Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycles can be a pleasant way to travel. When the weather is sunny and warm, there are few better feelings than getting out on the open road. Motorcyclists have the opportunity to see all our great state of Oklahoma has to offer, but the hobby is not without its risks. Motorcyclists are much more likely to sustain serious injuries in the event of an accident or crash. If you or a loved one recently incurred damages in a motorcycle accident, what are your legal options? Learn how Oklahoma law provides recourse to injured motorcycle riders and what you should do next with the help of Oklahoma’s best accident attorneys, Bryan & Terrill Law.
Hazards of Motorcycle Riding
There are some inherent risks to riding a motorcycle – they are smaller and lighter than cars, and do not have protective measures like airbags and seat belts. For these reasons, motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in death or incapacitating injury. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 35 times more deaths resulted from motorcycle accidents in 2006 compared to car accidents.
Hazards of riding a motorcycle include:
- Lower visibility. Motorists are less likely to see motorcycles at intersections or while traveling around a curve.
- On-road debris. When a car strikes a construction cone, rock, or other hazard, the car may suffer minor damage, but the driver is likely to be unaffected. On the other hand, these could send a motorcyclist flying out of control, causing serious injury.
- Lack of protective barriers. A car’s driver and passengers are protected by a metal frame designed specifically to protect against injury. Motorcyclists do not have this luxury.
- High risk behavior. Some models of motorcycle (like sport bikes) can encourage speeding, reckless driving, fast acceleration, and other factors that may lead to accidents.
Who Is Responsible for Motorcycle Accidents?
From a liability standpoint, motorcycle accidents are similar to car accidents, in that they rely on the theory of negligence. A person may be negligent in a crash if he or she acts in a careless or reckless manner that contributes to an accident. If, for example, a motorist is speeding or texting a friend when they collide with a motorcyclist, they may be liable for damages the motorcyclist sustains.
In many motorcycle accidents, it is the driver of the car or truck that is negligent, or “at fault.” To collect damages in a motorcycle accident, the injured victim must prove:
- The other driver owed the motorcyclist a “duty of care.” Motorists on public roadways owe a duty of care to other drivers.
- The driver wasn’t careful around the motorcyclist (i.e., broke some traffic law, such as speeding or failing to yield).
- That careless conduct led to the motorcyclist’s injuries.
- The motorcyclist suffered losses (i.e., incurred medical bills or missed time from work for recovery and treatment).
Your Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcycle injuries can be catastrophic, and you need an experienced injury attorney to defend you. A personal injury settlement allows victims of motorcycle accidents to gain compensation for their injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. To start the claims process today, contact us for a free initial consultation.