Were You Injured By A Negligent Motorist?
Motorcycling offers a sense of freedom and exhilaration unmatched by other forms of transportation. However, it also comes with significant risks. Each year, motorcycle accidents occur in and around Hillsboro, often leading to serious injuries or even fatalities. The reality is that even the most cautious riders can find themselves in unpredictable and hazardous situations on the road.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to seek the guidance of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. While you can try Googling ‘Hillsboro motorcycle accident lawyer near me’, why not call us right away? Harris Velázquez Gibbens offers a free consultation and there are no attorney fees unless we win.
Why Hire Us For Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
When you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, Harris Velázquez Gibbens stands out as the firm you can trust. With us, you aren’t just hiring an attorney; you’re hiring a winning team committed to fighting for your rights and securing the best possible outcome for your case. When you work with our personal injury law firm, you benefit from the following:
- Team-Based Strategy: Every case benefits from our collaborative approach. Your attorney will discuss your case with our experienced team of lawyers and paralegals, ensuring that a variety of perspectives contribute to your strategy.
- Strong Negotiation Skills: We understand how insurance companies and adjustors negotiate. This knowledge allows us to aggressively advocate for your financial compensation. We work diligently to ensure that your claims for medical bills, lost earnings, and other financial losses are handled as swiftly as possible.
- Effective Representation in Court: Our qualified attorneys are not only skilled negotiators but also seasoned litigators. We are prepared to go to trial if necessary and present a compelling case on your behalf.
- Commitment to Justice: We understand the impact a motorcycle accident can have on your life and will pursue the resources you need for recovery and the fair compensation you deserve.
At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, we are more than just your lawyers; we are your advocates, your legal team, and your partners in recovery. Let us help you handle the aftermath of a motorcycle accident with confidence and peace of mind.
Motorcyclists Have Rights!
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycles have the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle on the roadway. However, motorcyclists are more likely than other motorists to be involved in and suffer catastrophic injuries after a vehicular collision: in 2021, the fatality rate for motorcycle accident victims in Oregon was almost 24 times the fatality rate for passenger vehicles.
This happens because:
- Motorcycles lack the seatbelts, airbags, and reinforcements that protect drivers of other vehicles.
- These drivers are less likely to identify, perceive, and react to a motorcycle on the road.
Motorcyclists hit by negligent drivers often suffer severe injuries such as:
- Severe road rash
- Neck injuries
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Loss of limbs
- Internal injuries
- Orthopedic injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Wrongful death (in the case of a fatal injury or injuries)
If this happens to you, you’ll be facing high medical bills, temporary or permanent loss of income, and a long recovery. Before you talk to an insurance company, however, speak with a trusted, qualified, and experienced motorcycle accident injury lawyer at Harris Velázquez Gibbens. No attorney fees are charged unless you settle!
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can occur under various circumstances. Understanding these common causes can help riders stay aware and take precautions to avoid potential dangers.
- Speeding: Speeding is a leading factor in many accidents, including those involving motorcycles. High speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s coordination, vision, and decision-making abilities, leading to dangerous situations on the road.
- Distracted Driving: Attention is crucial for safe driving. When distracted drivers engage in behaviors such as using a mobile phone, eating, or adjusting the radio, their focus shifts from the road, increasing the risk of colliding with a motorcycle.
- Mechanical Issues: Faulty motorcycle components, such as brakes or tires, can lead to accidents. If an accident is caused by a mechanical failure, the manufacturer or seller of the defective part may be held liable.
- Road and Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions like rain can make roads slippery, making it difficult for motorcyclists to maintain control. Poor road conditions, such as potholes or uneven surfaces, also contribute to accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Some drivers exhibit reckless behavior, such as making unsafe lane changes, speeding, or driving aggressively. Such conduct can endanger everyone on the road, especially motorcyclists.
- Failure to Yield: Accidents often occur when a driver fails to yield the right of way, especially during left turns or at intersections. This can lead to severe collisions with oncoming traffic.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Experiencing a motorcycle accident can be both shocking and disorienting. However, knowing the proper steps to take immediately afterward not only helps ensure your safety but also strengthens your position should you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action.
Here are the steps to follow after a motorcycle accident:
- Your health is the top priority. Check yourself and others involved for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if you feel fine, you should seek medical care after an accident, as some motorcycle injuries can appear hours or days later.
- If you can move and it is safe to do so, get yourself and your motorcycle out of the roadway to prevent further accidents and injuries.
- Call the police. A police report is valuable for legal and insurance purposes. Inform the police exactly what happened without admitting fault or blaming others.
- Gather names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and vehicle details (license plate and vehicle identification number) from all parties involved in the accident.
- Take photographs of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible damage, the layout of the roadway, traffic signs, and any injuries.
- If any bystanders witnessed the accident, collect their contact information. Witness statements can be crucial for validating your account of the events.
- Contact a Hillsboro motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and ensure you receive full compensation for your losses.
Compensation in a Motorcycle Accident
Compensation in a motorcycle accident claim is typically divided into two categories: economic and non-economic damages. These damages are intended to cover the full extent of any losses resulting from the accident.
Economic Damages
These are quantifiable costs directly associated with the crash. They include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes all costs for medical treatment following the accident— emergency care, surgery, medication, physical therapy costs, and any long-term healthcare needs.
