Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Salem
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 that may try to downplay your injuries or shift blame
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary, to pursue full and fair compensation
Book a free consultation with our 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.
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.
Many riders in Salem are injured on busy routes like I-5, Highway 22, or on city streets where drivers may not be watching for motorcycles, and the aftermath can feel overwhelming when you are trying to coordinate medical care, repair or replace your bike, and respond to insurance adjusters who want quick statements. Working with a motorcycle accident attorney means you have someone who understands how these crashes happen locally, who can guide you through Oregon’s liability rules, and who can focus on building your claim while you focus on healing.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
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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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$100,000 Denied Claim Turned Around
Policy limit settlement where the insurance company initially denied responsibility until Smith Morgan, LLP got involved.
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$250,000 Uninsured Motorist Claim
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$1,000,000 Mother Injured In Auto Accident
Arbitration award for a 39-year-old mother injured while driving her children home from school.
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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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$175,000 Hit-And-Run Accident
Arbitration award against a driver who fled the scene and attempted to blame someone else.
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, and 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 is much higher than that for passenger vehicle occupants.
Similarly, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that, although they make up a small percentage of registered vehicles, motorcyclists account for a disproportionately high percentage of traffic fatalities. Motorcyclists are many times more likely to die in traffic accidents than car occupants.
In real-world terms, this means that a crash that might be a minor fender bender for a car can be catastrophic for someone on a bike, especially at intersections in Salem where traffic from Commercial Street, Lancaster Drive, or Silverton Road converges. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you document the full impact of the collision on your health, your ability to work, and your day-to-day life so that any claim reflects the true seriousness of what happened.
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
The amount and type of compensation you may pursue will depend on the severity of your injuries, how long you are unable to work, and whether you will need ongoing treatment such as physical therapy, surgery, or assistive devices. A motorcycle accident attorney in Salem can also help identify less obvious losses, such as the impact on your ability to enjoy riding, caring for your family, or participating in hobbies you once loved, and can work with your medical providers to make sure those long-term effects are clearly explained to an insurance company or a jury.