Were You Hurt in a Tulsa Motorcycle Accident?
Our experienced attorneys will help you build a strong claim
During warmer months, many motorcyclists in the greater Tulsa area enjoy the freedom of the open road. You often see them cruising down Routes 75 and 412. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to yield to motorcyclists - or simply don't see them at all. The result -Tulsa motorcycle accidents that often leave riders seriously injured.
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FAQs About Tulsa Motorcycle Accidents
- What are common types of Tulsa motorcycle accidents?
- What causes motorcycle accidents in Tulsa?
- What makes Tulsa motorcycle accidents so challenging?
- How much is my Tulsa motorcycle accident worth?
- Who’s responsible for paying for my Tulsa motorcycle accident?
- Can I be compensated if I’m partially at fault for causing my motorcycle accident?
- Who determines who caused a motorcycle accident in Tulsa?
- Should I accept a settlement offer for my Tulsa motorcycle accident?
- Should I file a motorcycle accident lawsuit?
- Who can I sue after my Tulsa motorcycle crash?
- Why should I hire a Tulsa motorcycle accident attorney?
What are common types of Tulsa motorcycle accidents?
Many motorcycle accidents in Tulsa caused by another driver often involve certain types of collisions, including:
- Rear-end accidents: Motorists who fail to stop at an intersection or reduce their speed during a traffic slowdown often cause rear-end accidents with motorcycles. In some cases, a motor vehicle can stop unexpectedly, causing a motorcyclist to hit the vehicle from behind and be flung into the air.
- Head-on collisions: While head-on collisions are rare, they can be devastating to motorcyclists. When a motorcycle collides head-on with a motor vehicle, the rider can be flung into the air and suffer life-threatening injuries.
- Side-impact accidents: These accidents usually happen when motorists fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists at intersections. They can happen at four-way intersections or when a motorcyclist is making a left turn.
- Dooring accidents: These accidents often happen unexpectedly on busy urban streets or narrow residential roads. Motor vehicle drivers and passengers can be responsible for causing a dooring accident with a motorcyclist. When a car door opens without regard for oncoming traffic, a motorcyclist is given little time to react.
- Lane departure accidents: These accidents often happen on multi-lane roads and highways such as Interstate 244 and L.L. Tisdale Parkway. When a passenger-vehicle driver veers out of his or her lane, a nearby motorcyclist can be sideswiped.
The Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyers at Lawter & Associates, PLLC have over 40 years of experience helping injured motorcyclists seek justice. Our experienced Tulsa attorneys know how to gather crucial facts to help you build a strong claim. Contact us today and find out how we can help you every step of the way.
What causes motorcycle accidents in Tulsa?
Motorcycle accidents in Tulsa and elsewhere are almost always the result of the reckless or negligent actions of motorists. Tulsa motorcycle accidents are often caused by:
- Distracted driving: Handheld devices and built-in infotainment systems often cause drivers to take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel.
- Impaired driving: Drunk driving, drugged driving and tired driving causes delays in judgment and reaction time. This can make it difficult for drivers to take evasive measures to avoid a crash with a motorcyclist.
- Speeding and reckless driving: It's bad enough that some drivers show no regard for motorcyclists. But when they speed and drive recklessly on top of that, they put motorcyclists at risk of suffering life-threatening injuries.
- Road defects: Potholes, ditches and debris in the road can put motorcyclists at risk of an accident. In some cases, local municipalities and property owners can be held responsible for accidents caused by road defects.
- Vehicle manufacturing defects: When brakes, wheels, tires or steering parts malfunction, a serious accident can occur. Passenger-vehicle defects can be dangerous for nearby motorcyclists, especially if a vehicle is unable to stop.
- Inclement weather: In Oklahoma, heavy rain can come by surprise. High winds caused by thunderstorms and tornados can make it impossible to ride safely. Passenger-vehicle drivers who fail to reduce their speed and practice caution during inclement weather can be a danger to motorcyclists.
What makes Tulsa motorcycle accidents so challenging?
Motorcycle accidents in Tulsa can be particularly challenging because they often involve serious injuries and complicated legal issues. These challenges can make it harder for injured motorcyclists to get the compensation they rightfully deserve. What are some of these difficulties?
- Bias against motorcyclists: Some people, including insurance companies, assume motorcyclists are reckless, which can unfairly affect your case by placing the blame on you.
- Serious injuries: Motorcyclists have less protection than drivers in cars, so injuries from a crash are often severe and require long-term medical care and extensive recovery time.
- Complex liability issues: In motorcycle accidents, fault may involve multiple parties, including other drivers, government entities, or even manufacturers of faulty motorcycle parts.
How much is my Tulsa motorcycle accident worth?
The value of your Tulsa motorcycle accident claim often depends on many different factors, including the specifics of your injuries and how the crash has affected your life. As a result, there’s no set amount for motorcycle crashes. That’s because every case is different. Factors that can impact your claim’s value often include:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost income: Money you didn’t earn while recovering, plus potential future losses if you can’t work as you did before.
- Pain and suffering: This refers to non-economic damages for emotional distress, physical pain, and how the accident has changed your life.
- Property damage: Covers repair or replacement costs for your motorcycle and any belongings damaged in the crash.
Add all these expenses and others up and your Tulsa motorcycle crash could be worth thousands or perhaps even millions of dollars. The best way to know for sure is to talk to a Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after your crash.
