Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating. However, motorcyclists are the most vulnerable drivers on the road due to their lack of protection compared to drivers of other motor vehicles. When an accident occurs, motorcyclists are much more likely to suffer a serious or even life-threatening injury. In fact, in 2016 in the U.S., motorcycle riders were 28 times more likely to die in an accident compared to occupants of passenger vehicles. Many accidents involving motorcycles are often caused by the carelessness of other drivers of larger vehicles. Sometimes they fail to notice motorcyclists because they are not used to looking for them.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s failure to drive safely, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. At Rizk Law, we have thorough knowledge of motorcycle accident cases, including how to collect important evidence and prove negligence occurred. Our Hillsboro motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to review your situation and let you know if you have a case. Contact our attorneys today for a free, no obligation consultation. Our services are provided on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs or lawyer fees. We only receive payment from you if we are successful in recovering compensation for your case. We have helped many injury victims in Oregon recover fair compensation for damages.

Call 503.342.0783 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form today.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents and How to Avoid Them

In 2016, there were 1,085 motorcycle accidents in Oregon, with 55 of them being fatal. There are many situations that can easily cause motorcycle accidents that could lead to death or serious injury. Below are some examples of common motorcycle accidents, along with tips on how to avoid them:

Lane-Switching Accidents

These accidents happen when a car merges into a lane that is already occupied by a motorcyclist. Sometimes this is caused by the driver not checking for motorcycles, sometimes this is because drivers are not used to looking for motorcycles.

Riders can avoid this type of accident by paying attention to signs that the car is changing lanes such as the turn signal being on or the driver’s head pivoting back to check blind spots.

Head-On Collision Accidents

Head-on accidents occur when a motorist strikes a motorcycle head on, often because the driver is going the wrong way. Unfortunately, these crashes often happen when the driver is traveling at high speed, leading to serious injury.

In order to avoid these and other life-threatening accidents, the National Safety Council advises riders to keep their eyes on the road ahead, drive at an appropriate speed and wear bright, reflective clothing.

Lane-Splitting Accidents

Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives between two occupied lanes. This is most likely to occur at a traffic light or in congested traffic. Several factors make a crash more likely in this situation: the close proximity of the motorcycle and the car, reduced space in which the motorcycle has to move through or the fact that drivers are not expecting anybody to pass through them.

Avoiding these types of accidents simply comes down to not doing it. Oregon prohibits this act and if a rider is caught lane splitting, he or she can expect a hefty ticket.

Accidents Caused by Cars Turning Left

These occur when a car makes a left turn in front of the rider at an intersection. This often happen because the driver misjudges the speed of the motorcycle and how far away it is. The driver thinks he or she can make it before the motorcycle and it results in a dangerous crash.

Motorcyclists can avoid this accident caused by a car by anticipating the other drivers’ next move and looking for indicators such as if a car is far out on the intersection waiting to turn. It is not possible to predict a driver’s intentions, but it is possible to take precautions and be more alert to avoid a crash by slowing down or maneuvering around the approaching car.

Accidents Caused by Intoxication

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol plays a major role in motorcycle accidents, whether the person who is intoxicated is the motorcycle rider or another driver. Alcohol impairs judgment, vision and reaction time. This can be especially dangerous for other drivers, who often do not see motorcyclists.

If you or a loved one have been in a motorcycle accident, contact our Hillsboro personal injury lawyers at Rizk Law today to learn about your legal rights. Our Hillsboro motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through the process, pursuing the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Call us at 503.342.0783 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Some of the more common injuries from motorcycle crashes are listed below ranging from moderate to severe:

  • Road rash
  • Biker’s arm
  • Leg injuries, including fractures and sprains and strains
  • Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries

Contact our attorneys today at 503.342.0783 and let us get started on your case.

Compensation for A Motorcycle Accident in Hillsboro

Dealing with a motorcycle accident can be a very traumatic experience. It is often not easy to heal from injuries from motorcycle accidents. Medical bills can easily pile up and if you are unable to work because of your injuries, the added expenses can become overwhelming and take a huge financial toll on you and your family.

An experienced Hillsboro motorcycle accident lawyer understands that this is a difficult time for you and your family. Our attorneys may be able to help you recover the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on your health and recovery without having to worry about how to afford the care you need.

The compensation you may be entitled to after a motorcycle crash includes:

  • Past, present and future medical expenses
  • Wages lost from not being able to work
  • Physical therapy or rehabilitation
  • Pain and suffering, which might be available in a lawsuit

Contact our attorneys by filling out a Free Case Evaluation form today.

Contact our Hillsboro Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

Our attorneys are ready to accommodate your legal needs. We have helped many families in Hillsboro and the surrounding area get the justice and compensation needed to move forward with their lives. We can walk you through every step of the legal process and answer any questions you may have.

Contact us today for a free consultation at no risk to you. We work on a contingency fee basis which means that there are no upfront costs or lawyer fees. We only receive payment from you if we are successful recovering compensation for your case.

Call us today and let us get started on your case at 503.342.0783.