Serious Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Medford OR

Serious Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Medford OR

Motorcycle accidents are some of the worst accidents that a person can go through. These accidents unfortunately can be quite severe and even fatal in many instances. They also happen for a variety of different reasons that many times are out of the motorcycle riders’ control. If you, a friend, a family member, or someone you know have recently been in a motorcycle accident then it’s important to understand that lawsuit or case can be made against the at-fault party. Compensation for pain and suffering as well as a variety of other things may be available. Reach out to a serious motorcycle accident lawyer in Medford, OR from Andersen & Linthorst to get your case started.

How Motorcycle Accidents Happen

Motorcycle accidents happen for a variety of different reasons. One of the most common reasons is from lack of awareness from other vehicles on the road. A distracted driver is a dangerous driver and may not notice a motorcycle ahead of them or beside them. Their lack of awareness and negligence has led to numerous motorcycle riders being seriously injured. Another common reason is due to poor road maintenance. Many roads are poorly maintained and lack proper smooth surfaces free from potholes or large bumps. Roads should be safe to drive on whether you are in a car, truck, or on a motorcycle. 

How a Lawyer Can Help

A Medford, OR serious motorcycle accident lawyer can be of great assistance following a motorcycle accident. Our lawyers will take the time to better understand the situation and circumstances involved with your motorcycle accident. We will conduct our own investigation into fault and ensure that each document corresponding to the accident is reviewed for accuracy and logic. We also will be there every step of the way to answer any questions and provide the guidance that you may need. With our experience, skills, and knowledge at Andersen & Linthorst dealing with numerous motorcycle accident cases over the years, we know we can help you as well.

Potential Damages Available

Damages in the form of compensation or other benefits may be available to victims of a serious motorcycle accident. Some of those damages include:

Lost wages from work – If the accident is severe enough to keep the victim from going to work then lost wages may be compensated both for the past wages lost following the crash as well as future lost wages.

Pain and suffering – Pain and suffering will be a determined amount that is given to the victim of the accident. Each accident is different and depending on the circumstances the amount paid out could be significant. No one should be left to suffer the pain due to someone else’s clear fault with no repercussions.

Bills and sessions compensated – Doctor’s visits, therapy sessions, medical bills, and other accident-related expenses are generally paid for from the case. Again, no one should be left to pay all of the bills from their accident when it was out of their control and caused by someone else’s poor decision-making or lack of judgment. 

5 Common Injuries Following a Motorcycle Accident

Any crash can result in disastrous injuries, whether you’re driving a well-protected truck or riding on the back of a motorcycle. Motorcycle injuries, however, have a greater potential to cause severe injuries than a car crash. Let’s take a look at five of the most common injuries following a motorcycle accident according to a Medford, OR serious motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm, Andersen & Linthorst:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A study published by NHTSA found that out of 104,472 motorcyclists injured in crashes and dealing with TBI, 15 percent wore helmets, while 21 percent wore no helmets. Traumatic brain injuries cover a wide range and can range from minor concussions that require a few days at the hospital to severe injuries that dramatically change a person’s brain functions to death. While wearing a helmet can protect a motorcyclist from these injuries, the same study from NHTSA found roughly 54 percent of riders suffering from TBI didn’t survive.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are also extremely scary and can even lead to paralysis and being able to walk again. While it’s possible to recover from spinal cord injuries, more often than not, the victim will have a permanent disability, like never being able to walk again. Even if the victim does manage to walk again, they may have reduced mobility issues and may not be able to continue working at their old job let alone ride a motorcycle again.

Internal Injuries 

Following a motorcycle or automobile accident of any kind, it’s vital to visit your primary care provider. Blunt-force trauma can quickly cause internal injuries, leading to issues like internal bleeding or bruising. Unfortunately, it can be hard to notice the extent of an internal injury because they’re well-hidden. Some minor pain or stiffness may actually be damage to your organs. Always call EMTs following an accident and have everyone at the scene be checked. It doesn’t hurt to follow up with your primary care provider the next day either. Then, you can contact a Medford serious motorcycle accident lawyer for help.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Motorcycles aren’t the most stable and can fall on a rider following a crash. Even a car backing out and accidentally “tapping” a motorcycle can lead to an issue. Crashes happen in an instant and a motorcyclist’s leg can get trapped under their bike. Alongside their legs getting fractured or broken, instinct might take over and a cyclist might try to use their arms to prevent a fall by catching themselves. Upon doing so, they can fracture their arms or wrists.

Road Rashes

At first, road rash may sound like a minor injury that you got when you fell off your bicycle or scooter as a kid. However, when riding a motorcycle, you’re going much faster. Combined with the impact of a vehicle, making contact with the road at a high, volatile speed can result in severe road rash injuries that will necessitate immediate medical attention. These road rash injuries can cause permanent scarring and infections. Again, even if you appear fine following a crash, besides a few scrapes here and there, you’ll still want to seek medical attention to ensure there are no internal injuries. Then, contact a Medford serious motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm, Andersen & Linthorst for help.

