Portland Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Most motorcycle riders know the risks that come with sharing Portland’s roads, but they cannot control the careless decisions made by other drivers. A driver who changes lanes without checking a blind spot, turns left across oncoming traffic, or glances at a phone for just a few seconds can leave a rider with catastrophic injuries and years of physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Unfortunately, those same drivers and their insurance companies often try to shift the blame onto the motorcyclist instead of accepting responsibility.

At D’Amore Law Group, you can work with an experienced Portland motorcycle accident lawyer who understands the unique challenges these cases present. Motorcycle crashes are different from other motor vehicle accidents, not only because riders often suffer more severe injuries, but because insurers frequently rely on unfair assumptions about motorcycles and the people who ride them. We know how to investigate these collisions, preserve critical evidence, and demonstrate what actually caused the crash.

Whether your accident occurred on I-5, Highway 26, a neighborhood street, or a busy Portland intersection, our team is prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, contact D’Amore Law Group at 503-222-6333  for a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights under Oregon law.

Oregon Motorcycle Accident Facts and Statistics

Despite accounting for only a small percentage of vehicles on Oregon roads, motorcycles remain disproportionately involved in serious and fatal crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are approximately 22 times more likely to die in a traffic crash per vehicle mile traveled than occupants of passenger vehicles. Riders also face a substantially greater risk of catastrophic injuries because motorcycles lack the structural protections provided by seat belts, airbags, and enclosed passenger compartments.

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) crash data continues to show that motorcycle crashes frequently result in severe injuries or fatalities, particularly on higher-speed roadways and at intersections where drivers fail to yield the right-of-way. Many collisions occur when motorists make left turns in front of approaching motorcycles, change lanes without checking blind spots, or simply fail to notice an approaching rider.

While insurance companies often attempt to blame the motorcyclist, studies consistently show that another driver’s negligence is responsible for many serious motorcycle crashes. Whether the collision involved distracted driving, impaired driving, unsafe lane changes, or failure to yield, identifying the true cause of the crash is essential to recovering full compensation. 

Organizations such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) continue to promote rider education and defensive riding techniques, but even experienced riders cannot prevent every negligent driver’s mistake. When those mistakes result in catastrophic injuries, experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in protecting your financial future.

Why Motorcycle Accident Victims in Oregon and Washington Choose D’Amore Law Group

• We Know Insurers Blame Riders — and We Fight Back — Insurance companies routinely assume motorcyclists were at fault. Our attorneys know how to counter that bias with evidence and build a case around what actually caused the crash.
• Proven Track Record Representing Seriously Injured Riders — Our Portland motorcycle accident attorneys have consistently represented clients injured in serious crashes and have a proven record of achieving favorable outcomes through aggressive, strategic litigation.
• Deep Knowledge of Oregon and Washington Motorcycle Law — We understand comparative fault rules in both states, meaning we can pursue compensation for you even when liability is disputed or shared.
• We Handle the Full Range of Catastrophic Injuries — From traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage to multiple fractures and permanent disfigurement, we understand the long-term impact of serious motorcycle crashes and fight for damages that reflect it.
• Thorough, Customized Case Investigation — No two motorcycle accidents are alike. We conduct a full investigation of every case to develop a litigation strategy built around the specific facts of your situation.
• No Fee Unless We Win — Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless D’Amore Law Group recovers compensation for you.

The injuries typically associated with automobile accidents can be devastating and have life-changing consequences. These include TBIs (Traumatic Brain Injury), multiple bone fractures, spinal cord damage leading to permanent paralysis, lasting facial disfiguration, and more. In some instances, a motorcycle accident may lead to a wrongful death claim when the rider’s injuries are fatal.

It is not surprising that motorcyclists experience higher accident, fatality, and injury rates than automobile passengers who are protected by the car’s metal frame, seat belts, and airbags. If you or a loved one sustained serious injuries or were killed while operating a motorcycle due to the negligence of a motor vehicle driver, you deserve competent legal counsel who can assist you in obtaining the damages you are owed so you can focus on your recovery. Contact our highly skilled Portland motorcycle accident lawyers to discuss your case.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Portland and Oregon

No two motorcycle accidents are alike. At D’Amore Law Group, we will conduct a full investigation of your case to develop a customized litigation strategy. These are just a few of the potentially hazardous road conditions and negligent driving practices that can put motorcyclists in peril:

• Sudden lane changes that impede the path of the motorcycle rider
• Failure of automobile drivers to check blind spots before turning
• Distracted driving or driving under the influence of medication, drugs, or alcohol
• Ignorance of applicable traffic laws and signals
• Defective motorcycle components and add-on features
• Poorly designed or negligently managed roads

Motorcycle Accidents and the Role of Comparative Fault

In motorcycle accident cases, insurance companies frequently place the blame on the victim. They assume that the rider was being reckless or negligent and that he or she is to blame for his or her own injuries. Of course, this assumption is often severely misguided. Motorcycle accidents are frequently the result of other drivers’ mistakes. From driving under the influence of texting and using social media behind the wheel, drivers routinely make mistakes that put motorcycle riders’ lives at risk.

