Years of experience 
Excellence 
Legal advocates One moment you’re riding through Portland’s streets, and the next, a careless driver changes your life forever. The crash leaves you facing painful injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and time away from work you can’t afford. That’s when a Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer steps in.
At Paulson Coletti, we’ve taken on Oregon’s toughest insurance companies and negligent drivers, fighting for riders and their families when everything is at stake. With us on your side, you have trial lawyers who won’t back down until justice is served.
Call Us (503) 226-6361
Why Choose Paulson Coletti for Your Portland Motorcycle Accident Case?
After a motorcycle crash, riders deserve more than a lawyer who simply files paperwork. You need trial attorneys ready to take on insurance companies that try to minimize your pain and losses. At Paulson Coletti, choosing the right Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer makes all the difference.
- Focused caseloads: You receive direct communication and attention.
- Decades of trial experience: We have gone head-to-head with large corporations and won significant verdicts.
- Proven motorcycle case results: We’ve recovered millions for seriously injured riders.
- A personal approach: We only take cases we believe in, treating every client like family.
How we prepare every case from the beginning sets us apart. We don’t wait to see if the insurance company will be “reasonable.” Instead, we build each claim as if it will go to trial, gathering evidence, consulting experts, and developing a strategy that keeps you in the strongest position possible.
Meet Motorcycle Accident Attorney John Coletti
As one of the partners at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, John Coletti has dedicated his career to fighting for the rights of those injured due to the careless or negligent acts of others. Mr. Coletti is actively involved in the Oregon community, at one point even serving as a member of the Make-A-Wish Oregon Board of Directors.
Clients trust Mr. Coletti to handle every aspect of their Portland motorcycle accident case from start to finish, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. He collaborates closely with his colleagues, so clients benefit from the combined experience of the law firm’s legal team. Mr. Coletti has secured numerous favorable verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients and is always committed to fighting for the best possible outcome in every case he takes on.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Portland
Motorcycle accidents in Portland often share common causes, many of which stem from driver negligence. According to Portland’s Vision Zero traffic crash report, deadly crashes occur more often on wide streets where speeding is more common, making collisions far more severe when they happen.
The same report shows that in 2023, nearly 60% of Portland’s deadly crashes occurred on just 8% of the city’s roadways, known as high crash corridors. Traveling through these stretches poses an even greater risk of catastrophic injury for motorcyclists.
Our Portland personal injury lawyer investigates distracted drivers, unsafe lane changes, and reckless acts to uncover the truth.
Distracted and Negligent Drivers
Distracted drivers are a top danger to motorcyclists in Portland. When a motorist is texting, adjusting a GPS, or looking away from the road, a motorcycle is often the first vehicle they fail to notice.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Reckless driving dramatically increases the severity of motorcycle collisions. According to the Portland City Code on reckless driving, drivers commit a Class A misdemeanor when they combine two or more dangerous actions, such as unlawful lane changes, tailgating, or speeding in congested urban areas. A Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can hold reckless drivers accountable in these cases.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Uneven pavement, potholes, or poorly marked construction zones may barely shake a car but can throw a motorcyclist off balance.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drug use are major contributors to motorcycle wrecks. Even a small miscalculation by an impaired driver can mean life-altering injuries.
John Coletti is an award-winning trial attorney specializing in personal injury, product liability, and medical malpractice. Recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America, he has repeatedly ranked among Oregon’s Top 10 Lawyers by Super Lawyers and Portland Monthly.Partner
A member of The Inner Circle of Advocates, John is part of an elite group of the nation’s top trial lawyers. He has also been named Best Lawyers’ “Lawyer of the Year” multiple times.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Portland, OR
Motorcycles make up only a small percentage of registered vehicles in Oregon, yet the fatality rate for riders remains disproportionately high. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcyclists are nearly 28 times more likely to die in a crash per mile traveled compared to passenger car occupants.
Locally, Vision Zero data confirms that motorcyclists remain among the most vulnerable road users, with fatalities rising in recent years even as the city expands enforcement efforts. A Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer understands these statistics and how they impact claims.
Common Injuries in Portland Motorcycle Accidents
When riders are struck, the consequences are almost always severe. Our Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer team has recovered damages for catastrophic injuries, including:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A TBI can occur even when a rider wears a helmet. Symptoms range from headaches and memory loss to lifelong impairment.
