Oregon Motorcycle Laws

In Oregon, The Number to CALL if You FALL is 1-877-Biker-LAW

 

OREGON MOTORCYCLE LAWS*

 

Oregon motorcyclists are protected under Oregon motorcycle law that makes negligent drivers responsible and liable to Oregon motorcyclists. An Oregon biker involved in a motorcycle accident in Oregon may obtain compensation for his or her injuries that were caused by the other driver’s negligence. Damages may include payment for pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, economic loss, no fault benefits, and more. What follows are some of the relevant law involving motorcycles in the State of Oregon

 

If you sustained an injury due to an Oregon motorcycle accident and you haven’t contacted a lawyer about your Oregon motorcycle accident, the best thing you can do for yourself is contact us NOW. We’ll listen to you and help you understand your options. If you have a case, we’ll help you find the best motorcycle accident injury attorney or law firm in your area. As an attorney who litigates these cases, I belong to many trial lawyer and motorcycle lawyer groups and have gone out of my way to find the best motorcycle attorneys in each state. Even the phone call is free, and there is no obligation. Don’t wait until it’s too late, make a simple call and talk to attorney Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer.        1-877-Biker-Law (1-877-245-3752).

 

 

Ø      Oregon is an at-fault state. This means that the law of negligence governs motor vehicle accidents. The person who is found to be “at fault” for the accident can be held accountable for your injuries and damages in your Oregon motorcycle accident.

 

Ø      Oregon Helmet Law: When riding on or operating an Oregon motorcycle, the law requires that a helmet must be worn.

O.R.S. § 801.366

801.366. “Motorcycle helmet” defined

”Motorcycle helmet” means a protective covering for the head consisting of a hard outer shell, padding adjacent to and inside the outer shell and a chin-strap type retention system with a sticker indicating that the motorcycle helmet meets standards established by the United States Department of Transportation.

 

O.R.S. § 814.269

814.269. Motorcycle helmets, failure of motorcycle operator to wear; penalties

(1) A person commits the offense of failure of a motorcycle operator to wear a motorcycle helmet if the person operates a motorcycle and is not wearing a motorcycle helmet.

(2) Exemptions from this section are established in ORS 814.290.

(3) The offense described in this section, failure of a motorcycle operator to wear a motorcycle helmet, is a Class D traffic violation.

 

Ø      Oregon Eye Protection: The law of Oregon does not require that you wear eye protection when riding on or operating an Oregon motorcycle.

 

Ø      Oregon Minimum Insurance Requirements: In Oregon, the minimum insurance required for your Oregon motorcycle is Compulsory Liability Insurance.

·        Bodily injury liabilty (1 person in accident): $25.000

·        Bodily injury liability (all persons in one accident): $50,000

·        Property damage libility: $10,000

Ø      Oregon UIM Coverage: You can opt to buy underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage.

o       Underinsured: Underinsured Motorist Coverage will protect you if you are involved in an Oregon motorcycle accident with an at-fault driver who does not have enough insurance to cover the extent of your injuries

o       Uninsured: Uninsured Motorist Coverage will protect you if you are involved in an Oregon motorcycle accident with an at-fault driver who does not have insurance.

o       Hit & Run: Uninsured Motorist Coverage will also protect you if you are injured in an Oregon motorcycle accident by an at-fault driver, who is not able to be identified or is a hit & run driver.

Ø      Oregon Statute of Limitations: An action to recover for injuries resulting from your Oregon motorcycle accident must be commenced within 2 years from the date of the Oregon motorcycle accident.

12.110 Actions for certain injuries to person not arising on contract; action for overtime or premium pay; action for professional malpractice; effect of fraud or deceit; action for injuries to person arising from nuclear incident.

(1) An action for assault, battery, false imprisonment, or for any injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract, and not especially enumerated in this chapter, shall be commenced within two years; provided, that in an action at law based upon fraud or deceit, the limitation shall be deemed to commence only from the discovery of the fraud or deceit.

            12.115 Action for negligent injury to person or property.

 

 (1) In no event shall any action for negligent injury to person or property of another be commenced more than 10 years from the date of the act or omission complained of.

 

(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to extend any period of limitation otherwise established by law, including but not limited to the limitations established by ORS 12.110. [1967 c.406 §2]

 

*There are many exceptions, special definitions and complex issues that cannot be explained in this material. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice. Your legal rights greatly depend on the facts of your accident.

 

*Law changes constantly. Do not rely on this information. Law is vast and can not be covered in this limited space.

 

***Law portion of site in progress. Oregon motorcycle law regarding Oregon motorcycle accidents is being drafted and will be updated soon. Please call our firm for a free consultation to see if you have a case.