If you ride a motorcycle, read this article. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, read this article.
Oregon takes motorcycle riding very seriously. Our laws attempt to protect motorcycle riders from accidents, but also allow riders to receive compensation if they have been injured in an accident.
Motorcycle Safety Courses and Helmet Laws
According to the Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT), the new requirements of motorcycle training courses are reducing the number of accidents and serious injuries throughout the state. During these courses, riders learn important skills like efficient turning, properly braking, the type of protective gear that's most useful, bike maintenance, how to avoid obstacles, etc. A law passed in 2009 by Oregon legislature will require riders of all ages to takes these courses as part of the motorcycle licensing program. Each year, until 2015, another age group of riders will be added to the group of people required to take the course. For example, in 2013, all riders under 50 will be required to take the class, and this will extend to all riders under 60 in 2014, and all riders of all ages by 2015.
Oregon is also one of the only states that requires riders of all age so wear helmets while riding. Most states have laws requiring riders under 17 to wear helmets, but Oregon has passed laws requiring helmets no matter your age. This is because the National Highway Traffic Safety has reported so many motorcycle riding fatalities. In 2008, for example, the NHTSA reported 5,290 deaths and 96,000 injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents.
Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents
Despite these laws, many Oregonians still suffer injuries during motorcycle accidents. Unfortunately, riders are just so much more vulnerable than people driving in cars that even helmets and training courses will not always prevent injuries.
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, many of the same insurance claim procedures apply as when you are in a car accident. If you are at fault, your insurance company will be required to compensate the other person for all property and injury damages. If you were not at fault, the at-fault driver's insurance should cover your damages. If you file a claim for damages, be sure to include any records you have for repair estimates and medical bills. And remember, if you were not wearing a helmet during your accident (i.e. you were breaking the helmet law) you can be held liable, at least in part, for your own damages which means the insurance company will not be required to compensate you as much money. So wearing a helmet can also protect you financially in the case of an accident.
If you have any questions about getting money from the insurance company after your motorcycle accident, or you are worried that they will deny your claim, please contact Portland's personal injury attorneys at Shulman DuBois.
