenge of controlling a motorcycle. But motorcycling can also be dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists make up only 3% of the registered vehicles in the country. Still, they are responsible for 14% of all traffic-related fatalities.
According to the Oregon DMV, about 135,000 motorcycles are registered in the state, compared to 4.1 million registered vehicles. Yet, per vehicle miles traveled in 2019, motorcyclists were almost 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were 4 times more likely to be injured.
It is therefore important to understand the nature of these accidents and the steps to take in case you need to seek redress.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Portland
All drivers owe a duty of care to the motorists with whom they share the roads. Where they don’t exercise care, their behavior can be considered negligent. Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Portland may include:
- Reckless, Distracted, and aggressive driving
- Dangerous road conditions
- Drivers who disobey traffic signs and signals
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Motorcycle defects
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
Compensation After A Portland Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle collisions can lead to various injuries, from minor cuts to multiple fractures to wrongful death. Depending on the cause of your motorcycle accident, you may be able to obtain compensation for your losses from the responsible driver, motorcycle manufacturer, or party responsible for road maintenance.
Steps To Take after A Motorcycle Accident
It is essential to know what steps to take after a motorcycle accident to protect your right to compensation. Here’s a list of some of the things we strongly recommend you to do:
Get Medical Care
Getting adequate medical immediately after your accident is non-negotiable. If you think your injuries are minor and not severe, you should still go to the clinic. First, you never know how serious an injury is until a Doctor diagnoses you. Second, suppose you try to make a claim for damages later on, and there is no record of you seeking medical care after the crash. In that case, your claim will likely be denied. If your injuries are severe, you should focus on getting better. In addition, as soon as you are able, document your medical care for your claim.
Report To The Police
If you can, you need to report to the police immediately after your motorcycle accident. If you are seriously injured, someone will likely call in the accident on your behalf. In any case, make sure you request a copy of the police report for your records. You will need the police report when filing a claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Another important you should take early in the process is to call your insurer. This is because your insurance company has a right to investigate the crash. If you wait too long to give your insurance company notice, they could deny your case. If you’re not able to, a loved one or your attorney can do this on your behalf.
Gather Crucial Evidence And Document Your Losses
As early on in the process as possible, you should start collecting evidence that you can use to support your case. Evidence that might be important in a motorcycle accident claim includes photos of the accident scene, any video footage of the accident, traffic light data, eyewitnesses’ names, and statements, and more. Suppose you are too severely injured to carry out the tasks above; hire an attorney to do it for you.
Contact An Attorney
Finally, you need to call an experienced attorney as soon as possible after a crash. Working with a Portland motorcycle accident attorney may significantly improve the outcome of your case and be a crucial part of building your strategy and securing the settlement you deserve.
