Motorcycle Accidents Your Problems. Our Priority.

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 are dedicated to achieving justice for the wrongfully injured by giving every case the personalized care it deserves.

Our motorcycle accident lawyers are staunch advocates who never hesitate to take cases to court if necessary to achieve a reasonable settlement. From exorbitant medical bills to lost wages, we understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial costs of your recovery. Our firm has the highest possible rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, underscoring our peer-reviewed excellence and strong track record of results.

We truly care about our clients and handle all aspects of the claims process so you can focus on healing. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe any upfront fees until we settle your claim.

If you were harmed in a motorcycle crash in Salem, put a top-rated personal injury firm on your side. Call (971) 318-5516 to schedule a free consultation.

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You're not just a number

Every case represents a person, a family, and a future

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.
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.
Bicycle Accident Full Compensation Recovered
Bicyclist vs vehicle collision where client sustained soft tissue injuries. Despite reasonable evidence as to fault, insurance company denied liability and would not offer any compensation to client. We filed a lawsuit and just over two months later the insurance company paid our client’s full demand and attorney fees as well.
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.
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.
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.

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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 also 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 the only defense for motorcyclists during 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 will place undue blame on victims to evade just payouts. They may argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of your injuries in an effort to reduce the value of your claim, making it crucial to work with our aggressive advocates.

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. We can guide you through the legal intricacies of filing a claim, gathering supporting evidence, and fighting for a fair outcome while your family focuses on grieving during this challenging time.

How We Protect Your Rights Against Greedy Insurance Companies

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.

Below are some 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.

If you were harmed by a negligent motorist, we can help you take the first step toward justice. Contact us online to discuss your case. Se habla español.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Salem?

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.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

After a motorcycle crash, your priority should be seeking medical attention and protecting 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.

Why Are Motorcycle Accident Claims Often More Complicated Than Other Vehicle Accident Claims?

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.

Can I File a Motorcycle Accident Claim If the Other Driver Says They Did Not See Me?

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.

What Evidence Can Help Prove a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

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.

Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault for a Motorcycle Crash?

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.

How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Motorcycle Accident Case?

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.

What If a Defective Motorcycle Part Caused My Accident?

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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I was in a motor vehicle accident last spring and James was able to help me.
“Johnson and Taylor law does phenomenal work! I had several injuries that took up most of my time and figuring out the business aspect of my car accident was a rabbit hole. I reached out to James and he was more than happy to help.”

- Nicole G.

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