Medford Serious Motorcycle Accident Infographic

Legal Counsel

While being the victim of a motorcycle accident can be an extremely difficult thing to go through it’s important to know that help exists. The person or party who caused this accident should be held responsible for their poor actions. Expenses and suffering are things that should be compensated to the victim. Reach out to us today to speak with a Medford, OR serious motorcycle accident lawyer at Andersen & Linthorst to get your case started.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

As a Medford, OR serious motorcycle accident lawyer can confirm, motorcycle accidents often result in injuries. Motorcyclists are more likely to sustain severe injuries than motorists because they don’t have the protection of a vehicle. Here are the most common motorcycle accident injuries.

Road rash

Motorcyclists can get thrown off their bike and slide across the pavement during an accident. This can result in road rash, which may peel away multiple layers of skin. Those who suffer road rash may experience severe pain, infection and even nerve damage. Motorcyclists can reduce the severity of road rash by wearing leather clothing.

Head injuries

When motorcyclists get thrown off their bike in an accident, they may hit their head against the pavement or another object. Head injuries are one of the most serious injuries they can endure during an accident. Common symptoms include nausea, confusion, dizziness, headache and sensitivity to noise and light. Serious head injuries can cause long-term cognitive, physical and behavioral problems.

Burns

Sometimes a motorcycle’s gas tank can spill during an accident. When this occurs, motorcyclists are in danger of suffering severe burns. In addition to causing excruciating pain, burns can lead to infection, breathing problems and permanent scarring. Skin grafts may have to be performed.

Broken bones

In a motorcyclist accident, motorcyclists can also break bones in their legs, arms, pelvis and ribs. As a Medford serious motorcycle accident lawyer can explain, surgery may be required if a bone is broken in more than one place. You may also need to attend physical therapy.

Spinal cord injuries

Motorcyclists may also suffer spinal cord injuries when thrown off their bicycles. In the most severe cases, spinal cord injuries can cause permanent paralysis. As a result, accident victims may not be able to work again and need assistance with basic tasks.

Biker’s arm

During an accident, it is a motorcyclists instinct to throw their arms around their body to lessen the impact. Unfortunately, this can damage the bones and nerves in the arms and hands. Sometimes this can lead to permanent nerve damage in the arms.

Facial injuries

When motorcyclists hit the ground in an accident, they may sustain various facial injuries, like dental injuries, broken facial bones and eye injuries. Although these injuries might not be life-threatening, they can lead to disfigurement, which can affect a person’s self-esteem.

Amputation

If a motorcyclist’s body gets trapped between two objects in an accident, his or her limbs may get crushed. If a limb can’t be saved, it will have to be amputated, which can be life-changing. They may need to wear prosthetics and have to relearn how to do basic tasks.

Emotional injuries

Motorcycle injuries are not just physical. As a Medford serious motorcycle accident lawyer can attest, some accident victims may also suffer emotional issues, like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They can benefit from attending mental health counseling.

Medford Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are more than 82,000 people who suffer motorcycle injuries in the United States. Each year. Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be killed in a crash than car occupants and are four times more likely to be injured in a crash than car occupants.

Medford Serious Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Experienced Medford, OR serious motorcycle accident lawyers are familiar with the complex nature of such accidents. However, along with the thrills, they come with an increased risk of serious accidents. It’s crucial for motorcyclists and motorists alike to be familiar with the laws governing motorcycle accidents in Oregon. This ensures that in case of an unfortunate incident, they are equipped with the knowledge needed to protect their rights.

The Legal Framework Surrounding Motorcycle Accidents

Some states are known as “fault” states.  This means that the party at fault for causing the accident is also responsible for any resulting damages. After an accident, the injured party can choose to file a claim with their insurance company, the at-fault driver’s insurance company, or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

The statute of limitations is an important legal concept applicable in personal injury accidents. Victims have two years from the date of the accident to initiate a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in the loss of the right to compensation. Oregon follows the doctrine of comparative negligence. If both parties are found at fault, the compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of each party’s fault. For instance, if a motorcyclist is found to be 30% at fault and the other driver 70%, the motorcyclist’s compensation would be reduced by 30%.

Motorcycle-Specific Regulations In Oregon

Motorcyclists in Oregon are subject to a few specific rules, which, if violated, can have an impact on claims following an accident. One of the primary requirements is the use of helmets. Oregon law mandates all riders and passengers, regardless of age, to wear an approved safety helmet. Not wearing a helmet can not only result in a fine but also influence the outcome of an injury claim after an accident. Furthermore, lane splitting, a practice where motorcyclists ride between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, is illegal in Oregon. Any cyclists who practiced lane splitting may face charges if there is evidence against them.

