Fighting For The Victims Of Motorcycle Accidents
Getting injured in a motorcycle accident can leave you physically and financially out of sorts. If you know that someone else was liable for your wreck, contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Oklahoma to seek the compensation that’s rightfully yours.
Being in a motorcycle accident can lead to severe and sometimes fatal injuries. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other drivers on the road because a motorcycle doesn’t provide the same protection as an automobile. Even when a helmet is worn, the body is still susceptible to extreme impact from collisions with other vehicles and objects in the road.
After suffering a traumatic bike crash, you may be out of work for an extended period of time. The financial burden of your motorcycle injuries can become overwhelming. You shouldn’t have to bear the burden of your finances alone while trying to recover both physically and emotionally from your accident.
At Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman, an Oklahoma motorcycle accident lawyer can assist you through the claims process from start to finish. We’ll help you determine all liable parties in your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
The Stigma Of Reckless Motorcyclists
When you get into a motorcycle accident, don’t be surprised if you’re immediately placed into the “reckless motorcyclist” stereotype by others around you. This is a common stigma because some motorcyclists are reckless when riding. Even if you didn’t cause your accident, the judge, the jury, and your insurance company may jump to conclusions and assume you were at fault.
While it may be harder to prove negligence on the liable parties in your case, your motorcycle accident lawyer in Oklahoma will work tirelessly to clear your name and make sure everyone involved understands who was at fault for your accident and your injuries.
Why Bike Accidents Occur
Bike accidents can occur for numerous reasons, and knowing the cause of your accident can be the key in determining who was at fault for causing your injuries. Not only can the cause of your accident determine fault, but it can also help you calculate your overall claim value by providing information such as what type of injury you have and what expenses have accumulated because of the crash.
Some of the common reasons why bike accidents occur include:
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Improper lane changing
- Sudden stopping
- Lane splitting
- Motorcycle and car defects
- Bad weather and road conditions
Injuries That Can Be Caused By Bike Crashes
The injuries that can be caused by motorcycle accidents are usually even more severe than those in the typical automobile crash. This is because motorcyclists aren’t as protected from the impact of other vehicles on the road. Broken bones are common, as well as significant trauma to the skin, possible spinal damage and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Depending on the severity of your injuries, life may never return to normal. Scarring and disfigurement can leave you with an altered appearance, TBIs may result in loss of memory or brain function, and spine injuries can cause paralysis or changes in sensory function.
Whether your side effects change the way you live your life forever or leave you with large medical bills on the front end, your lawyer with work closely with your doctor to determine how your injury and the suffering you’ve experienced will play into your settlement value.
Liability In Motorcycle Wrecks
When trying to determine who’s liable for causing your Oklahoma motorcycle wreck, your motorcycle accident attorney will be an essential resource. Your personal injury lawyer will do a deep investigation of your accident and gather all relevant evidence, including police reports, medical bills, witness testimonies, photographs and video footage to pinpoint any and all at-fault parties.
Often, more than one party can be held liable for causing an accident. For example, a car may have hit you because the driver was speeding, but they wouldn’t have hit you if it wasn’t for a pothole in the road. This could mean both the driver and the government entity that owned the road were liable for causing your accident.
Calculating Your Overall Claim Value
While you may think you know the settlement amount you deserve because you’ve held your medical bills in your hand, your lawyer will calculate your overall claim value by examining a wide range of compensatory damages. Aside from medical expenses, other economic damages will be considered, including loss of earning ability and any property damages you may have suffered.
Noneconomic damages will also be examined, which are ways that the accident has affected your lifestyle. These can include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident FAQ
You may be hesitant to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit for a number of reasons. If the legal process feels foreign to you and you’re scared you won’t win your case, we hear you, and your concerns are valid.
We’ve answered some of the most commons questions below to help ease your mind, but if you happen to have other questions, you can contact us for a consultation and we’d be happy to discuss your case in greater detail.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for my accident?
Motorcycle accidents can be complicated, and you may be partially at fault for your accident. Thankfully, the state of Oklahoma has a modified comparative negligence law in place that allows you to file a claim against other liable parties in an accident, even if you’re partially at fault. Once your percentage of fault is determined, the percentage will be taken out of your settlement amount.
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during my bike crash?
In Oklahoma, those under the age of 17 must wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle, while those over the age of 17 have the option to wear a helmet or not. If you’re over 17 and weren’t wearing a helmet during your accident, you didn’t break the law; however, it can still affect the outcome of your case. Your lawyer will do everything possible to ensure you still receive compensation.
Should I accept a settlement from my insurance company?
While you always have the option to speak with your insurance and accept their offer, it’s very likely that your insurance company won’t be willing to offer you the amount of money you deserve for the injuries you’ve suffered. It’s wise to speak with your attorney first and have patience when going through the claims process. You may receive a much higher settlement amount if you wait it out.
Reach Out To An Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Experiencing a motorcycle accident injury can be devastating, and filing a lawsuit may seem overwhelming, but with the help of an attorney from Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman, you’ll feel supported as you go through every step of the process. We’ll help you determine who’s at fault, negotiate on your behalf to maximize your claim value, and do everything possible to see that you win the settlement amount you rightfully deserve.
If you’re ready to speak with an Oklahoma motorcycle accident lawyer today about your case in greater detail, you can schedule a no-obligation consultation by filling out the contact form or by calling 405-467-2858.