Many people enjoy riding motorcycles since they enable the rider to travel outdoors and enjoy a view that might not be available when traveling inside a car. Unfortunately, motorcycles are often involved in accidents with other larger vehicles, and when that happens the effects could be devastating.
If you were in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of an irresponsible motorist, you might be entitled to receive compensation. A Midwest City motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help. While proving a motorcycle accident claim can be difficult, an experienced personal injury attorney can handle the legal aspects so you can focus on your recovery.
Common Causes of Motorbike Wrecks
Motorcycles may be more susceptible to motor vehicle accidents than other automobiles since they are smaller and may not always be visible to drivers of larger vehicles. Due to the lack of protection a motorcycle provides, bikers might be more at risk of accidents caused by road damages or adverse weather conditions.
Motorcycle accidents that occur for numerous reasons. Some of these factors could include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or substance
- Poorly executed lane turns
- A vehicle driver failing to allow a motorcyclist room to pass or execute turns
- A driver drifting into a motorcycle’s lane
A motorcycle accident attorney from Midwest City could review the causes of an accident to determine whether there may be a viable claim.
Determining Blame for a Crash
A large part of a successful claim is establishing fault. This means the plaintiff and their attorney need to determine who was responsible for causing the incident and be able to illustrate it clearly. To do this, it is necessary to review the applicable evidence, conduct witness interviews, investigate the accident, and consult the appropriate experts.
It is also necessary to prove the negligence was a direct cause of the incident and that the claimant’s injuries were solely caused by the accident. After establishing this, an attorney must show that damages sought are strictly related to the injuries the victim sustained in the wreck.
Even if the biker was partially responsible, they still may be able to recover compensation. In Oklahoma, injury cases fall under the purview of the modified comparative negligence principle. This principle stipulates that any claimant found to be less than 50 percent at fault may still recover compensation. To learn more about how modified negligence works, it may be beneficial speak to a Midwest City motorcycle accident lawyer.
Compensation Available to Midwest City Riders
Since motorcyclists do not have the protection afforded to motorists riding in trucks and cars, riders have the potential to sustain severe injuries in collisions with larger vehicles. The damages a claimant seeks will depend upon the severity of the accident and their injuries. The plaintiff could seek compensation for issues which may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost past and future wages
- Decreased quality of life
- Mental anguish
- Past and future medical expenses
Motorcyclists involved in more severe accidents might also seek damages for pain medications, home modifications, a home aide, convalescent care, or other expenses. If the crash resulted in a fatality, a compassionate attorney could help the family bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of the rider.
How a Midwest City Motorcycle Accident Attorney Could Help
Since motorcycles are smaller than most other vehicles, it is rare for a motorcyclist to not be seriously injured in a wreck. Motorcycle accidents could result in more serious injuries than a collision between two cars. In some cases, these incidents may be precipitated by the irresponsibility of a car or truck operator. Under such circumstances, a Midwest City motorcycle accident lawyer might be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call today.