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Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

There are a few things as exhilarating as cruising down the highway on a motorcycle. It’s a thrilling way to travel and explore the capital city of Oklahoma. But as we all know, riding a motorcycle comes with immense risk. On a motorcycle, the rider is more exposed and there are fewer protections meaning that when accidents do happen, the rider incurs a great deal of bodily harm 

If you’re involved or have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to find a lawyer you can trust to help you with your case. An Oklahoma City motorcycle accident attorney could be the specialist you need for any legal action you decide to take following your accident.

Find out more about how motorcycle accident attorneys can help you.

Motorcycle Accidents in Oklahoma City

The most recent data from the State of Oklahoma Highway Safety Office show that up to 2018, there have been roughly about 89 people killed in motorcycle crashes each year. Many more people have been involved in some type of motorcycle crashes where the rider sustained all types of injuries. This figure has remained steady over the last few years. The majority of these accidents take place on city streets, where there are a lot more cars and objects that obstruct and interfere with the rider’s view.

These are worrying statistics that show motorcyclists face a danger every day of being involved in an accident when they are out on the road. And whether riding through the city or out on an open highway, an accident could happen at any time. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, there are legal routes that you can take that can help you receive compensation and justice for your injuries.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents that Oklahoma Law Firm Can Help with

Motorcycles are liberating, fast, and powerful. They have connotations of rebellion and adrenaline, and many riders are guilty of bending the rules of the road and taking risks while riding. Riding at an unsafe speed is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma, accounting for nearly a quarter of all accidents that happen.

But motorcyclists aren’t the only ones to blame for these figures. An Oklahoma motorcycle accident typically involves a passenger car – because they are either driving at a dangerous speed, tailgating, or driving under the influence.  In data gathered by Federal Highway Administration Research and Technology, there were more multiple vehicle accidents involving motorcycles than individuals, but the causes varied significantly. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Unsafe speed
  • Other Improper Act/Movement
  • Tailgating
  • Inattention
  • DUI/DWI (Alcohol)
  • Failing to Yield
  • Unsafe Vehicle
  • Failing to Stop

While a large number of motorcycle accidents are as a result of no improper action, it’s those with an actual cause that needs to be of concern to motorcyclists. The actions of others on the road can leave you with serious injuries, with life-changing consequences, or even death.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), riding a motorcycle is much riskier than driving a car, due to the instability provided during maneuvers such as emergency braking and the lack of protection provided by other vehicles such as passenger cars. It’s because of this that the rate of deaths from motorcycle accidents is higher than that involving passenger cars.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

As with all kinds of impact-related accidents, there are all kinds of injuries that can be sustained in a motorcycle accident, including:

  • Ankle Injuries – Ankle dislocation, tibia and fibula fractures
  • Foot Injuries – Metatarsal and tarsal fractures, calcaneus and talus fractures
  • Hip Injuries – Hip dislocation, intertrochanteric femoral fractures
  • Knee Injuries – Patella fractures, torn ligaments, meniscus tears
  • Leg Injuries – Tibia and fibula fractures, leg amputations, “massive leg crush”
  • Pelvic Injuries – Sacrollium fractures, symphysis pubis separation
  • Thigh Injuries – Femur fractures, soft tissue injuries to veins/arteries/nerves

Source: Crash Report, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

You’ll notice that these are all lower-body injuries. This is because lower-body injuries (as well as those to the hands, etc.) make up around 30% of motorcycle accident injuries – the majority.

Part of the reason for this is because of the use of helmets. While the law in Oklahoma only states that only those under the age of 18 are legally required to wear a helmet at all times, many motorcycle riders choose to wear a helmet as a safety element when riding a motorcycle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), claim that wearing a helmet reduces the risk of death by 37% and the risk of head injury by 69%. It’s therefore of extreme importance that you wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. It will help you to avoid serious head injury and reduce the impact of your crash.

Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?

If you’re involved in an accident, and in particular one that was through no fault of your own, it’s important to understand the legal action you can take to help you claim compensation – something which could be drastically needed to cover treatment costs and rehabilitation, as well as compensate your inability to work during this time.

Oklahoma Statutes §23-61.2 states that the maximum amount of possible non-economic damages a person can collect is $350,000. This is true even if the injuries are life-changing and significant. By contacting an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, you can get advice relevant to helping you make your claim so that you can understand what you’re eligible to claim for.

You may also be eligible to take legal action under the grounds of Negligence Law, in cases where it can be proved that another party failed in their duty of care, leading to the plaintiff’s injuries. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma, contact us today!

Taking action for a motorcycle accident

No matter the action you take, you will have up to two years to file a lawsuit for your motorcycle accident. This legislation applies to all compensation claims related to personal injury or property damage. Even if you feel you were unable to claim before, provided it hasn’t been more than two years since your accident, you could be eligible to make a claim. Dial our phone number for a free consultation.

Looking for Motorcycle Accident Lawyers? Contact Hasbrook & Hasbrook Today!

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident and need some legal advice, contact Hasbrook & Hasbrook today. Our motorcycle accident lawyers have years of experience handling cases like yours and are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. To discuss a claim or for further information, contact us today.

Motorcycle accidents have serious consequences. If you’re involved in a crash and it wasn’t your fault, make sure you get in touch with Hasbrook & Hasbrook to discuss how we can help you get compensation and help you get your life back on track.

    References

    HASBROOK & HASBROOK HASBROOK & HASBROOK 400 N Walker Ave #130, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
    400 N Walker Ave #130 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102
    (405) 235-1551