Who’s responsible for paying for my Tulsa motorcycle accident?
Determining who is responsible for your motorcycle accident, or liability, is a key part of your case. Liability refers to who’s legally responsible for paying for your accident. In Tulsa motorcycle accidents, responsible parties may include:
- The other driver: If they were speeding, distracted, or otherwise careless.
- The motorcycle manufacturer: If a defective part contributed to the crash, such as faulty brakes.
- The government or a contractor: If poor road conditions like potholes or debris caused the accident.
Can I be compensated if I’m partially at fault for causing my motorcycle accident?
Yes, you can still receive financial compensation even if you are partially at fault for causing your Tulsa motorcycle accident. The key is you cannot be more than 50% at fault. This is due to Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence rule. Here’s how it works:
- Partial fault reduces your compensation: If you are 20% at fault and your claim is worth $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $80,000.
- Fault must be determined fairly: Evidence, like photos and witness statements, can help ensure your fault is accurately assessed.
- Legal guidance matters: A Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyer can build your case and advocate for a fair outcome.
Who determines who caused a motorcycle accident in Tulsa?
Determining who caused your motorcycle accident, or liability, involves examining evidence and statements from everyone involved. The following groups play a role in this process:
- Police officers: The Tulsa Police Department or Oklahoma Highway Patrol will investigate the scene and create an accident report.
- Insurance companies: Both parties’ insurers will review the evidence and make their own determination, which can sometimes be biased.
- Your lawyer: An experienced Tulsa motorcycle accident attorney will gather evidence, such as photos, witness statements, and expert opinions, to build a strong case that proves who was at fault.
Should I accept a settlement offer for my Tulsa motorcycle accident?
You need to carefully consider any settlement offer before you agree to accept it. In most cases, a settlement offer is one-time payment designed to cover all past, current and future accident-related expenses. As a result, once you accept an offer, you cannot ask for more money in future, even if your motorcycle accident expenses increase dramatically in the future.
Insurance companies often make low settlement offers to save money, but you may deserve much more. Before accepting a motorcycle settlement offer, you should ask several questions to help you decide if your offer is a good one:
- Does the offer cover all your expenses? These include current medical bills, lost income, and future costs if you’re still recovering.
- Have you fully recovered? It’s important to understand the full impact of your injuries before settling.
- What does your lawyer think? A Tulsa motorcycle accident attorney can review the offer, explain whether it’s fair, and help negotiate a better settlement if needed.
Should I file a motorcycle accident lawsuit?
The short answer? Sometimes. In certain situations, filing a Tulsa motorcycle accident lawsuit may be the best option if the insurance company denies your claim or offers less than you deserve. A lawsuit allows you to pursue full financial compensation for your injuries and hold the at-fault party accountable. You should consider filing a lawsuit if:
- Liability is disputed: If the other driver or their insurer claims the crash was your fault.
- Damages are significant: Damages refer to the money you’re owed for financial losses (like medical bills and lost income) and non-economic losses (like pain and suffering).
- Settlement talks fail: A lawsuit can compel the at-fault party to take your case seriously.
Who can I sue after my Tulsa motorcycle crash?
You may be able to sue one or more parties depending on who caused your Tulsa motorcycle accident and how it happened. Potential parties can include:
- The at-fault driver: If they were negligent, such as texting while driving or running a red light.
- A motorcycle or vehicle manufacturer: If a defective part, like faulty brakes or tires, caused the accident.
- A government agency: If poor road maintenance, such as a large pothole, contributed to the crash.
Why should I hire a Tulsa motorcycle accident attorney?
Hiring a Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyer can significantly improve your ability to recover full and fair compensation. Motorcycle accidents often involve serious injuries, extensive expenses and complex legal challenges that require an experienced advocate. A lawyer can help by:
- Investigating your case: Gathering evidence such as police reports, photos, and witness statements.
- Proving liability: Establishing who was at fault and countering any bias against motorcyclists.
- Maximizing compensation: Accurately calculating damages, including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Handling negotiations: Dealing with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement or filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Trust our Tulsa motorcycle accident attorneys to fight for you
Motorcyclists don't have the same protections as passenger-vehicle drivers. Without a sturdy frame, seat belt or air bag, the injuries sustained can be devastating and even deadly.
Injuries often sustained in motorcycle accidents include:
- Spine injuries
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Road rash
- Organ damage
- Cuts, bruises and contusions
- Severed limbs
- Paralysis
- Death
After a motorcycle accident in Tulsa, your recovery could take months or even years. You could be out of work for an extended period of time. Medical treatment can be costly. In a perfect world, the negligent driver's insurance company would compensate you for your medical expenses and lost wages. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. Insurance companies, including your own, are often only interested in reducing their own costs, and they will gladly do it at your expense.
That's why you should speak to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at Lawter & Associates, PLLC understand the biases insurance companies take advantage of in motorcycle accident claims. We know the tricks they try to use to downplay or deny your claim, and we're ready to take them to trial if they refuse to budge.
We work on a contingency basis fee, which means you won't owe us any money unless we win. Don't hesitate to contact us for a free case evaluation. You can also call our Tulsa office at 866-584-1028.
Lawter & Associates, PLLC
6450 S Lewis Avenue #100
Tulsa, OK 74136
Phone: (918) 496-9577