Eugene Motorcycle
Accident Lawyer

We Handle Motorcycle Accident Claims in Eugene and Throughout Oregon

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Eugene’s open roads and scenic routes make it a great place to ride. Sadly, a motorcycle accident can change a peaceful day on the road into a catastrophic event. Even the most careful motorcyclist can fall victim to distracted drivers, poor road conditions, or reckless behavior. 

Unlike drivers in cars, motorcyclists have little protection in a crash. This results in serious injuries and overwhelming medical expenses. When this happens, having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference. 

Our legal team at Johnston is committed to standing up for injured riders in Oregon. We can navigate you through the legal system and get the help you need to move forward. Call our law firm today or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. 

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Eugene, Oregon

Motorcycle accidents can happen for many reasons, but some patterns appear more commonly than others. 

The following are some common causes of motorcycle crashes: 

• Speeding: Driving over the posted speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries. Even a minor error at high speed can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
• Driver inattention: One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents is when other drivers fail to notice a motorcycle or misjudge its speed. This often results in left-turn collisions at intersections, where a car turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle. 
• Unsafe lane changes: Motorcycles can easily fall into blind spots. Drivers who change lanes without checking mirrors or signaling can sideswipe a motorcycle or force the rider off the road. 
• Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs contributes to a significant number of motorcycle crashes. Impaired judgment and slowed reflexes can cause both riders and drivers to make fatal mistakes. 
• Poor road conditions: Potholes, loose gravel, uneven pavement, and debris are far more dangerous to motorcycles than to larger vehicles. A small road hazard can cause a rider to lose control or crash. 
• Following too closely: Tailgating a motorcycle is extremely risky. This is because motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars, so a driver following too closely can easily rear-end the rider and cause serious injuries. 
• Lack of visibility: Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars. Low lighting, poor weather, and dark clothing can make it harder for drivers to see riders until it is too late. 

Motorcycle Accidents Can Cause Severe Injuries

Due to the lack of protective barriers, motorcyclists often suffer serious, life-changing injuries in a crash. Statistics show that in Oregon, there were 24,264 injuries caused by distracted driving accidents between 2017 and 2021.

Injuries caused by distracted driving accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries 
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Road rash and severe abrasions
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Facial injuries or dental trauma
• Amputations or permanent disfigurement

These injuries can require long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Serious injuries may prevent an accident victim from returning to work temporarily or even permanently. 

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Eugene

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect your health and your legal rights:

• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to show symptoms
• Report the accident: File a police report as soon as possible
• Document the accident scene: Take photos of the accident, your injuries, vehicle damage, and road conditions
• Get contact information: Collect names, numbers, and insurance details from other drivers and witnesses
• Avoid giving statements: Do not admit fault or provide recorded statements to insurers without legal advice
• Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer: The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the stronger your case will be

Understanding Oregon’s Comparative Negligence Law and How It Could Affect Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence system. This law can significantly impact your motorcycle accident case, especially if fault is shared between you and another party. 

Under a comparative negligence system, each party is assigned a percentage of fault. Your ability to recover compensation depends on your level of responsibility for the crash. 

In Oregon, if you are 0-50 percent at fault, you can still recover damages. But your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51 percent or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation. 

Let’s say, for example, your total damages after a motorcycle accident are $100,000. If you’re found 20 percent at fault, you would still receive $80,000. However, if you’re found to share 51 percent of fault, under Oregon law, you wouldn’t receive anything from the at-fault party. 

Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Eugene Motorcycle Accident

After being injured in a motorcycle accident, your world may feel like it’s been turned upside down. You’re likely facing physical injuries, the emotional toll of the recovery, mounting medical expenses, and legal challenges. 

This is where a motorcycle accident lawyer becomes not just helpful, but essential. Let’s consider some reasons why hiring a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer is one of the most important decisions you can make after a crash. 

Understanding Oregon’s motorcycle laws and local regulations

Oregon has specific laws regarding things such as:

• Motorcycle safety
• Helmet use
• Licensing
• Lane usage

A local personal injury lawyer will know these laws and how they apply to your case. This helps ensure your rights are protected from the start. 

Gathering evidence to support your case

To win your motorcycle accident case, you’ll need strong evidence proving fault and liability.

Your personal injury lawyer can help gather evidence such as:

• Police reports
• Medical records
• Eyewitness statements
• Dashcam footage
• Cell phone records

Your motorcycle accident lawyer may also work with accident reconstructionists to show how the crash unfolded. 

Dealing with insurance companies

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They often offer motorcycle accident victims less than their claim is worth. 

A personal injury lawyer will handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf. He or she will negotiate for a fair settlement and ensure that every category of damages is accounted for so that you don’t settle for less than you deserve. 

Knowing the area

A local lawyer understands the roads, traffic patterns, and common accident spots around Eugene. That local knowledge supports your case. Plus, local lawyers are apart of the community and are invested in helping their neighbors. 

Providing you with peace of mind

After a crash, your main focus should be on healing, not on paperwork and legal deadlines. When you hire a lawyer, he or she will handle the legal side of things so you can focus on getting better. Most personal injury attorneys don’t charge anything up front and only get paid if they win your case. 

Don’t miss out on these common personal injury mistakes.

Get the legal counsel you need to guide you through the process of filing an injury claim.

Compensation Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims in Eugene, Oregon

If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve maximum compensation for your losses. The following are some of the damages available to motorcycle accident victims. 

Medical expenses

This covers all accident-related healthcare costs, such as:

• Emergency room visits
• Ambulance services
• Hospital stays
• Surgical procedures
• Specialist consultations
• Prescription medication
• Medical equipment
• Physical therapy
• Future medical care needs

Lost wages

You could get compensation for income lost while recovering from your injuries. This includes:

• Time missed from work
• Sick leave or vacation time used during recovery
• Lost bonuses, commissions, or freelance income

Loss of earning capacity

If your injuries resulted in long-term or permanent disability, you may recover compensation for:

• Reduced ability to perform your job
• Inability to return to your prior profession
• Need for retraining or lower-paying work

Expert testimony from vocational or economic experts is often used to calculate these losses.

Property damage

Your situation may qualify you for reimbursement of damaged or destroyed personal property, such as:

• Your motorcycle repair or replacement
• Helmet, riding gear, cell phone, or saddlebags
• Custom parts or upgrades on the bike

Out-of-pocket expenses

Includes miscellaneous costs tied directly to the accident:

• Transportation to and from medical appointments
• Home modifications
• In-home care or assistance with daily tasks

Pain and suffering

This category of damages is for physical pain caused by:

• Broken bones, burns, road rash, soft-tissue injuries
• Chronic pain conditions that develop after the accident
• Ongoing discomfort from surgeries or long-term rehabilitation

Loss of enjoyment of life

This applies when an injury prevents you from enjoying hobbies, sports, or daily activities you once loved. For example, if you can no longer ride or hike due to a leg injury. Another example would be a parent who struggles to play with his or her children after suffering back damage.

Emotional distress

Many victims experience psychological symptoms, such as:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety, depression, and insomnia
• Fear of riding again
• Fear of traveling

Psychiatric records, therapy notes, and witness testimony can help support these types of personal injury claims.