How To Find the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Oregon

Riding a motorcycle along the roadways of Oregon can be a wonderful experience. However, along with the thrill come many risks associated with riding. The risk of getting into an accident is higher because many drivers fail to see motorcyclists, resulting in wrecks that can leave the rider seriously injured.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle wreck, there are certain steps you should take when hiring a lawyer. Without a doubt, the first step is getting medical attention to treat and document the injuries you sustained in the wreck. After you’ve stabilized and are able to start thinking about putting the pieces of your life back together, it’s time to start looking into hiring an experienced motorcycle injury lawyer. Below are some pointers to help you make your decision.

A lawyer familiar with your type of case will know what to look for in terms of evidence and other issues specific to motorcycle cases. Such a lawyer will know, understand, and be able to utilize the Oregon Vehicle Code, to your advantage. Additionally, a lawyer who specifically handles motorcycle wrecks will know how best to talk with the insurance companies to make sure you get the best possible outcome.

Motorcycle wrecks are different from other types of personal injury cases. They’re even different from your typical automobile wreck. There are nuances involving motorcycle law (which differ in each state), and motorcycle insurance coverage issues, which oftentimes make motorcycle wrecks more complex than other types of injury claims. For example, unlike insurance policies issued in Oregon for automobiles, insurance policies for motorcycles do not automatically include coverage for medical expenses and wage loss. The rider must have “opted in,” prior to the wreck, for this coverage to apply.

In the end, you’re likely to recover the highest compensation for your damages (i.e. lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering), if you choose a lawyer experienced in handling motorcycle wrecks.

Browse the prospective lawyer’s website. How prominently are motorcycle wrecks and information pertaining to them displayed on the website? If it is way down the list of other personal injury practice areas, you may want to question how much of a specialty these cases really are to this lawyer.

After doing some internet research, talk to the lawyer and staff to find out if they are knowledgeable about motorcycles, motorcycle law, and issues specific to motorcycles.

Most lawyers offer a free consultation, either in person or on the telephone where you can discuss your case. Use this opportunity to ask all the questions that will ultimately help you in your decision on who to hire. Don’t forget to ask the basics, such as: what is your rate? Do I pay you only if we win? Do you think I have a case? How long will this take? What is your experience in these areas?

Be sure to ask more pointed questions that will help you determine if this is a good fit or not, such as: What is your strategy going forward? Who will be my point of contact? When can I expect calls back from you?

The answers to these questions are important; however, perhaps more important is the feeling you get during the initial consult. Do you feel comfortable with this lawyer? Does the lawyer appear knowledgeable? Is the lawyer easy to speak with?