Bicyclists, like motorcycle operators, are particularly vulnerable when they are involved in crashes with motor vehicles, if not more so. Bicyclists are more likely to sustain debilitating and catastrophic injuries that can leave them with lingering pain and sky-high medical bills. Bicycle crash victims are also unlikely able to work in the days, weeks, months, or even years following an incident, meaning they suffer financially as well as physically post-accident. If you or a loved one was involved in a bicycle accident in Oklahoma City, you know this all too well. Fortunately, aspects of insurance and the law were designed to help accident victims recover compensation for harms that were the result of a negligent or careless person’s behavior. Contact the Oklahoma City bicycle accidents lawyer at Boettcher, Devinney, Ingle & Wicker to discuss your case and your options today.
How Bicycle Accidents in Oklahoma Occur
Bicyclists are particularly susceptible to incurring serious injuries in crashes involving motor vehicles because of their bikes’ small size and slim stature. Depending on which roadway a bicyclist is traveling and at which time of day or night, bicyclists may appear virtually invisible to oncoming traffic until it is too late. For this reason, the causes of car accidents vary drastically. That said, Bike Oklahoma shares a few enlightening statistics regarding how the majority of bike accidents in the state occur:
● 45% of bike accidents are solo accidents, meaning the bicyclist falls into the road or collides with an inanimate object;
● 18% involve motor vehicles;
● 17% involve other bicyclists;
● 8% involve an animal;
● 4% involve a parked car; and
● 1% involve pedestrians.
In addition to the types of accidents, Bike Oklahoma breaks down fault in the majority of OK bicycle accidents. 47%of the time, the bicyclist is at fault while 48% of the time, a motor vehicle operator is at fault. 5% of the time liability remains unclear. Typically, Oklahoma sees 700+ bicycle accidents each year.
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SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYYour Rights and Responsibilities as a Biker
If you bike on a regular basis, it is important that you understand your rights and responsibilities as a biker. Some simple guidelines bikers are expected to follow are the following:
● In almost all circumstances, ride on the right;
● Do not impede traffic, even it means riding single file;
● Only pass when it is safe to do so, and give at least three feet of clearance; and
● Obey the instructions of police officers.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney With Experience
Bicycle accident cases are unique and involve more specialized knowledge of both traffic laws and bike laws. For this reason, you should hire an attorney who does not just specialize in personal injury law, but who specializes in bicycle accident law. Our bicycle accident lawyers at Boettcher, Devinney, Ingle & Wicker have extensive experience with the following types of bike accident cases:
● Cases involving automobiles and bicycles;
● Cases involving two bikes colliding;
● Cases involving pedestrians and bicycles; and
● Cases involving single bicycles.
Regardless of the situation, we can investigate the circumstances surrounding your claim and help identify the liable party. We can then build a strong case and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. Contact our Oklahoma bicycle accident lawyers today to get started.
