Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Portland

Key Takeaways Failing to yield during left turns is one of the most frequent causes of serious motorcycle crashes. Oregon law prohibits handheld device use while driving, yet distracted drivers remain a persistent danger to motorcyclists. Wet pavement and road debris can cause a rider to lose control without warning. Speeding reduces reaction time and… read more

Portland Motorcycle Accidents Statistics

Key Takeaways Portland motorcycle accident statistics show eight riders died in traffic crashes in 2025, down from 11 deaths in both 2022 and 2023. The High Crash Network accounts for just 8% of Portland streets but averaged 67% of all traffic deaths from 2020 to 2024. Most motorcycle crashes in Portland occur on high-volume arterials… read more

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Portland: What the Data Shows

Key Takeaways Motorcycle fatalities remain a serious concern in Portland, with riders making up a large share of traffic deaths. Serious motorcycle crashes often happen on high-traffic roads, major intersections, and dense urban streets. Risk increases during commuting hours and in rainy or low-light conditions. Many motorcycle accidents stem from preventable issues like failure to… read more

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries and What Riders Should Know

Key Takeaways Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries due to a lack of protective gear. Common injuries include head trauma, fractures, and spinal damage. Without helmets, riders risk long-term brain injuries and paralysis. Riders are exposed to external forces, increasing injury severity. Injuries can cause chronic pain, mobility issues, and PTSD. Motorcycle accidents often… read more

What Is the Main Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?

Key Takeaways Many motorcycle accidents happen because drivers don’t see bikes, especially when turning or changing lanes. Motorcycles are easy to miss, especially in traffic or when drivers aren’t paying attention. Speeding makes it tougher to react to sudden dangers, raising the risk of a crash. Alcohol slows reactions and messes with decision-making, leading to… read more

Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Passengers in Oregon?

Key Takeaways Motorcycle insurance can cover passengers, but coverage depends on the policy and the at-fault party. Oregon requires minimum liability limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. A passenger is usually covered under the rider’s liability policy if the motorcyclist caused the crash. If another driver is at fault, that driver’s insurance… read more

Is Lane Filtering Legal in Oregon?

At Paulson Coletti, we regularly hear from riders wondering: Is lane filtering legal in Oregon? As motorcycle accident attorneys based in Portland, we know how crucial it is for riders to understand how lane behavior can impact both safety and legal claims. Lane filtering is not yet legal here, but proposed legislation is gaining traction… read more

What is a “No Contact” Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle accidents often lead to significant injuries for motorcyclists and their passengers. In many cases, these incidents occur as a result of a collision with another vehicle on the roadway. However, there are times when “no contact” motorcycle accidents occur that can also lead to devastating consequences. Here, we want to define “no contact” motorcycle… read more

Can I File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Oregon If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

Motorcycle helmets save lives. In fact, the state of Oregon requires that all motorcyclists wear a DOT-approved helmet in order to remain legal on the roadway. However, what happens if a motorcyclist sustains severe injuries in a motorcycle crash caused by another driver but they were not wearing a helmet? Can a motorcyclist still receive… read more

Is Lane Splitting Legal In Oregon?

If you own a motorcycle in Oregon, then your number one priority is probably safety. Motorcyclists enjoy riding their vehicles throughout this state. Unfortunately, the Oregon Department of Transportation states that there were more than 1,000 motorcycle crash injuries and 85 motorcycle crash fatalities reported during the latest year of data available. In nearby California,… read more