Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Oregon?

Motorcycle accidents can occur at any time, in any place—including Oregon. These collisions can result in very serious injuries and devastating fatalities, leading to financial hardship, emotional trauma, and severe physical pain. Due to the nature of these accidents, motorcycle crashes are more likely to occur in certain locations than others. If you are operating a motorcycle on Oregon roads, it is important to stay vigilant and keep yourself safe while riding in dangerous locations.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can occur due to many factors. In some cases, a defective part may cause a motorcyclist to lose control of his or her vehicle and skid off the road. Poor weather conditions, low visibility, and improperly maintained roads may also lead to these collisions. In many accidents, however, the negligence of another driver is responsible for the accident.

The most common causes of motorcycle accidents often include the following.

• Unsafe lane changes
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Failure to notice Portland pedestrians
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Turning left without checking for motorcyclists
• Opening a car door into traffic
• Running a red light or a stop sign

Frequent Motorcycle Collision Sites

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some of the most common locations for motorcycle accidents include intersections and urban roads. Data from 2017 showed that 35 percent of motorcycle accident fatalities occurred at intersections and that 60 percent of these collisions happened in urban areas. In particular, many motorcycle accidents occur on freeways. 

Many intersection-related collisions occur when a motorist fails to check for oncoming vehicles before making a left-hand turn and collides into an oncoming motorcyclist. These accidents may also occur when a motorist sideswipes a motorcyclist while he or she is attempting to make a left turn. These accidents are the fault of the motorist because he or she fails to check his or her blind spot or yield the right of way.

Other accidents may occur on freeways due to a number of reasons. A driver may be speeding and collide with a motorcyclist on the road. A motorist may also make an unsafe lane change without checking his or her blind spot, colliding with a motorcyclist who is traveling in the lane. 

What to Do After an Oregon Motorcycle Accident

If you are injured in an Oregon motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Through an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver, you can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more. However, you will need to gather enough evidence to clearly establish the other driver’s fault. 

Motorcyclists are often subject to unfair scrutiny during the claims process, so the actions you take immediately after the collision will have a significant impact on your case. First, call 911 and report the accident to law enforcement. The responding officer will then create a police report that you can use in your case. Next, go seek emergency medical attention, even if you feel uninjured. Your medical records will serve as foundational evidence in your claim.

If you are able to walk around the accident scene, take photographs of your injuries and property damage, and collect contact information from witnesses. Exchange license, contact, and insurance details with the other driver. After you receive medical attention, contact an Portland motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your case and legal options.