Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Salem, OR
Seasoned Legal Counsel in the Greater Willamette Valley
Motorcycle accidents are typically far more serious to riders than car crashes are to auto occupants. Because riders lack the protective shell of a car, such as a reinforced frame, airbags, and safety belt restraints, the impact of even a relatively low-speed collision can cause life-changing harm.
Injured motorcyclists often face substantial medical expenses, prolonged recovery periods, and emotional and financial stress that ripple to their families.
Smith Morgan LLP is well-acquainted with the hardships injured motorcyclists face. We provide hands-on support to help you navigate the legal process, including:
- Investigating and reconstructing the accident to establish liability
- Gathering evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, photos, and expert testimony
- Assessing current and future medical needs, lost wages, and other ongoing damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies who may try to downplay your injuries or shift blame
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary, to pursue full and fair compensation
We treat every case personally. From your first call, you’ll deal directly with an attorney who listens, explains options, and fights for your rights.
Book a free consultation with a Salem motorcycle accident attorney by contacting us online or at (541) 248-6979. You pay no upfront legal fees; we work on a contingency basis. Hablamos español.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
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$875,000 Trip And Fall Injury
Settlement for an 82-year-old man who suffered serious injuries after falling at a local business.
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$2,500,000 Semi-Truck Accident
Policy limit settlement for a husband and wife tragically killed in a collision with a semi-truck driver.
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$1,250,000 Road Construction Worker Fatality
Policy limit settlement for a worker killed by an inattentive driver in a construction zone.
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Successful Arbitration Award Rear-End Collision
A 38-year-old mother of two required surgery after being rear-ended. Despite the insurer arguing her injuries were degenerative, arbitration secured funds to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, and long-term limitations.
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$500,000 Child Attacked By Dog
Policy limit settlement for an eight-year-old girl bitten by her neighbor’s dog.
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Settlement Trip And Fall At Local Business
An 81-year-old man suffered severe injuries after tripping at a business. Investigation revealed multiple code violations at the doorway. The case settled shortly before trial, covering all medical costs plus pain and suffering.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are More Dangerous
Motorcycle riders are more exposed in accidents.
Key factors include:
- Minimal protection - no enclosure, fewer safety systems
- High exposure to road hazards - potholes, debris, oil slicks, wet road conditions have a greater effect on bikes.
- Visibility issues - motorcycles are smaller and less visible to other drivers, especially at intersections or in poor lighting.
- More severe injuries - even moderate collisions can cause fractures, road rash, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and more.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in 2023 crashes, accounting for about 15% of all traffic fatalities. This fatality rate was much higher than that for passenger vehicle occupants.
Similarly, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that, although they make up only 3.5% of registered vehicles, motorcyclists account for 14% of traffic fatalities. Motorcyclists are almost 24 times more likely to die in traffic accidents than car occupants.
Potential Compensation in a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost income & lost earning capacity
- Property damage (your bike, gear)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Cost of rehabilitation or ongoing care