But, what if you were partially at fault? What if you were riding beyond your limits, or what if you were speeding so that you could get to work on time? Under the “comparative fault” laws of Oregon and Washington, you may still be entitled to financial compensation. In Oregon, under Oregon Revised Statute 31.600, you can recover partial compensation as long as you were not primarily at fault (i.e., 51% or more) for the accident. In Washington, you can recover partial compensation regardless of who was primarily responsible.

Suppose your damages total $100,000 (which could easily be the case after an accident in which you went down). Let’s also assume that, under the circumstances of the accident, you would be deemed 50% at fault in the crash. In both Oregon and Washington, you would still be entitled to the financial recovery of $50,000.

However, regardless of the circumstances involved, you should never assume that you were at fault in a collision. Even if you made a mistake, this mistake could have been entirely irrelevant to the cause of the crash. In order to determine who was at fault and how much you are entitled to recover, you need to speak with a lawyer, and you need to do so before you say anything to the insurance companies that could jeopardize your claim.

Oregon’s Deadline for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit

One of the most important legal deadlines following a motorcycle accident is Oregon’s statute of limitations. Under Oregon Revised Statute 12.110, most injured riders have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently prevent you from recovering compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be.

While two years may seem like plenty of time, building a successful motorcycle accident claim often requires collecting evidence long before that deadline arrives. Surveillance footage may be erased, accident scenes change, witnesses become difficult to locate, and physical evidence can disappear if it is not preserved promptly.

Certain situations may involve different deadlines or additional legal requirements. Wrongful death claims, claims involving injured minors, and accidents involving government-owned vehicles may all be subject to separate rules or notice requirements. Because these exceptions can significantly affect your rights, it is important to speak with a Portland motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash.

The earlier an attorney becomes involved, the sooner evidence can be preserved, and your claim can be positioned for the strongest possible outcome.

Oregon Motorcycle Laws Every Rider Should Know

Motorcycle riders enjoy many of the same rights as other motorists, but they are also subject to several laws that apply specifically to motorcycles. Understanding these rules can help protect both your safety and your legal claim after an accident.

Helmet Requirements

Oregon Revised Statutes 814.269 and 814.275 require both motorcycle operators and passengers to wear approved helmets while riding. In Oregon, failing to wear a helmet may not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation after an accident, but insurance companies may argue that certain head injuries could have been reduced had a helmet been worn. This issue is only one factor in determining damages and should never discourage an injured rider from pursuing a claim.

Lane Splitting Is Not Legal in Oregon

Unlike several other western states, Oregon prohibits lane splitting. Motorcyclists generally may not ride between lanes of stopped or moving traffic. Insurance companies occasionally attempt to use alleged lane splitting as evidence of negligence, making it important to investigate exactly how a collision occurred before accepting fault.

Motorcycle Endorsement Requirements

Oregon riders must obtain a valid Class M motorcycle endorsement through the Oregon DMV before legally operating most motorcycles on public roads. Completing rider education and maintaining proper licensing demonstrates responsible operation and helps riders develop defensive riding skills.

Motorcycle Safety Training

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and Oregon-approved rider education programs teach techniques that reduce crash risks, improve hazard recognition, and strengthen emergency maneuvering skills. Although proper training cannot eliminate negligent drivers, it often helps riders react more effectively when dangerous situations develop.

Most importantly, motorcycle riders have the same right to occupy a travel lane as any other vehicle. Drivers who fail to respect those rights can and should be held accountable when their negligence causes serious injuries.

