I drive a ‘94 Honda Magna.  When I was in college I drove it all year round, but those days are long gone and now I drive it only when the weather is nice.  These nice days not only draw out my Magna from the garage, but many other fellow riders enjoying the nice weather.  Hopefully we can all keep the rubber side down, but the statistics anticipate that scores of motorcycle enthusiasts will go down at some point in their riding career.

INCREASE YOUR ODDS

What can you do to increase your chances of avoiding an accident, or at least faring somewhat better?

There are a lot of good resources for motorcyclists.  If you are a new rider I encourage you to take the motorcycle safety course at LCC. The organization’s name is Team Oregon and their website is: http://teamoregon.orst.edu/to_web/index.shtml.

Wear the best protective gear that you can afford. There’s a common joke among motorcycle gear stores: The customer asks, “How much do I have to spend for a good helmet?” The gear store sales person responds, “How much is your head worth?” The cost of good quality protective equipment will seem minor compared to the medical bills and pain of the healing.

ALWAYS assume that other motorists do NOT see you – even when they appear to be looking right at you. The number one excuse given by motorists after they hit a motorcyclist is, “I never saw him.”

And this brings up another point: Consider wearing highly visible, and even reflective gear. True, it tends to lose the carefree image of James Dean. But then again, James Dean died at 24.

MOTORCYCLES AND INSURANCE

Will your insurance take care of you?

If you have auto insurance in Oregon, you have PIP – or Personal Injury Protection. PIP is a no-fault insurance part of your overall policy that allows you to get medical bills reimbursed early on. It also provides partial coverage for loss of wages. PIP applies to you, your family, and passengers in your car at the time of an accident. Unfortunately for riders, motorcycle riders do not offer PIP coverage.

WITH NO PIP, YOU HAVE LITTLE ROOM FOR ERROR

Motorcycle accidents in Oregon  have a number of issues -the most pressing can be the absence of medical coverage.  More and more motorcycle accident victims are pressed for bills.

TIP: Get an attorney involved soon. The medical bills are not going away. You need someone qualified to evaluate the available coverages and fully utilize them ASAP.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

If you have no health insurance, does that mean you are out of insurance opportunities?

Having no medical insurance doesn’t necessarily mean there is no insurance which will pay your medical bills. I have represented people in the past who have had to make claims against family members, bike owners, and other friends to make sure their medical bills were paid.  Think about this: imagine you caused an accident with your riding partner who was hurt and could avoid bankruptcy by filing an injury claim against your insurance. For the sake of your friend and his future, wouldn’t you encourage him?  The bottom line:  If you are faced with bankruptcy or major financial or physical loss, you owe it to your family to think of all the options available.

THE INSURANCE COMPANY WILL BE PREJUDICIAL TO BIKERS

Do motorcycle accidents, which result in injury, raise any unique legal and insurance questions?

Insurance adjusters will sometimes use the tactic of blaming accidents on a motorcyclist regardless of the facts. Unfortunately the basis for this action stems from a general prejudice against motorcyclists.  If there is any issue regarding who was at fault for your accident, do not hesitate to get legal representation immediately. The bottom line: Motorcycle accidents that result injury can raise a number of unique legal and insurance questions.  If you or someone you know was in a motorcycle accident, it is a good rule of thumb to discuss your case with an attorney.

CONSULTATIONS AT MY OFFICE ARE ALWAYS FREE

Feel free to call my cell phone to discuss or set up an appointment.  (541) 556-9797.
Hopefully I will see you on the road – rubber-side down!