The Role Of A Medford Serious Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

While understanding the above laws is essential, navigating the legal aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be intricate and challenging. This is where a Medford serious motorcycle accident lawyer comes into play. They possess deep insights into Oregon’s legal framework and can guide victims through the complex process of claims and compensation. Experienced lawyers, like the team at Andersen & Linthorst, can assess the situation, gather crucial evidence, interact with insurance companies, and ensure that the victim’s rights are vehemently protected. Furthermore, a Medford serious motorcycle accident lawyer can also help victims determine the accurate value of their claim. This also includes missed wages, medical bills, pain and suffering and other loses that they may have suffered. 

Securing Your Rights And Future

Accidents, especially involving motorcycles, can be life-altering. It’s not just about the physical injuries; the emotional and financial impacts can be long-lasting. Understanding the laws is the first step, but having a competent ally by your side is equally essential. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Oregon, reaching out to an accident lawyer can make a significant difference. Protect your rights and reach out to a trusted Medford serious motorcycle accident lawyer near you. 

Frequently Accident Questions For Motorcycle Victims

Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that forever change a victim’s life, which is why seeking a Medford, OR serious motorcycle accident lawyer will be one of the first steps that victims should take. The life-altering impact of these accidents can leave victims facing severe losses, and because of this, it’s crucial to recoup some of what has been lost due to an accident that was the fault of another party. Accidents of this nature can result in long recovery times, and, despite this, victims may still experience injuries that they will never fully recover from. Because of this, Andersen & Linthorst recommend that victims hire legal representation immediately to receive the answers to their questions and the legal support they deserve. 

What initial steps should be taken after a motorcycle accident?

Following a motorcycle, there are several steps that victims should take. While some should happen at the accident scene, others may be necessary for the weeks and months after. While these steps are essential, it’s also necessary to note that sometimes in the immediate aftermath of an accident, these steps may be challenging if injuries are too severe. Steps to take include:

• Moving to safety
• Contacting law enforcement
• Contacting emergency services
• Gathering information from the responsible party
• Seeking emergency medical treatment
• Gathering as much evidence as possible
• Following through with medical recommendations
• Contacting an experienced Medford serious motorcycle accident lawyer

Why is medical treatment immediately after an accident so imperative?

After an accident, one of the most important things a victim can do is seek medical treatment, even if they do not believe they have been injured. There are several reasons this is important. Not only does medical treatment ensure that all injuries are properly diagnosed and treated, but medical treatment also provides critical pieces of evidence that will be incredibly helpful should victims pursue an accident claim. 

What should a victim do if the insurance company has contacted them?

It’s not uncommon for insurance claims adjusters to contact accident victims when a claim has been assigned to them. When they open a claim, they will begin investigating the claim to determine whether negligence was a factor and that damages are as significant as the victim presented them to be. While these calls may appear harmless, victims should proceed with caution and refer to their lawyer for support to avoid saying anything that could impact their case. 

What is the value of a motorcycle accident case?

When meeting with a lawyer, most victims want to know what their case may be worth. While this is an obvious question when considering whether to move forward with a claim, the true value of a case cannot be determined until a lawyer has had the time to review the details of the case. Upon meeting with a lawyer, victims will discuss their case and share the facts and the losses they have experienced. At this point, a lawyer will be able to determine the approximate value of the case. It’s important to note that a lawyer will play a critical role in obtaining a fair settlement offer because, without one, victims put themselves at risk of accepting a lowball offer from the insurance company. 

How long does resolving a legal case after a motorcycle crash take?

There are two routes victims can take when pursuing legal compensation for the damages they are facing. Victims can pursue a legal claim with the insurance company or a lawsuit. While in most cases, the case will be initiated through the claims process, the timeframes can vary. When pursuing a legal claim, victims may resolve their case in a matter of months, while moving forward with a lawsuit can take a year or more to settle. 

Motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic, and working with a Medford serious motorcycle accident lawyer like those from Andersen & Linthorst is recommended to achieve the best possible outcome. 

Andersen & Linthorst, Medford Serious Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

1730 E. McAndrews Rd. Suite A Medford, Oregon 97504

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Motorcycle accidents in Medford, OR, have been a significant concern, highlighting the need for increased safety measures and awareness among both riders and motorists. The law firm of Andersen & Linthorst, specializing in motorcycle accident cases, has observed a troubling trend in these accidents, many of which are caused by factors such as speeding, lack of proper safety gear, and inattentiveness from other drivers. Their analysis underscores the importance of education and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to protect motorcyclists. Andersen & Linthorst’s commitment to representing affected individuals emphasizes the need for legal expertise in navigating the complexities of accident claims, while also advocating for better safety practices to reduce the incidence of these often devastating accidents.

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"It was an absolute pleasure working with this team. They eased my anxiety every step of the way. They were all very professional, kind, understanding and knowledgeable. I would recommend them to anyone seeking help. Thank you all so much!"
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