Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road because they do not have a steel frame and other safety features afforded to other motor vehicles. While many motorcyclists are aware of this and are overly cautious, it only takes a single negligent driver to cause a motorcycle accident with catastrophic consequences such as death.
At Oklahoma Injury Law, our Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyers help hold negligent drivers accountable when they injure motorcyclists. We help accident victims recover fair compensation. Our Oklahoma City personal injury attorneys work closely with motorcycle accident victims and understand how these crashes can affect them physically, emotionally, and financially. Let us help you navigate this difficult time and advocate for your rights.
Why Choose Our Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
The choice you make in the personal injury attorney who represents your case is a crucial one. This critical decision can have a direct impact on the outcome of your case. Some of the reasons you should consider hiring the Oklahoma Injury Law Firm is because of our:
- Extensive experience: Our Oklahoma City motorcycle accident attorneys have over 45 years of combined legal experience. We focus on helping accident victims recover compensation after they were injured due to the negligence of others. We have ample experience in motorcycle accident cases, wrongful death claims, and other personal injury matters.
- Our established track record of success: Our law firm has successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. We consistently demonstrate our ability to secure top results.
- Our team approach: A team of attorneys and staff handles every claim. You have an entire team behind you. Our top priority is to hold individuals accountable for their actions and help our clients receive the compensation and justice they deserve.
- Our personalized attention: We meticulously prepare every case for maximum compensation. We don’t overlook any detail. We also maintain direct contact with our clients, providing honest and transparent communication.
- Our knowledge: We know Oklahoma motorcycle laws and other laws that affect these complex personal injury claims. We can confidently guide you through the personal injury claims process.
Contact us today online or call us at (405) 310-8800 for a free case consultation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Many motorcycle accidents happen due to the negligence of motorists. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Speeding – Speeding is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. When motorists speed, they have less time to stop once they notice a hazard. Injuries are also more likely to be severe.
- Left-hand turns – Many motorcycle accidents happen when a vehicle turns left into the pathway of an oncoming motorcyclist.
- Distracted driving – Motorists who are texting, talking on the phone, adjusting vehicle controls, eating, or grooming may not notice motorcyclists around them and may cause collisions.
- Impaired driving – Alcohol and drugs can impair a motorist’s coordination, reaction time, and decision-making skills.
- Unsafe lane changes – Because motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles, motorists may not notice them in their blind spot. They may change lanes and hit a motorist in an adjoining lane.
Because motorcycles are lower to the ground and only have two wheels, they are also more susceptible to dangerous road conditions, such as potholes and debris.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycles – even at lower speeds – can cause serious or even catastrophic injuries due to the massive difference in the size and weight of a motor vehicle vs. a motorcycle. Some common injuries in motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, which can cause permanent brain damage and lead to long-term complications
- Spinal cord injuries, including injuries that paralyze the victim or cause significant nerve damage
- Road rash is a serious condition that occurs when the skin comes in contact with an abrasive surface, sometimes removing layers of skin, muscle, fat, and tissue
- Amputations, which can sever a body part due to the force involved in the crash
- Burns, which can occur when the bike or other hot object lands on the motorcyclist
- Broken bones, including in the pelvis and wrists
- Soft tissue injuries to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- Internal injuries, including bleeding and damage to the spleen, liver, or kidneys
Many of these crashes cause permanent scarring and disfigurement. They can also cause lasting psychological damage.
Financial Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can cause significant injuries and damages. Personal injury victims can recover compensation for the following:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
An experienced Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyer can compile evidence of the full value of your case and relentlessly pursue the compensation you deserve.
How to Prove Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident
Negligence consists of four legal elements:
- Duty of care: The motorist has a duty to follow traffic laws and avoid collisions with other drivers.
- Breach of duty: The motorist did something or failed to do something that violated their duty of care, such as speeding or texting while driving.
- Causation: The motorist’s breach of duty was the direct and actual cause of the accident.
- Damages: You suffered damages as a result of the accident, such as medical bills or lost income.
You will need compelling evidence to prove negligence. Here is some evidence that may help establish each legal element of your claim:
- Duty of care: Traffic laws and regulations
- Breach of duty: Speeding tickets, cell phone records, videos, witness statements
- Causation: Videos, electronic data recorders in the vehicle, helmet cam videos, witness statements, reports from accident reconstruction experts
- Damages: Medical bills, employment records, pain journal entries, damage shop estimates
Common Methods Insurance Companies Use to Deny Claims
Insurance companies are for-profit companies that want to protect their bottom line. They do this by denying as many claims as possible and devaluing the rest. Common strategies they employ include:
- Issuing blanket denial letters
- Refusing or failing to investigate the accident and claim
- Asking for a recorded statement to use to blame the motorcyclist or minimize their injuries
- Requesting confidential medical records to blame an old injury for the current ones
- Blaming the accident victim for their injuries
- Citing policy exclusions
- Using outdated stereotypes and bias against motorcyclists
- Using delay tactics to frustrate the claims process so the victim gives up or accepts whatever settlement the insurance company makes
- Offering quick, lowball settlements before the accident victim has a chance to hire an attorney and learn the real value of their claim
- Requesting the same information over and over again or saying that the victim has not provided sufficient information
An experienced OKC motorcycle accident attorney can anticipate these tactics and respond appropriately, protecting your rights throughout the insurance claims process.
Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact Oklahoma Injury Law for Legal Advice and Guidance
An experienced Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through the legal system. Contact us today and call (405) 310-8800 to learn more.