04/29/25
9 min
Motorcycle Accident Compensation in Oregon: What You Need to Know
Motorcycle accident compensation refers to the financial recovery available to riders after a crash, including coverage for injuries, lost wages, and property damage. Because these accidents can often result in serious or even life-threatening injuries, it’s important to know what factors affect the compensation possibly available after a motorcycle accident.
While general compensation principles apply across the U.S., Oregon has its own laws and insurance rules that shape how much a rider can recover—and from whom. To better understand your rights and options, let’s explore what motorcycle accident compensation looks like specifically in Oregon.
Motorcycle accidents rank among the most perilous types of road incidents, due to the significant injuries they can cause. Motorcyclists are more exposed on the road, meaning damage from a wreck may be more severe.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2022 there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed in the U.S., accounting for 14.6% of all traffic fatalities. In Oregon, this percentage is 16.3%, with 98 of the state’s traffic fatalities being motorcyclists. As a rule, riders tend to be far more exposed compared to the occupants of a vehicle, raising the stakes when it comes to both the risk of harm and the potential for recovery.
When it comes to recovering compensation after a motorcycle accident, insurance coverage is one of the most important factors at play. The types and limits of insurance involved will directly impact how much you can recover for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
While all Oregon drivers must meet the state’s mandatory minimum insurance requirements, individual policies may offer higher limits or additional coverage depending on what the driver selected when purchasing their insurance. These minimums set the legal baseline, but not necessarily the total compensation available after a crash.
Oregon requires all motor vehicle drivers to carry minimum amounts of liability insurance. These coverages help pay for expenses when a driver is found at fault. However, because Oregon is an at-fault state, your compensation will typically come from the other driver's insurance if they caused the crash.
Oregon’s minimum insurance requirements are:
• $25,000 per person for bodily injury liability
• $50,000 for two or more persons for bodily injury liability
• $20,000 for property damage liability
Oregon law requires UM coverage for all standard auto policies. This coverage protects you if you're injured in a crash caused by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to fully cover your losses.
State minimums for UM coverage are:
• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
UM and UIM coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, even when the at-fault driver cannot. In motorcycle accidents, where injuries tend to be more serious and more expensive to treat, this coverage can be essential to receiving full compensation.
While insurance coverage sets the foundation for what’s financially available after a crash, the actual compensation you receive depends heavily on the severity of your injuries and the long-term impact on your life. Motorcycle accidents often result in extensive trauma, longer recovery periods, and ongoing medical needs, making the losses in these cases far more significant than in a typical fender bender. Below are the main types of compensation that may be available to motorcycle accident victims.
Even with the right insurance coverage and a valid claim, the amount of compensation you receive after a motorcycle accident depends on how well your case is prepared. The aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming, but certain steps can make a major difference in protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery.
Some of the most important factors include:
Insurance companies often challenge claims, especially when serious injuries are involved. They may dispute fault, minimize your pain, or offer settlements that don’t reflect the true cost of your recovery. This is where strong legal guidance can make a critical difference.
An Oregon motorcycle accident attorney understands the strategies insurers use and how to counter them with proper documentation, expert input, and a clear picture of your long-term needs. From calculating future medical care and lost earning potential to negotiating directly with adjusters, having legal representation ensures your voice is heard and your losses are respected.
At Senft Injury Advocates, we know how devastating a motorcycle accident can be—not just physically, but emotionally and financially. That’s why we take on the legal burdens so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. With over 30 years of experience, we’ve helped countless victims fight for the compensation they deserve after life-changing injuries.
We handle the paperwork, the negotiations, and the deadlines, because no one should have to go through this alone. Let us help you move forward with confidence.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and essential services after a motorcycle accident, but only if it’s included in your motorcycle insurance policy. In Oregon, PIP is not required for motorcycle coverage, and it doesn’t automatically carry over from your auto insurance. Many motorcyclists assume they’re covered because they have PIP on their car, but this coverage must be separately added to your motorcycle policy. If you’re unsure, it’s important to review your insurance details to know exactly what’s covered.
Several factors influence how much compensation you may receive after a motorcycle accident in Oregon. These include:
A bodily injury payout refers to the compensation you receive for physical harm suffered in an accident. This can include coverage for medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. Bodily injury compensation may come from the at-fault driver's liability insurance, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, or as part of a settlement or court award.
While it’s not legally required to hire an attorney, working with an Oregon motorcycle attorney can significantly improve your chances of receiving full compensation. Attorneys can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure your claim reflects the long-term impact of your injuries. They also help make sure deadlines are met and your rights are protected throughout the process.