Did you suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma? If someone else caused the crash, they could owe you compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Unfortunately, many motorcyclists face an uphill battle in getting the money and accountability they deserve. You need the help of an Oklahoma motorcycle accident lawyer who knows how to level the playing field.
You need Edwards & Patterson Law. Our law firm has over 30 years of experience protecting the rights of injured people.
With our help, clients have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts — money they desperately need to recover from their injuries and rebuild their lives. Let us help you, too. Contact us today for a free consultation with an Oklahoma motorcycle attorney.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Oklahoma?
The steps you take after a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma can affect your health and your ability to secure the money you deserve. If possible, you should:
- Call 911 – Motorcyclists are more likely to suffer serious injuries after a crash. Call 911 to summon police and paramedics. Go to the hospital if you need urgent treatment. The police will investigate the accident and write a police report you can get later.
- Get the other driver’s information – If you’re able, ask the other motorist for their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information. If your injuries prevent you from gathering this information, ask someone else to do it for you.
- Document the accident – Use your phone to take pictures of your injuries, the damage to your bike and other vehicles, and the general area around the crash site. Look for potential eyewitnesses and any video cameras that may have recorded the crash.
- See a doctor – Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible if you don’t require immediate medical care. Starting medical treatment immediately after an accident can improve your recovery time. In addition, delaying treatment could damage your personal injury case. A physician will record your injuries and how the accident might have caused them.
- Keep your medical records and other evidence – You need proof of your injuries to pursue compensation after a motorcycle accident. Your medical records will note the extent of your injuries, treatment plan, follow-up appointments, and rehabilitation recommendations. Keep any medical bills or receipts for expenses related to the crash.
- Do not give any statements to insurance companies – You do not want to speak to the insurance company until you have talked to an attorney. Check your policy to see if there are deadlines to notify them of the wreck. Keep your statements brief if you must report it before talking to a lawyer. Tell them when and where the accident occurred, but save the specifics for later.
- Contact an Oklahoma motorcycle accident lawyer – You must act fast after a motorcycle accident. Critical evidence can disappear, and you have limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. An attorney can get to work immediately to give you the best chance of recovering full and fair compensation.
What if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet During a Motorcycle Accident in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma law does not require motorcycle riders aged 18 or over to wear helmets. Some motorcyclists believe their lack of a helmet will count against them in a personal injury lawsuit. This is a false assumption. Whether you were wearing a helmet at the time of a crash generally has no bearing on who is liable. That said, insurance companies may try to deny your claim or reduce your compensation if you were not wearing a helmet — an unfair tactic that an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer knows how to defeat. Though the law does not require you to wear a helmet, Edwards & Patterson Law always encourages riders to wear one. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says helmets lower the risk of a head injury by nearly 70 percent.
Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
If you are lucky enough to walk away from a motorcycle accident with minor injuries, you may not need an attorney’s help. But many motorcycle accident victims suffer significant injuries that require expensive treatment and long-term rehabilitation. An experienced attorney can investigate the crash, determine who is liable, document your losses, and demand the full and fair compensation you deserve. A motorcycle accident attorney can also handle settlement negotiations with the insurance company. Be prepared for the insurer to challenge your claim. Your lawyer can respond with evidence to undermine their arguments and fight for the money you’re owed.
What Can You Expect to Recover in an Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Every motorcycle accident case is different, so estimating how much compensation you may be entitled to is impossible to say without a thorough review of the circumstances. However, with the right legal representation, you can demand payment for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earnings
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost quality of life
- Property damage
Most motorcycle accident cases resolve in settlements with the insurance company. But if the insurer refuses to settle, your lawyer may suggest filing a lawsuit to pursue maximum compensation.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims states you have two years from the date of the crash to file your lawsuit. Should you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your ability to seek compensation in court. Call a lawyer right away to ensure your case is filed on time.
Why Do You Need an Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Hiring a lawyer after an Oklahoma motorcycle accident gives you several advantages. First, an attorney can start building your case while you focus on healing. Second, personal injury attorneys have the training, resources, and experience to help you seek as much compensation as possible. Third, a lawyer can help you push back against insurance companies that try to deny accident victims fair compensation. Let Edwards & Patterson Law demand justice for what you’re going through. Contact us today to speak with an experienced Oklahoma motorcycle accident lawyer. The first consultation is free. We look forward to meeting you, learning more about your concerns, and helping you hold the person who hurt you responsible for their actions.