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Road Conditions That Can Lead to Serious Motorcycle Accidents In Portland

Posted on August 19, 2022 in

In Oregon, motorcyclists are often vulnerable to dangerous accidents caused by hazardous road conditions. In many cases, these preventable hazards arise due to the negligence of a government agency. If you are a motorcyclist, it’s important to be aware of these dangerous road conditions and ride carefully. In the event of an accident caused by road hazards, you may be entitled to financial compensation from the at-fault agency.

Common Road Hazards for Motorcyclists

Road hazards can affect motorcyclists more than they affect drivers. While a large car can easily drive over gravel or potholes on the road, a motorcycle can spin out of control when it encounters any debris or defects.  Additionally, roads aren’t usually designed with motorcycles in mind. A road may have blind corners or rough pavement that can put motorcyclists at risk of severe injury and even death. Below are just some of the common road conditions that can lead to serious motorcycle accidents:

  • Potholes
  • Loose gravel
  • Uneven or rough pavement
  • Poorly designed roads
  • Missing or incorrect traffic signs
  • Debris from construction zones
  • Animal carcasses
  • Ice, rain, and snow build-up
  • Defective traffic lights
  • Tree branches and vegetation

Filing a Claim Against a Government Agency in Oregon

Certain government agencies have a duty to ensure that the roads under their jurisdiction are safe and free from defects. If any hazards arise, these agencies must respond and resolve the issue as soon as reasonably possible.  Many accidents caused by dangerous road conditions are preventable. If you are injured while riding your motorcycle, you have the right to pursue a lawsuit against the government agency who was responsible for keeping the road safe.  Through your claim, you could recover financial compensation to help pay for your accident-related losses, such as:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages and future earnings
  • Disability accommodations
  • Pain and suffering

The Statute of Limitations for Claims Against the Government

Claims against a government agency must be filed within specific time limits following your accident. These deadlines will depend on what type of agency is responsible for your accident.  For example, say that you are filing a claim under the Oregon Tort Claims Act (OTCA), which applies to state and local agencies. You will need to file a notice of your motorcycle accident claim within 180 days. If you are filing a claim over the wrongful death of a loved one, you have one year from the date of your loved one’s death to provide notice. If you are severely injured or legally incapacitated following the accident, you will have an additional 90 days after the motorcycle accident to notify the government.

Speak to an Attorney About Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

Lawsuits against government agencies follow a different set of rules than other types of motorcycle accident claims. To recover fair compensation, you need an attorney on your side who can guide you through the litigation process.  A Portland motorcycle accident attorney will understand these complex legal claims and can help you meet their statutory requirements. As soon as possible after your collision, contact an Oregon motorcycle accident lawyer for guidance on your next steps.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Portland, OR – Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers

If you were injured in an accident in Portland, OR, please contact our Portland motorcycle accident lawyers at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We serve all Portland neighborhoods and all throughout Multnomah County.

Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers
101 SW Main St. #1905
Portland, OR, 97204
(503) 272-8986
Open 24/7

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