Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Oklahoma City

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Oklahoma City Police Department is 405-231-2121.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma?

  Copies of police reports for motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma City can be obtained from the Records Unit of the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD). Individuals may visit the Records Unit in person between Monday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Police report applications can be submitted to the official OCPD Records Request portal.

• What are the major causes of motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma City?

  Motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma City usually occur when motorists collide with other vehicles, such as passenger cars. According to the federal study titled "Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures," this reason makes up 75% of motorcycle accidents. In line with this, 66% of crashes between cars and motorcycles happen because a motorist fails to yield to the motorcycle rider.

• Are drinking establishments and stores liable for motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma City?

  Yes, those who were in a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma City after drinking too much at a bar or another establishment may be able to sue the business for over-serving them alcohol. Individuals injured in motorcycle accidents can pursue legal action against establishments that serve alcoholic beverages to people who are already intoxicated or under the age of 21.

• Is a distracted driver liable for no-collision motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma City?

  Yes, distracted drivers who weave in and out of their lane may be held liable for an Oklahoma City motorcycle accident if it forces another rider to be off the road or take evasive action to avoid a crash. There is an increase in likelihood for a motorcycle rider to lose control while avoiding a motorist who is veering sharply.

• Do motorcyclists who are partially to blame for an accident in Oklahoma City have the right to financial compensation?

  Motorcycle riders who are partially to blame for an accident in Oklahoma City may still be able to recover financial compensation under the state's comparative negligence law. This law allows injured motorcyclists to seek compensation from at-fault parties if their percentage of fault does not exceed 50%. However, the amount of fault assigned to the motorcyclist will reduce their financial recovery by an equivalent amount.

• Is there an exception to Oklahoma's two-year personal injury statute of limitations that applies to Oklahoma City motorcycle accident victims whose injuries were not discovered immediately?

  If an Oklahoma City motorcyclist's injury is discovered late, the two-year statute of limitations only begins to run on the date it is diagnosed by a doctor. However, this is the exception and not the rule. Motorcycle riders who miss the deadline applicable to their cases will forfeit their rights to recover the compensation they deserve.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.