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists on Oregon and Washington Roads

Due to the inherent dangers of operating a motorcycle on Oregon roadways, it is essential for motorcycle riders to stay informed about applicable traffic laws and take proactive safety precautions to protect themselves from serious injury. Here are a few common preventative steps to consider:

• Wear a Helmet: Helmets are mandatory under Oregon law, and they can be the difference between life and death in motorcycle accidents involving high speeds and exposed riders. Motorcycle riders who do not wear helmets are 40% more likely to be killed and 15% more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries as compared to riders wearing helmets. Additionally, failure to abide by this legally-mandated requirement may significantly affect your chances of recovering damages.
• Be Cognizant of Road Conditions & Avoid Excessive Speeds: According to a 2009 statistical report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 48% of all motorcycle accident fatalities involved riders breaking the speed limit. Riding at excessive speeds is ill-advised, as the posted limits were calculated specifically for the given road conditions and an overarching concern for motorist safety. Riders should also reduce their speed and exercise particular caution when traveling in inclement weather conditions when visibility is limited and road conditions are not optimal.
• Do Not Operate a Motorcycle Under the Influence: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcyclists with blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) over the legal limit of 0.8% accounted for 42% of motorcycle fatalities over the past year. Alcohol, and other substances, not only impairs your reaction time and awareness (making an accident more likely to occur), it also drastically impacts your legal options in the future.
• Obtain Health and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance Plans: PIP includes coverage for medical expenses and loss of expected wages up to a predetermined cap for all automobile drivers involved in accidents. Regardless of who is at fault for an accident, you can receive PIP coverage to help pay for your injuries and damages. Although Oregon state law mandates that PIP is incorporated in all motor vehicle insurance plans, it does not extend the same requirement to motorcycle insurance plans. Protect yourself from significant financial loss due to accident-induced medical costs by purchasing PIP coverage on top of your existing health insurance plan.
• Know Motorcycle-Specific Oregon State Laws: Motorcyclists are subject to a number of regulations and requirements under Oregon state law; they are not permitted to transport a passenger who is not riding on a seat, motorcycle passengers cannot be situated in such a way that obstructs the driver’s field of vision or ability to operate or control their vehicle, and motorcycle operators must wear helmets at all times while riding.

Sadly, motorcycle accidents will continue to happen, regardless of preventative action and increased education. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a motorcycle accident, the knowledgeable Portland motorcycle accident attorneys at D’Amore Law Group are here to assist you with all of your legal and insurance needs.

Actions to Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in Portland

The hours immediately following a motorcycle accident can have a significant impact on both your health and your legal claim. 

While every situation is different, taking the following steps can help protect your rights:

• Call 911 immediately. Request both emergency medical services and law enforcement so the accident is properly documented.
• Seek medical attention—even if you feel okay. Adrenaline frequently masks injuries after a motorcycle crash. Conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal injuries may not become apparent until hours or days later.
• Photograph everything. If you are physically able, take pictures of the vehicles, roadway, skid marks, debris, weather conditions, traffic signals, visible injuries, and your damaged riding gear.
• Collect witness information. Independent witnesses often provide critical testimony when insurance companies dispute how the accident occurred.
• Avoid giving recorded statements. Insurance adjusters frequently contact injured riders within days of a crash. Politely decline recorded interviews until you have spoken with an attorney.
• Contact an experienced Portland motorcycle accident lawyer. Early legal representation allows important evidence to be preserved before it disappears and helps prevent costly mistakes during the insurance claims process.

Why Your Motorcycle Gear May Become Important Evidence

Many riders understandably focus on replacing damaged equipment after a crash. However, before repairing or discarding anything, it is important to recognize that your riding gear may become valuable evidence.

Helmets, jackets, gloves, boots, riding pants, and even damaged luggage can provide important information about how a collision occurred. Accident reconstruction experts may evaluate impact locations, abrasion patterns, scrape marks, and damage consistency when determining vehicle speeds, directions of travel, visibility, and points of impact.

Insurance companies sometimes inspect damaged helmets and riding gear in an effort to challenge injury claims or dispute liability. Preserving these items allows your Portland motorcycle accident attorney and any retained experts to conduct their own evaluation before evidence is altered or lost.

Whenever possible, store your damaged motorcycle and riding gear in a secure location until photographs have been taken and your attorney advises that it is safe to dispose of or repair the equipment. Something that appears insignificant today could become critical evidence later in your case.

Insurance Issues Every Oregon Motorcyclist Should Understand

Motorcycle crashes often result in catastrophic injuries that quickly exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits. For that reason, every Oregon rider should understand several important types of insurance coverage before an accident occurs.

Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage may provide additional compensation when the driver responsible for your injuries does not carry enough liability insurance to fully compensate you. Because serious motorcycle injuries frequently involve extensive medical treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and lost income, UIM coverage can become an essential financial safeguard.

