Oregon Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Under existing Oregon Law, motorcycle riders are protected even less than other motorists when it comes to statutory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits in their auto insurance policies. Statutorily, minimum PIP benefits for reasonable and necessary medical care after a motorcycle accident are a mere $2,000. Many insurance companies will only offer the minimum PIP medical benefits in Oregon, leaving riders with little recourse besides carrying far more expensive personal health insurance with low out-of-pocket maxes and deductibles. Knowing the various ways to maximize your potential recovery is important.

The thrill of riding a motorcycle on the open roads is ingrained in every biker’s DNA, which explains why there are so many motorcycle riders in the Oregon area despite the horrible weather conditions we experience at least half of the year. It is no surprise that riding a motorcycle is inherently more dangerous than driving a car, truck, or SUV. However, few bikers realize how unique motorcycle accidents and injuries can be compared to a car-on-car crash. This is why talking to an Oregon motorcycle accident lawyer can be so beneficial.

When crashes involving motorcycles happen, the rider is particularly vulnerable. Once a rider is detached from their motorcycle, they lose any modicum of protection from the structure of their motorcycle. Without the protection of crumple zones, seat-belts, and other safety devices, motorcyclists are at extreme risk for catastrophic injury. In addition, there is typically a large difference in weight between the vehicles. Human bodies simply cannot withstand the tremendous forces often involved. The injury profile tends to be different than that of a car crash, and it helps to have an Oregon motorcycle accident lawyer that understands these differences.

There is also the potential for bias towards motorcyclists. Some people view motorcyclists negatively, and as such, it is important to establish the facts in any accident. Our attorneys will immediately start investigating a crash. You want to avoid potential bias and improve your chance of obtaining an appropriate settlement. This is why it is imperative to contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Johnson Law, P.C. as soon as possible after you are injured to improve your chance of receiving fair compensation.

There is no upfront cost to retain a personal injury attorney.

We operate on a contingency fee basis similar to most personal injury lawyers. However, you will be pleased to learn that we charge our fee only AFTER your medical bills have been paid. This is an important distinction.

We do not get paid unless we win. Almost all personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, but that does not mean they charge the same fee. If we settle prior to trial or arbitration we take 33.33% of the recovery as our attorney fee. This is after your medical bills have been paid. Many personal injury attorneys take their 33.33% fee before the medical bills have been paid. This can result in the client receiving little or no compensation. If we go to arbitration or trial, our contingency fee is 40% of the recovery, again after the medical bills are paid. In our experience, this results in our clients being fairly compensated with higher financial recovery.

Not before consulting with an attorney.

Insurance companies have an interest in getting you to settle your claim as quickly and as cheaply as is possible. By settling your claim, you are releasing the insurance company from any future liability stemming from the incident. It takes time for medical professionals to identify all of your injuries. If you settle your claim too quickly and then realize later on that you are suffering from a more serious injury, it is difficult, if not impossible, to hold the insurance company accountable and receive the proper amount of compensation. Also, in our experience, insurance companies generally do not offer fair settlements to people who are not representing by an attorney.

In most cases, it is important to speak with experienced legal counsel as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident. Fault determination is critical in a personal injury case. In our experience insurance companies will look to shift the blame if possible. There are many facts to establish that you may not consider. For example, the type of helmet worn during the crash can play a role. At the crash site, there is likely time-sensitive evidence to be collected. Performing  traffic collision reconstruction is challenging but possible when the right information is collected. Don't let your potential evidence be lost due to unnecessary delay. However, don't be dissuaded if it has been some time since your crash. You may also be surprised by what potential evidence persists.

Remember, our personal injury consultations are free. Contact us and you will quickly be connected with a capable Oregon motorcycle accident lawyer.