Tragic Collision on Highway 26 Claims Life of Madras Motorcyclist, Identified by Oregon State Police

Madras, Oregon | May 28, 2025

Fatal Motorcycle Collision on Highway 26 Highlights Dangers of Unsafe Passing

A 36-year-old Madras man, Scott Anthony Pradmore, was killed Thursday morning in a two-vehicle collision on Highway 26 near Dover Lane in Jefferson County. Oregon State Police (OSP) reported that Pradmore was operating a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and attempted to pass a Dodge Ram 2500 with a trailer on the left side just as the truck began making a left turn onto Dover Lane.

The crash occurred around 7:01 a.m., and the impact with the trailer proved fatal. Pradmore was declared deceased at the scene. The 22-year-old driver of the Dodge Ram, a Bend resident, was uninjured in the incident.

OSP investigators determined that the motorcycle's unsafe pass was the primary cause of the crash. The investigation temporarily closed or restricted traffic on the highway for approximately two hours. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) assisted at the scene.

Legal Considerations in Motorcycle Collisions Under Oregon Law

Motorcycle accidents are among the most severe types of traffic collisions, often resulting in catastrophic injury or death due to the lack of physical protection for riders. In this accident, the Oregon State Police concluded that the collision was caused by an unsafe passing maneuver. However, in many motorcycle crashes, questions of visibility, road design, or driver negligence may contribute to liability.

While no allegations of wrongdoing have been lodged against the driver of the Dodge Ram, under Oregon law, families of deceased motorcyclists may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim if evidence shows that another party's actions contributed in any way to the fatality.

Even when a motorcyclist is found primarily at fault, Oregon’s comparative negligence laws may still allow partial recovery if another party shares some responsibility. In other cases, road design or signage deficiencies may create potential claims under premises liability law.

This incident also underscores the importance of motorcycle safety and awareness by all drivers. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, nearly half of all fatal motorcycle crashes in the state involve another vehicle, often during turns or lane changes.

Safety Reminder and Support for Victims’ Families

Motorcyclists are reminded to use extreme caution when passing vehicles, particularly in areas with intersections or turning traffic. Drivers of larger vehicles should also be vigilant for motorcycles, especially when turning or changing lanes.

The loss of Scott Anthony Pradmore is a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in motorcycle travel. For families grieving the loss of a loved one in a motorcycle crash, navigating the legal and emotional aftermath can be overwhelming. Support may be available through legal claims for motorcycle accident injuries or wrongful death, depending on the circumstances of the collision.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a motorcycle accident in Oregon, the attorneys at Pacific Injury Law Firm offer compassionate and experienced legal help. Contact us for a free consultation at https://pacificinjurylawfirm.com/contact or call 971-277-3811.

---

Sources:

• Kade Linville, Harley Coldiron, KTVZ (opens in a new tab)
• Philomath News (opens in a new tab)