Motorcyclists in Oklahoma have a right to use the road as much as any other vehicle. Drivers must respect those rights. Unfortunately, in the majority of motorcycle crashes, another driver violates the motorcyclist’s right of way.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, 87 fatal motorcycle crashes occurred in our state in 2016, with an additional 732 serious injuries in motorcycle crashes. Based on 2014 data, motorcyclists were 27 times more likely to die in accidents than passengers of other vehicles.
If another driver caused you to suffer injuries or the loss of a loved one in a motorcycle accident in Tulsa, you have the right to take legal action. Our personal injury law firm can help you pursue compensation for your medical treatment, lost wages, and all other losses. We are Oklahoma natives with a passion for helping our neighbors through the toughest moments of their lives. To learn more about how we can help you, contact the Tulsa OK motorcycle accident lawyers at Edwards & Patterson Law today and receive a free consultation.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Tulsa?
After a motorcycle accident, car accident, or truck accident, you are likely overwhelmed. You should try to take the following steps to get the assistance you need and help with your future injury claim:
- Seek medical attention. Even if an ambulance was not necessary, or if you think you were not injured, you should still seek immediate medical care. Some injuries involve delayed symptoms, including traumatic brain injury (one of the most common injuries in a motorcycle accident). Also, insurance companies can and will use any delay in treatment to argue that your injuries were not serious or that they were caused by something other than the accident. For the same reasons, you should attend every medical appointment and follow all of your doctor’s instructions throughout the recovery process.
- Gather contact information. You should get the names and phone numbers of every person involved in or who witnessed the crash. Also, get the insurance information of anyone involved in the crash. Do not hesitate to ask to see identification if you suspect for any reason that someone may be lying to you.
- Keep all potential evidence and relevant documents. You should keep any photos that you or someone else took at the scene of the motorcycle crash, including photos of the motorcycle and other vehicles (s) and the surrounding area. You should also hold on to your medical bills, motorcycle repair bills, and receipts of other crash-related expenses. Also, keep any letters or e-mails that you receive from insurance companies.
- Get a copy of your crash report. You can order a copy of the collision report by going through the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety or by contacting the law enforcement agency that prepared it such as the Tulsa Police Department or Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office.
- Report your accident. Tell your insurance company that your crash occurred. Your policy probably requires you to give notice. You should stick to the facts. You may be asked to forward a copy of the police report.
- Don’t talk to another insurer. You are not required to talk with the other driver’s insurance company. If the insurer reaches out to you, simply refer the insurer to your lawyer at Edwards & Patterson Law.
What are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents In Tulsa?
At Edwards & Patterson Law, our legal team can determine the cause of your motorcycle crash and identify the responsible parties by conducting an independent investigation, which may include:
- Collecting the accident report
- Reviewing photographs
- Interviewing witnesses
- Investigating the other driver’s record
- Reviewing medical records
- Consulting with experts
- Reconstructing the accident.
As we have seen through the years, most motorcycle accidents result from motor vehicle drivers’ failure to share the road safely with motorcyclists. Some of the leading causes of these crashes are:
- Following too closely
- Failing to check mirrors and blind spots
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Misjudging distance before turning left
- Failing to use turn signals
- Sharing a lane or passing too closely
- Driving while distracted
- Driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue.
In addition to driver negligence, other common causes of motorcycle accidents in Tulsa are motorcycle and vehicle defects, negligent maintenance and repair of motorcycles, and poor road conditions, including potholes and deteriorating or “soft” shoulders. Contact our Tulsa personal injury lawyer today.
Do You Need an Accident Lawyer after a Motorcycle Accident?
A serious motorcycle accident, such as a fall accident, is one of the most traumatic events that a person can experience. Victims may quickly become overwhelmed by medical treatment and related expenses, lost income, and insurance companies. This is why it is crucial to get help from an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
At Edwards & Patterson Law, we will take care of everything in your case so that you can focus on your physical recovery. We will know how to protect your rights, calculate your damages, and pursue the compensation that you deserve. If the insurance company refuses to pay an appropriate sum, we will not be afraid to go to court for you.
Additionally, our staff will always be available to answer any questions you may have and walk you through the motorcycle accident claims process from start to finish. We understand how these accidents can have life-changing effects. We care about you, and we will fight for you.
We take every case on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for you. Our fees will reflect a percentage of the amount we recover for you.
Get Help from Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Tulsa, OK Today
You deserve financial compensation if someone else’s careless or reckless driving has caused you to suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident or the loss of a loved one. With the help of a Tulsa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer from Edwards & Patterson Law, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. To learn more about your rights and the services we can provide, call or reach our Tulsa office online today. We can provide a timely and free consultation.