Riders should also consider Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay), which can help pay medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. MedPay may assist with ambulance transportation, emergency room treatment, follow-up care, and certain out-of-pocket medical costs while liability issues are still being resolved.

Insurance policies can become complicated after a serious motorcycle accident, particularly when multiple insurers or coverage types are involved. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can review every available policy to identify all potential sources of compensation.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can have life-altering consequences. The best thing you can do as a rider is to be proactive by following the safety steps outlined above and staying educated on the traffic laws and regulations that apply to you. Unfortunately, even the most cautious, prepared motorcyclists can be involved in an accident. Here are some do’s and don’ts that you should follow in the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident:

DO:

• Dial 911 as soon as possible for law enforcement and medical care.
• Ensure you and any others involved move out of the path of oncoming traffic.
• Obtain information, including the names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information of those involved in the accident as well as any eyewitnesses.
• Record information regarding the other vehicles involved in the collision – such as the make, model, year, and license plate number.
• Seek out competent legal counsel, like you will find at D’Amore Law Group, to ensure your rights are protected at all stages of your case.

DON’TS:

• Make statements pertaining to the accident to anyone besides law enforcement officials.
• Issue apologies to the other parties involved in the accident regardless of who you believe may be injured or to take the blame for the collision.
• Engage in an argument with other drivers or eyewitnesses about what took place or who is at fault.
• Sign documents from any other party or witness that claims to relay the details of the accident.
• Sign documents from any insurance company representative that contacts you following the accident.

Frequently Asked Questions for Portland Motorcycle Accident Victims

What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Portland?

Most motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers failing to see motorcyclists, unsafe lane changes, left-turn collisions, and road hazards like gravel or potholes. Distracted and impaired driving also contribute significantly. Because motorcyclists have no protective barrier, these crashes often result in severe or fatal injuries.

What damages can a motorcyclist recover after an accident?

You can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage to your motorcycle, and future rehabilitation costs. Crashes that result in permanent disability or disfigurement typically command higher compensation and those that involve extreme negligence may be eligible for punitive damages under ORS 31.730 . An attorney will document your losses thoroughly to maximize your recovery.

How do I handle an insurance company that blames me for the motorcycle crash?

Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto motorcyclists by using bias about riding behavior. A Portland motorcycle accident attorney will gather traffic camera footage, skid mark analysis, and expert accident reconstruction to counter these claims. Oregon and Washington’s comparative negligence rules mean you can still recover even if you share some fault.

Should I accept the first settlement offer after a motorcycle accident?

No. Initial offers from insurance companies are almost always below the true value of your claim. Once you accept a settlement, you generally cannot seek additional compensation, even if new medical problems emerge later. Consult a motorcycle accident attorney before signing anything.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Oregon?

Most motorcycle accident lawsuits must be filed within two years. Certain exceptions may apply, including claims involving minors, wrongful death, or government entities. Because valuable evidence can disappear quickly, speaking with a Portland motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible is generally in your best interest.

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Possibly. Oregon law requires motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets, but failing to wear one does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation. Instead, insurance companies may argue that certain head injuries were made worse because a helmet was not worn. Whether that argument succeeds depends on the specific facts of your case and the injuries involved.

What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have enough insurance?

Many serious motorcycle injuries exceed the minimum insurance limits carried by negligent drivers. If that happens, your own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage may provide additional compensation. Depending on your policy, Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) may also help pay medical expenses regardless of fault. An attorney can review every available insurance policy to identify additional sources of recovery.

How is fault determined in a Portland motorcycle accident?

Fault is determined by examining all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, photographs, vehicle damage, surveillance footage, accident reconstruction, and applicable traffic laws. Oregon’s modified comparative negligence law allows injured riders to recover compensation even if they share some responsibility, provided they are not more than 50% at fault for causing the collision.

Contact a Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at D’Amore Law Group

Before signing any papers presented to you by insurance companies, seek advice from experienced legal counsel. At D’Amore Law Group, we will thoroughly examine your case in order to ensure that you pursue all available avenues of recovery. Otherwise, you could be signing away your legal rights and adequate compensation for your injuries and losses. Meet one of our Portland motorcycle accident attorneys for a free consultation in one of our offices.

Our highly-skilled attorneys handle other types of personal injury cases as well, including:

• Catastrophic Injury
• Car Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Bus Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Medication Errors
• Construction Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Medical Malpractice
• Sexual Abuse
• Nursing Home Abuse
• Bad Faith Insurance
• Birth Injuries
• Product Liability
• Spinal Cord and Head Injury

Contact us online or call 503-222-6333. Don’t delay; our Portland personal injury attorney will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Local Resources for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Portland and Oregon

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Portland or anywhere in Oregon, these trusted local resources can help with emergency care, accident reporting, towing, and vehicle repairs. While these services can assist in the immediate aftermath, speaking with a Portland motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your rights and your claim.

