Salem Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Pursuing Justice for Wrongfully Injured Motorcyclists in Albany & Keizer
A motorcycle accident can leave victims with serious injuries and lasting trauma. Without the protection of a vehicle, motorcyclists are left exposed to the surrounding road and elements, increasing the risk of life-threatening harm. At Johnson & Taylor, we believe that every case represents a person, a family, and a future, not just a number.
Since our firm was founded in 2012, we have brought a trial-ready posture to our personal injury cases, recovering over $50 million for our clients. Our motorcycle accident lawyers are staunch advocates who don't hesitate to take cases to court against insurers and corporations when needed to secure a reasonable settlement. From exorbitant medical bills to lost wages, we understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial costs of your recovery. Our firm holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, underscoring our peer-reviewed professional standing and strong track record of results.
We provide a personalized, non-mill service with direct attorney access and individualized strategy. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, meaning you won’t owe any upfront attorney fees unless we win your case.
If you were harmed in a motorcycle crash, put a top-rated personal injury firm on your side. Call (971) 318-5516 to schedule a free consultation with our motorcycle accident attorney in Salem. Se habla español.
You're not just a number
Every case represents a person, a family, and a future
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Car Accident Reduced Outstanding Medical Bill Balance
As a result of a car accident, client sustained serious injuries which required costly surgery. Client did not have health insurance to cover additional medical expenses beyond the no-fault provisions of her own policy. Through persuasive negotiations with medical providers, we were able to secure offers from the medical providers to substantially reduce or write-off the outstanding balances to enable payment of all medical bills and compensation to client.
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Bicycle Accident Overcame Liability Challenges
Teenager riding bike in or near a construction zone and hit by a vehicle while riding through a crosswalk. Despite an unfavorable witness and the teenager not wearing a helmet, able to work out a great settlement.
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Pedestrian Accident Recovered from Multiple Policies
Pedestrian suffered traumatic internal injuries as a result of a trip and fall over a raised portion of sidewalk. Despite disputes over who maintained the sidewalk and the cause of the raised portion between the two adjacent property owners, we were able to secure significant settlements against both homeowner policies, reduce medical liens by tens of thousands of dollars, and put a generous amount of money in client’s pocket.
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Drunk Driver Accident Secured Maximum Compensation
Two couples riding together in a vehicle were struck on the freeway by a drunk driver. All were badly injured. Able to get maximum compensation for all from the at fault driver and from the bar that over served alcohol, contributing to the driver getting drunk.
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Rear-End Collision Medical Liens Fully Waived
Rear-end accident victim sustained injuries that persisted for some time and required surgery. Medical costs alone were double the available insurance funds from all applicable insurance policies. We were able to get all medical liens waived and client ended up with a majority of the funds from insurance.
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Pedestrian Accident Maximized Available Insurance Coverage
Pedestrian sustained broken bones when struck by a borrowed vehicle in a marked crosswalk. Client had health insurance but no auto insurance. We sought recovery from the insurance company who insured the vehicle AND the insurance company who insured the driver. Client was able to recover a substantial amount of money.
Recovering Compensation in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
Motorcycle accident victims may suffer from long-term disabilities that require extensive treatment. Medical bills, the inability to earn a living, and intangible losses like chronic pain, emotional distress, and loss of independence can take a heavy toll on your quality of life. Our attorneys can accurately value your claim and fight for the damages you deserve to protect your health and financial future.
Common forms of recoverable compensation include:
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of earning capacity
- Past and future wage loss
- Past and future medical bills
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Dangerous?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are nearly 28 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of passenger cars, and approximately 5 times more likely to be injured in a crash than car occupants.
Unlike cars or trucks, helmets and protective gear are motorcyclists' only defense in a crash. Because motorcycles are much smaller and less visible than other vehicles, other motorists often fail to see them until it’s too late.
Our lawyers understand the unique considerations involved in motorcycle accident lawsuits to uphold your rights at each stage of the process, from gathering evidence and establishing liability to negotiating with insurers and representing you at trial if needed.
Can I Recover Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Claim if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
If you weren’t wearing a helmet during a crash, recovering damages is still possible, but the total amount of compensation may be reduced by your share of the liability. Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar, meaning an injured party can recover damages if they are 50% or less at fault.
Unfortunately, many insurance companies place undue blame on victims to avoid paying fair amounts. They may argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of your injuries to reduce the value of your claim, which is why it’s crucial to work with our aggressive advocates.
We are familiar with these tactics; for example, we previously secured a favorable settlement for a teenager who was hit by a vehicle while riding a bicycle without a helmet, despite unfavorable witness testimony.
Our attorneys have a deep understanding of modified comparative negligence laws to push back against unfair allegations, present compelling evidence of liability, and advocate for a full settlement that reflects the true extent of your losses.
Proving Liability in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
Before you can recover compensation in a motorcycle accident claim, you must first establish liability by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning the defendant’s negligence “more likely than not” caused your injuries to occur.
To prove liability, you must demonstrate four key elements:
- Duty of care. The at-fault party owed you a duty of care, such as yielding the right of way and obeying traffic signs.
- Breach of duty. The defendant breached their duty by acting negligently, such as failing to check for motorcyclists before pulling into traffic.
- Causation. If not for the defendant’s actions, the resulting accident and injuries would not have occurred.
