Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
When a motorcycle collides with a car or commercial truck, the resulting injuries can be severe or even deadly. Riders are afforded very little other than a helmet for protection. The impact from an automobile, or from hitting the roadway often results in serious or fatal injuries, even when a motorcycle crash occurs at slow speeds. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by the recklessness or negligence of another driver, the Portland motorcycle accident lawyers at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC can help.
Portland Motorcycle Accident Resources
Why Choose Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC?
Meet John Coletti
Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents in Portland
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Areas We Serve
Who is Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?
Why You Need a Portland Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Potential Compensation in Your Case
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
Is an Injury Lawyer Affordable?
Will Your Case Go to Trial?
Portland Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Speak to an Attorney Today
Let Us Be Your Portland Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The personal injury attorneys at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC bring exceptional legal skills to motorcycle accident cases. When you choose us to represent you, you gain several advantages:
- We have experience representing motorcycle accident victims and understand how to handle these often-complex claims.
- We maintain a small caseload so that we can give personal, undivided attention to the clients that we choose to represent.
- Our motorcycle and car accident attorneys in Portland are aggressive negotiators and experienced trial lawyers. We will not hesitate to take your case to trial to recover the maximum possible compensation.
- We have more than 50 years of combined legal experience that has earned us an outstanding reputation and numerous recognitions from respected organizations.
- We have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies behalf of injured motorcycle riders.
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.
Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes are not uncommon, and they can occur due to a variety of reasons. In some cases, motorcyclists make mistakes that lead to collisions with other vehicles, with other objects, or with the ground. However, many of these incidents are caused by the careless or negligent actions of others.
When we examine data presented by the Oregon Department of Transportation, we can see that there were 786 total motorcycle crashes on state roadways during the latest reporting year. Out of these incidents, there were 67 fatal collisions and 647 injury collisions. Some of the most common causes of these incidents include:
- Distracted driving. Distracted drivers will be less likely to see a smaller motorcycle out of their windows or in their mirrors.
- Impaired driving. Vehicle drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs are much more likely to be involved in injury and fatal accidents.
- Failing to yield. Motorists must yield the right of way to motorcyclists just like they would any other vehicle.
- Following too closely. When vehicle drivers follow motorcyclists too closely, this can lead to absolute devastation in the event the motorcyclist is rear-ended.
- Speeding. Speeding is a leading cause of injury in vehicle accidents in Oregon, and is also likely to cause more severe injuries for the motorcyclist when a collision occurs.
- Improper lane change. Vehicle drivers could improperly change lanes if they fail to check their surroundings and blind spots beforehand.
This is certainly not a complete list of accident causes. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another driver, you need to reach out to an attorney who can evaluate your case and help determine the best steps moving forward.
The Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents in Portland, OR
Events that might pose relatively little risk to an automobile driver can be extremely hazardous for a motorcycle rider. A parked driver can open a car door in the path of an oncoming motorcycle. One of the most common dangers is a passenger or commercial vehicle operator who fails to observe the rider in an adjoining lane, while turning, or at a stop light or stop sign. Serious injuries are commonly the result, including:
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Serious abrasions
- Fractures
- Loss of limb
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Between 2013 and 2017, motorcycle accidents accounted for 14 percent of fatal crashes despite the fact that they represent only four percent of registered vehicles.
Motorcyclists are almost 30 times more likely to die in a collision than car drivers according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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.
Who is Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?
Drivers who impact a motorcyclist from behind, while changing lanes or turning can be held liable for the injuries and other damages in a motorcycle accident case. All drivers have a duty to obey the rules of the road, including driving within posted speed limits, avoiding cell phone use, and paying attention to the road ahead. If your accident was the result of driver negligence, whether driving under the influence or a dangerous lane change, compensatory damages can be pursued in an insurance claim.
Further compensation may be pursued in a lawsuit filed against the negligent driver in civil court. In cases for faulty tires or defective motorcycle parts or components, the manufacturer, retailer, or another party may be liable. The first step is a full evaluation of your case from Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC. Your experienced Portland personal injury lawyer will diligently work through the details of your case and seek the best possible outcome for you or a loved one.
Why You Need a Portland Motorcycle Accident Attorney
It is imperative that you are fully compensated for medical expenses, lost income and the pain and suffering you have experienced. Your chances of obtaining the settlement you deserve can be increased with the help of the skilled team of trial lawyers at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC. Various issues must be resolved, including meeting legal requirements for filing dates under Portland or Oregon statutes of limitations.
Compensation You Can Recover After a Motorcycle Accident
Individuals who sustain motorcycle accident injuries in Portland may be able to recover compensation for their losses. This is particularly true if another individual or entity is responsible for the incident. Our team works diligently to help clients recover both economic and non-economic compensation after these incidents occur.
- Economic damages. These are the types of losses that are more calculable after a motorcycle crash occurs in Portland. A crash victim and their lawyer can add up these losses by analyzing bills, invoices, and estimates that come in after the incident. Some of the most commonly recovered losses include:
- Hospital expenses
- Doctor’s office bills
- Surgical costs
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy bills
- Motorcycle repairs
- Various out-of-pocket losses
- Lost income for a victim
- Non-economic damages. These types of damages refer to the more immeasurable losses a motorcycle crash victim is likely to incur due to the incident. Even though there may not be any direct bills or receipts, these damages are just as important and include a victim’s:
- Physical pain and suffering damages
- Emotional and psychological damages
- Loss of quality of life damages
- Compensation for scarring, disfigurement, or disability
There are various factors that need to be examined when calculating how much a crash victim should receive. These factors include the severity of the injuries and property damage, how long it takes a person to recover, whether or not a crash victim can work while recovering, as well as whether or not there was shared fault. Each claim is different, and we encourage all motorcycle crash victims in Portland to work with an attorney who has experience handling these claims.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be incredibly scary and confusing, but there are steps that you can take right after the incident, as well as in the days and weeks that follow, to help ensure that you are in the best possible position to recover compensation for your losses. These steps revolve around looking after your well-being and protecting evidence.