Spinal Cord Damage and Paralysis
Spinal cord injuries often leave riders facing partial or total paralysis, requiring lifelong care. These injuries often require long-term rehabilitation and major home or vehicle modifications, adding significant financial strain for families.
Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries
Broken bones are common after motorcycle crashes, sometimes requiring multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery.
Road Rash and Severe Lacerations
Sliding across asphalt causes painful abrasions, resulting in infection, scarring, or nerve damage.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Accident in Portland?
Multiple parties may share liability in a Portland motorcycle accident. A Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can identify every responsible party:
- Negligent drivers who rear-end or fail to yield.
- Employers, if a commercial driver caused the crash.
- Government agencies or contractors are responsible for unsafe roadways.
- Manufacturers, if defective parts contributed.
Determining liability often requires thorough investigation, expert testimony, and careful review of traffic laws. Our firm has the resources to uncover every responsible party and build a case that holds them fully accountable.
Types of Compensation in Portland Motorcycle Accident Claims
Crash victims deserve more than partial reimbursement. With the help of a Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, victims can pursue damages for the following reasons:
Medical Expenses and Future Care
Compensation includes hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
Damages cover missed income and diminished earning power if you can’t return to your career. This includes your current job and opportunities you may lose if your injuries limit future career advancement.
Pain and Suffering
Motorcycle accidents bring long-lasting physical pain and emotional trauma.
Property Damage
Motorcycles and protective gear are often destroyed, and their value can be recovered.
Every case is unique, but our role remains the same: to pursue the maximum recovery possible so clients are not left shouldering the financial burden of someone else’s negligence.
What Determines the Value of a Portland Motorcycle Accident Case?
The value depends on the severity of injuries, medical costs, recovery time, impact on work, and Oregon’s comparative negligence rules. Every Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer on our team evaluates these factors to build the strongest possible claim.
How Long Do Portland Motorcycle Accident Cases Take?
Most cases take several months to over a year. Some settle quickly, others require litigation and trial. A Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can keep pressure on insurers while preparing your case as if it will go to court.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Portland?
The moments after a crash can feel confusing and overwhelming, but the actions you take immediately will have a lasting impact on your case. Knowing what steps to follow gives you a roadmap that protects your health and legal rights. Here are the most important things to do after a motorcycle accident in Portland:
- Call 911 for immediate help and a police report.
- Seek medical treatment right away, even for hidden injuries.
- Take photos of vehicles, roads, and injuries.
- Collect witness information if possible.
- File an Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report with the DMV within 72 hours if required by law.
- Contact a Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer quickly to preserve evidence and meet deadlines.
These steps may feel overwhelming, but even small actions can make a big difference later. By creating a clear record of what happened and showing you sought immediate care, you strengthen your case against insurers who may try to downplay your injuries or shift the blame.
Contact Our Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
A crash can turn your world upside down in seconds. At Paulson Coletti, we fight to ensure injured riders get the compensation and justice they deserve. Call us at 503-226-6361 to speak with a Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer or request your free case evaluation online to discuss your case.
Areas We Serve
We serve areas across Portland, including but not limited to:
Arlington Heights, Forest Park, Goose Hollow, Hillside, Linnton, Northwest District, Old Town, Pearl District, Downtown, Sylvan – Highlands, Arnold Creek, Ashcreek, Bridlemile, Collins View, Crestwood, Far Southwest, Hayhurst, Hillsdale, Homestead, Marshall Park, Multnomah, South Burlingame, South Portland, Southwest Hills, West Portland Park, Arbor Lodge, Bridgeton, Cathedral Park, East Columbia, Piedmont, Portsmouth, St Johns, University Park, Alameda, Concordia, Eliot, Lloyd District, Cully, Hollywood, Rose City Park, Hazelwood, Parkrose Heights, Pleasant Valley, Woodland Park, Brooklyn, Eastmoreland, Kerns, Laurelhurst, Montavilla, North Tabor, Richmond, Sunnyside, Woodstock.
At Paulson Coletti, justice is our mission. As experienced trial attorneys, we fight for injury victims across Oregon and Washington, holding negligent parties accountable. With a proven track record in and out of the courtroom, we are dedicated to securing fair compensation for our clients. We take a client-centered approach, focusing on cases we believe in and delivering results that matter. No fees unless we win—because justice should never come with financial risk.Paulson Coletti
Trial Attorneys PC
