Oregon Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Automobile accidents are frightening. But what happens when you strip away the pounds of protective metal in favor of a helmet and a pair of gloves? The crash becomes exponentially more deadly. This is why you need a local Beaverton and Portland motorcycle accident attorney to represent your interests and handle your motorcycle accident lawsuit while you recuperate.

Regardless of who is at fault, the person on the motorcycle will often sustain worse injuries than the person driving the car or truck, because they are more vulnerable.

We’ve developed a few commonly asked questions received at Paul Galm to help guide you through the process after a motorcycle accident in Beaverton or Portland, Oregon:

1. What steps should I take after an accident?

The first thing you should do is determine what kind of medical treatment you need. If you are injured or in pain, you must see a doctor immediately. If you feel well enough at the scene, take pictures of everything around you and the accident. If there were witnesses, get their names and contact information. If you have a motorcycle accident, make sure to look at the road and surrounding objects or debris.After you gather evidence, call the police. Once the police have been called, open a claim with your insurance so they can take care of your medical costs.

2. How long do I have to file a claim?

Generally, you have two years to file a claim. If you’re under 18, the statue tolls until you turn 18. The time for commencing an action may not be extended for more than five years, or for more than one year after the person attains 18 years of age, whichever occurs first.

3. How long should the investigation and claims process last before reaching a settlement?

Because it’s hard to know just how bad your injuries are, Paul Galm recommends waiting until you’ve completed treatment before reaching a settlement. When you’re healthier, then an attorney can start the process of collecting all your medical documents, speaking with your doctor, assessing your case and then sending a demand if appropriate. From there, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to reach a settlement or verdict through your lawyer.

4. Even if I’m not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, can I still recover damages from the bad driver?

Yes and no. Not wearing a helmet alone does not automatically bar a claim. However, a jury will weigh the question of whether your injuries were caused or exacerbated by the fact that you were not wearing a helmet, and that may diminish your recovery.

5. Can a motorcycle passenger bring a claim?

Yes, absolutely. A motorcycle passenger can bring a claim against either the bad driver who caused the accident, the motorcycle driver themselves, or a third party. For example: if the road is a hazard that the city has failed to fix—such as debris in the road, large potholes or blind corners with no signage, then you potentially can bring a claim against the city or state.

Motorcycle riders who do not wear a helmet are especially at risk of head injuries, brain injuries and death. With a local Beaverton & Portland motorcycle accident attorney advocating for you, you can focus on getting healthy and getting back to the road. As an Oregon motorcycle accident lawyer, Paul Galm has helped many motorcyclists receive the compensation they deserve.

Possible causes of motorcycle accidents can include:

• Car drivers who don’t pay attention to their surroundings
• Car drivers who do not look in their mirrors for motorcycles or bicyclists
• Swerving or sideswiping motorcyclists
• A driver who is intoxicated
• A driver who is operating their car without proper maintenance of safety features, such as the brake system

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident and need to speak with an experienced, compassionate advocate, reach out to Paul Galm today. The first call is always free, so you have nothing to lose.

Paul C. Galm has extensive experience in motorcycle accident litigation. Most cases at Paul Galm are referral-based because once you work with Paul, you will understand his commitment to helping you with your claim so you can get the funds and justice you deserve.