Motorcycle Accident

Oregon generally requires a motorcycle operator and a motorcycle passenger to wear a motorcycle helmet, with a short list of exemptions in section 814.290. Sections 814.269 and 814.275 make those duties Class D traffic violations. A missing helmet can enter the civil fault analysis under section 31.600. It does not automatically end the claim.

PIP, uninsured coverage and the two-year period in section 12.110 still apply, the same as in a car case. Photograph the bike, the helmet and the roadway, and call 503-823-3333 if the wreck needs a Portland report. Our helmet guide and our PIP guide walk through those rules.