- Damages. You suffered actual losses as a result of the defendant’s breach.
Standing up to powerful insurance companies can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our lawyers are well-versed in these legal nuances to help you present clear evidence of liability and prepare a robust, evidence-backed case.
My Loved One Was Killed in a Motorcycle Accident. Can I Seek Justice on Their Behalf?
If your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to seek justice on their behalf in a wrongful death lawsuit. While no amount of money can bring your loved one back, our lawyers can help you explore legal remedies to achieve closure, accountability, and compensation for burial costs, funeral expenses, and other losses.
Because we practice personal injury, family law, and estate planning under one roof, we are uniquely equipped to address overlapping legal needs. A sudden death often triggers a wrongful death claim and probate proceedings. By managing these interconnected issues together, we ensure you don't have to seek a second firm to handle the details of your family's estate during this challenging time.
Why Choose Us?
Insurance companies usually have massive departments and legal teams working to protect their bottom lines. Our firm is committed to leveling the playing field for motorcycle accident victims by fighting for full accountability and forcing the defense to the negotiating table.
We offer a hometown advantage with deep familiarity with local courts and judges, and our Salem office is conveniently located near the courthouse. Furthermore, we bring strong social proof to our practice, backed by hundreds of five-star reviews from former clients.
The following are strategic ways that we work to protect your rights:
- Challenging fault assumptions. We push back when insurers try to stereotype motorcyclists or shift blame without solid evidence.
- Preserving crash evidence. We work to secure police reports, scene photos, surveillance footage, and witness statements before they are lost or altered.
- Documenting the true impact of injuries. We develop clear records of treatment, recovery timelines, and limitations so insurers can’t minimize them.
- Countering low settlement tactics. We evaluate medical costs, lost income, and future needs to respond to undervalued offers with fact-based demands.
- Preparing every case as if it may proceed to trial. We remain ready for litigation to negotiate from a position of strength.
Contact Our Salem Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, getting dedicated legal guidance can make a substantial difference in protecting your rights and pursuing the settlement you may be entitled to receive. Motorcycle crashes can result in serious injuries, expensive medical treatment, lost income, property damage, and long-term physical or emotional challenges. Insurance companies may also attempt to minimize your claim or place blame on you for the accident. Our Salem motorcycle accident lawyers can investigate what happened, gather important evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and build a strong claim based on the circumstances of your crash.
We can evaluate your medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, property damage, and other additional losses related to the collision. You should not have to navigate the aftermath of a motorcycle accident alone. The sooner you pursue legal guidance, the sooner you can begin protecting your interests.
If you were harmed by a negligent motorist, our motorcycle accident lawyers in Salem can help you take the first step toward justice. Contact us online to discuss your case. Se habla español.
Our FAQ
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Motorcycle accidents can happen for many reasons, including distracted driving, speeding, unsafe lane changes, failure to yield, impaired driving, and drivers who fail to notice motorcycles on the road. Road hazards, poor visibility, and defective motorcycle parts may also contribute to crashes. Identifying the cause of an accident is an important step in determining who may be held responsible.
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After a motorcycle crash, your priority should be to seek medical attention and protect your health. If possible, document the accident scene by taking photos, gathering witness information, and reporting the crash to the appropriate authorities. Avoid making statements to insurance companies before understanding your rights, as anything you say could potentially affect your claim.
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Motorcycle accident claims often involve unique challenges, including unfair assumptions that motorcyclists are reckless or responsible for their own injuries. Insurance companies may attempt to use stereotypes against riders to reduce payouts. Building a strong claim requires carefully examining the evidence, determining fault, and demonstrating the full impact of the injuries.
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Yes. A driver’s failure to see a motorcycle does not automatically excuse negligent behavior. Motorists have a responsibility to check their surroundings, follow traffic laws, and operate their vehicles safely. Evidence such as crash reports, witness statements, vehicle damage, and available video footage may help establish whether the other driver’s negligence caused the collision.
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Important evidence may include police reports, photographs of the accident scene, medical records, witness statements, traffic camera footage, surveillance videos, motorcycle damage reports, and electronic vehicle data when available. An attorney can help collect and analyze evidence to build a clear picture of how the accident occurred and the losses you suffered.
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Possibly. Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence system that may allow injured motorcyclists to recover compensation if they are not primarily responsible for the accident. However, any compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to the injured rider. Insurance companies often dispute fault, making it important to have evidence supporting your version of events.
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The timeline for resolving a motorcycle accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the complexity of liability issues, the amount of damages involved, and whether the insurance company is willing to negotiate fairly. Some cases may settle through negotiations, while others require litigation to pursue appropriate compensation.
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If a defective motorcycle component, vehicle part, or safety issue contributed to your crash, you may have a claim against additional parties beyond the other driver. Manufacturers, distributors, repair shops, or other responsible parties may potentially be liable depending on the circumstances. A thorough investigation can help identify every source of responsibility and available compensation.
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“What made it even better was how communicative and helpful they were. I’ve had some rough experiences before, but this was definitely the best with attorneys I’ve ever had. Thanks a bunch!”- Luis F.
We believe the best results come from having the right people beside you from the very beginning. That means taking the time to understand your situation, staying connected throughout your case, and making sure you feel supported every step of the way.