Police & Public Safety

• Portland Police Bureau – 1111 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204. Handles motorcycle crash investigations within Portland city limits. Call (503) 823-3333. Visit Website
• Oregon State Police (OSP) – Primary law enforcement agency for motorcycle crashes on Oregon highways including I-5, I-84, US-26, and US-97. Contact your regional OSP dispatch or call 911 for emergencies. Visit Website
• Washington State Patrol (WSP) – Responds to motorcycle crashes on I-5, I-205, SR-14, and other state highways in Clark County and southwest Washington. Call (360) 449-7911. Visit Website

Accident Reports & Records

• Portland Police Bureau Records Division – Request official crash reports for motorcycle incidents that occurred within Portland city limits. Request Records
• Oregon State Police Crash Reports – Request reports for crashes on Oregon state highways including I-5, I-84, I-205, US-26, and US-97. Request Report
• Oregon DMV Crash Report – Oregon law requires drivers involved in crashes with injury or significant property damage to file a report with the DMV. File Report
• Washington State Patrol Collision Reports – Request reports for motorcycle crashes on Washington state highways. Request Report

Medical & Emergency Care

• OHSU Hospital – Portland – 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239. Oregon’s only Level I trauma center, providing the highest level of emergency surgical care for catastrophic motorcycle accident injuries including TBIs and spinal cord damage. Visit Website
• Legacy Emanuel Medical Center – Portland – 501 N Graham St, Portland, OR 97227. Level I trauma center serving north and northeast Portland with full trauma and neurosurgical services. Visit Website

Towing & Roadside Assistance (D’Amore is not affiliated with or endorsing any of the towing companies listed herein.)

• AAA Oregon/Idaho – 24/7 roadside assistance and towing for members statewide across Oregon and into southwest Washington. Call (800) 222-4357. Visit Website
• Speed’s Towing – Portland – Portland’s primary police-contracted towing provider operating 24/7 throughout Multnomah County. Call (503) 234-5555. Visit Website

Collision Repair & Motorcycle Shops (D’Amore is not affiliated with or endorsing any of the repair companies listed herein.)

• Caliber Collision – Oregon Locations – Trusted nationwide collision repair provider with multiple Oregon locations offering insurance coordination and lifetime repair warranties. Find a Location
• Portland Motorcycle Repair – Iron Horse Moto Garage – Full-service motorcycle repair and restoration serving the Portland metro area. Visit Website
• Fix Auto – Oregon Locations – Full-service collision repair shops for motorcycle and vehicle restoration across Portland, Salem, Eugene, and beyond. Find a Location

Courts & Legal Resources

• Multnomah County Circuit Court – Portland – 1200 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204. Handles civil cases including personal injury and wrongful death claims arising from motorcycle accidents in the Portland metro area and Multnomah County. Visit Website
• Clark County Superior Court – Vancouver, WA – 1200 Franklin St, Vancouver, WA 98660. Handles motorcycle accident civil claims for Clark County and southwest Washington. Visit Website
• Deschutes County Circuit Court – Bend – 1100 NW Bond St, Bend, OR 97703. Handles civil claims for Deschutes County and central Oregon. Visit Website

Oregon Motorcycle-Specific Resources

• Oregon DMV Motorcycle Safety Program – Information on Oregon’s mandatory helmet law, licensing requirements, and safety courses for motorcycle riders. Visit Website
• Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) – Maintains statewide crash data, road condition reports, and highway records relevant to motorcycle incidents across Oregon. Visit Website

Legal References Used to Inform This Page

To ensure the accuracy and clarity of this page, we referenced official legal and other resources during the content development process:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Motorcycle safety
• Oregon Department of Transportation – 2022 Motor vehicle traffic accident quick facts
• Oregon Revised Statute 31.600 – Comparative negligence 
• Motorcycle Safety Foundation – Quick tips
• Oregon Revised Statutes 12.110 – Statute of limitations
• Oregon Revised Statutes 814.269 – Motorcycle driver failure to wear a helmet penalties  
• Oregon Revised Statutes 814.275 – Motorcycle passenger failure to wear a helmet penalties
• Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Service – Motorcycle endorsement
• Oregon Revised Statute 31.730 – Punitive damages