- Lost Wages: If the injury prevents you from working, compensation for lost wages can be claimed. This includes wages lost during your recovery and potential future earnings if you suffer permanent injuries.
- Property Damage: This is compensation for repairs or replacement of your motorcycle and any other personal property damaged in the collision.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This covers any additional costs incurred due to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments and the purchase of medical equipment.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages address the more subjective impacts of a motorcycle crash. They include:
- Pain and Suffering: This addresses the physical pain and emotional trauma incurred as a result of the accident.
- Emotional Distress: This compensation is for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, which are common after serious accidents.
- Loss of Enjoyment: You can claim this loss if severe injuries prevent you from enjoying day-to-day activities and hobbies that were a part of your life before the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: This is compensation awarded to the spouse or family for the loss of companionship and support provided by the victim.
At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, our experienced attorneys work diligently to address every aspect of your personal injury claim, from medical bills to the emotional repercussions of your accident. Call us today to learn more.
Who Pays Your Bills After a Motorcycle Accident in Hillsboro?
After a motorcycle collision, one of the immediate concerns is who will be responsible for covering your medical bills, property damage, and other associated costs. In Oregon, several parties could be held accountable depending on the circumstances. They include:
- At-Fault Driver: If another driver caused the accident due to negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield, they could be held liable for your injuries and other damages.
- Employer of the At-Fault Driver: If the at-fault driver was working and performing job-related duties at the time of the accident, the employer might also be liable under the doctrine of vicarious liability.
- Owner of the Vehicle: If the vehicle involved in the accident was not driven by its owner, the owner could still be responsible for damages, particularly if they negligently entrusted their vehicle to an incompetent or unfit driver.
- Government Entity: If poor road conditions or lack of proper signage contributed to the crash, a city, county, or state government could be held responsible for failing to maintain safe roadways.
- Manufacturer of the Motorcycle or Parts: If a defect in the motorcycle or any of its components contributed to the accident, the manufacturer might be liable for damages caused by that defect.
- Maintenance or Service Providers: Companies responsible for the maintenance and service of the motorcycle might be liable if an improper repair or maintenance failure leads to an accident.
Identifying the at-fault party or parties involves a thorough investigation of the accident and everyone involved. Our experienced lawyers will review all avenues to ensure that your medical costs, loss of earnings, and other costs are covered by those at fault.
Why Hire a Hillsboro Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Although you aren’t required to secure legal representation, it’s always a good idea. Motorcycle crashes can leave you with not only physical injuries but also major financial burdens due to medical bills and lost wages. A personal injury attorney will provide legal counsel and advocate for your interests, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may not have your best interests in mind.
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize the payouts on claims. A skilled personal injury lawyer understands the tactics used by insurance companies and can negotiate for full compensation. If negotiations do not lead to a fair settlement, lawyers can take your case to trial.
Typically, motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive compensation. This arrangement allows you to pursue your claim without any financial risk.
Get a Free Consultation With a Hillsboro Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle crash, you deserve maximum compensation. However, instead of Googling ‘Hillsboro motorcycle accident lawyer near me’, call Harris Velázquez Gibbens at (503) 300-6661 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation. Your recovery is our priority, and we are ready to fight for the compensation you need to move forward during this challenging time.
Why Hire Us?
The Winning Edge – Have a Team Working For You
There are a lot of personal injury lawyers you can hire. But we offer a service that many other attorneys can’t: A TEAM.
Every week our team of personal injury attorneys, lawyers and paralegals, meets to review our new cases and important developments in our current cases. Your personal attorney will present your case to our team. We discuss what insurance companies are offering in similar cases, how different insurance adjustors negotiate cases, and what judges and juries are doing in cases similar to yours. You are guaranteed that your case will be presented and reviewed by our team multiple times.
You aren’t hiring an attorney. You’re hiring a winning team.
Call 503-648-4777 now for a Free Consultation. If you call during business hours, we’ll connect you to a qualified attorney.
Have A Team Representing You
When a motorcycle accident happens, Harris Velázquez Gibbens can help! Our team of attorneys represent motorcycle accident victims and their families when they are injured and suffer loss as the result of driver negligence. We know the law, are highly experienced in the courtroom, and we fight hard to obtain justice for our injured motorcycle accident clients.
We Handle The Insurance Companies
Whether your claim involves catastrophic injuries or temporary disability due to trauma, the attorneys at Harris Velázquez Gibbens have the experience and expertise to effectively and efficiently work with insurance companies to ensure that your medical bills and lost earnings are paid and that you receive fair compensation for all of your economic and non-economic losses.
Speak With An Attorney First!
Before you speak to an insurance company speak with a trusted, qualified and experienced Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer at Harris Velázquez Gibbens. Call Today for a FREE consultation… 503-648-4777 – Get The Help You Deserve. FREE consultation, in-person. No attorney fees unless you reach a settlement!
Location Where We Typically Represent Clients
Harris Velázquez Gibbens, represents clients in Hillsboro, Or, and surrounding cities, for car accidents, motorcycle injury, bike injuries and dog bites. If you are injured, not receiving a paycheck because of those injuries, and fighting with insurance companies to get what you deserve then please Call Us Today at 503-648-4777.