- Ensure the police come. The police need to come to the scene of any motorcycle accident in Portland. Not only will they (along with firefighters and EMS personnel) help secure the scene, but they will also investigate the incident and fill out a police report. You will need this report to move forward with the insurance claim.
- Seek medical care. Seeking medical treatment should be the number one priority after a Portland motorcycle crash. Victims need to be seen by a doctor, even if the injuries do not seem severe. In many cases, signs and symptoms do not appear until hours after the crash. A doctor can evaluate the patient and help determine the best course of treatment.
- Gather evidence. Gathering evidence may not be possible at the scene of the accident comment depending on where the crash occurs and the severity of any injuries. If the scene is relatively safe and individuals do not need to seek treatment right away, there are various types of evidence that can be gathered. This can include using a phone to take pictures of everything that is visible, such as injuries, property damage, skid marks and debris, and more. Additionally, if there were any eyewitnesses to the incident, their names and contact information can be written down so they can be contacted later on.
- Report the incident. You need to report the incident to your motorcycle insurance carrier as soon as. Typically, we recommend reporting the incident to the insurance carrier on the same day it occurs. You should not go into much detail when you make your initial report. All the insurance carrier needs to know is that the incident has occurred, where it occurred, and whether or not you are seeking treatment for your injuries.
- Contact a lawyer. We encourage you to reach out to a skilled motorcycle accident attorney who has experience handling these claims. An attorney will have the resources to gather evidence so they can prove liability. They will also be the person to handle all communication with other parties involved, including negotiations for a settlement.
Is a Portland Motorcycle Accident Attorney Affordable?
We understand that it can be scary to think about paying for legal assistance after a motorcycle accident, but the reality is that you may not have to worry about this at all. Our team proudly handles Portland motorcycle accident claims on a contingency fee basis. This means a few things. First, we handle all upfront costs related to the motorcycle accident. This includes the cost of investigating the incident, filing the lawsuit, and preparing for a trial.
Second, motorcycle accident victims pay absolutely no legal fees until after we successfully recover the compensation they are entitled to. If we do not win the case, our clients will pay nothing. If we do recover compensation, clients will pay an agreed-upon percentage out of the final settlement or jury verdict as their legal fee.
Will Your Motorcycle Accident Case Go to Trial?
Many people wonder whether or not they will have to go to court to settle their motorcycle accident claim. It is a possibility that the case will go all the way to the courtroom, but that is less likely than you may realize.
Most motorcycle accident claims in Portland are resolved through settlements with insurance carriers. Usually, this means the insurance carrier of the at-fault party. For relatively straightforward claims where the fault is clear, a settlement could come in as little as a few weeks. However, if there is any dispute over fault or how much compensation should be paid to the crash victim, then the settlement negotiations could take months or even more than a year.
If the at-fault party or their insurance carrier refuse to offer a fair settlement to the Portland motorcycle accident victim, it may be necessary for the victim to file a lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault party. This changes the process and moves the case into the court system, but that does not necessarily mean you will have to go to court. There will be an initial discovery process when both sides will exchange evidence and take depositions from witnesses. It is not uncommon for both parties to reach a settlement agreement while the discovery process is ongoing. This would avoid the courtroom.
If no settlement agreement can be reached, then the case will need to move forward to a jury trial. If this becomes necessary, it could take a few years to resolve the matter.
Portland Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Our Portland motorcycle accident attorneys realize that you probably have a lot of questions after your accident. We’ve answered some of the most commonly-asked questions about motorcycle collisions in the following section. If your question is not answered below, please reach out to our personal injury law firm directly to schedule your free initial consultation. We are happy to discuss your unique case in greater detail.
How Long Does a Typical Motorcycle Accident Case Take?
Every motor vehicle accident is unique, and there isn’t a set timeline for how long a case may take. Your lawyer will likely need at least several months to gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, interview witnesses, and secure expert testimony. If your situation is especially complex, you suffered serious injuries, or your case goes to trial, it may take up to a year or longer. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Portland can give you an estimate of how long they think your case may take during your initial consultation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Oregon’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims is two years. This means that, under most circumstances, you must file your claim within two years of the accident or injuries you suffered. For wrongful death claims in Portland, the statute of limitations typically requires claims to be submitted within three years of the victim’s death. Our accident lawyer will explain your legal options in greater detail and help you file in compliance with the state’s time limitations on personal injury cases.
When is the Right Time to Look for an Attorney?
You should reach out to our personal injury lawyers as soon as you are healthy enough to do so after your collision. It becomes more challenging to pursue a case as time goes by, since your recollections of the incident will fade and it may be more difficult to secure essential evidence. You also run the risk of exceeding the Oregon statute of limitations if you do not promptly seek legal assistance. Our law group can offer assistance and help guide you to a solution that fits your needs and helps you deal with mounting medical costs.
Contact Our Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, call Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC today for a free case consultation.