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Motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common in the United States. Each year, thousands of motorcyclists die or suffer serious injuries in collisions involving other motor vehicles, defective vehicle parts, or dangerous road conditions, such as potholes or poorly designed streets.
When compared to the number of active motorcyclists in the country, however, the odds of being involved in a motorcycle accident are relatively slim. If you are involved in an Oregon motorcycle collision, however, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.
According to 2018 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 82,000 motorcyclists suffered injuries and 4,985 motorcyclists died in collisions across the United States. Motorcyclists were 27 times more likely to suffer a fatal injury in a collision than the average passenger car.
However, data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that approximately 8.3 million motorcycles were registered in the United States during 2018. Based on this data, approximately one percent of motorcyclists are likely to be involved in a collision.
The odds of getting into a motorcycle accident are relatively slim, but these accidents can happen to anyone. However, there are certain steps that motorcyclists can take to avoid an accident and keep themselves safe on the road.
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Oregon, you have the right to hold the at-fault driver accountable through a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim. Oregon is a fault accident state, requiring negligent drivers to pay for the damages of their victims. You can recover compensation for economic, or financial, damages through a motorcycle accident claim, as well as non-economic pain and suffering damages. Common types of compensation in Oregon motorcycle accident claims include the following.
You could also recover punitive damages, which are intended to punish the at-fault party for especially reckless or egregious behavior. If your accident involved malice, a conscious indifference for your safety, or a reckless disregard for the risk of harm, the at-fault driver may need to pay for punitive damages in addition to your other losses. For example, if you are injured by a drunk driver or someone who committed an act or road rage, your case may qualify for punitive damages.
If you are injured in an Oregon motorcycle accident, it is important to seek the help of an attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you navigate the complex litigation process and secure the compensation you need to recover. After seeking treatment for your injuries, contact a Portland motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and identify your optimal path to recovery.
