If you were severely injured in a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, you know how overwhelming the effects of a crash can be. On top of your pain and suffering, you may face exorbitant medical bills and weeks or months of lost wages. Fortunately, you do not have to deal with these consequences alone.
At BDIW Law, we can connect you with an experienced Oklahoma City motorcycle accident attorney. Reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer from our team. We can help you recover financial compensation following a devastating motorcycle crash.
How Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Oklahoma City
Many people assume that when a driver strikes a motorcycle rider, the rider is at fault. This misconception is dangerous and costly. In reality, motorcycle accidents are often caused by motorists.
Acts of negligence vary in nature and can include but are not limited to the following:
Distracted Driving
Using a cell phone while driving, eating behind the wheel, conversing with passengers, and other distractions can contribute to collisions. Ultimately, a driver must pay attention at all times when they are behind the wheel. Otherwise, the driver can cause a car accident or motorcycle crash.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Distracted driving, like speeding and reckless driving, causes collisions at an alarming rate. When an aggressive driver weaves in and out of traffic, they are unlikely to see a motorcyclist until it is too late. This can lead to motorcycle rider injuries and fatalities.
Road Defects
Potholes, road debris, ditches, and other hazards can send a motorcycle flying and the rider along with it. Local municipalities are generally required to maintain roads. Unfortunately, many fail to uphold this duty, which contributes to car and motorcycle accidents.
Impaired Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving accidents involving motorcycles are on the rise. This is because drunk drivers and those under the influence of drugs exhibit poor judgment, slow response time, and impaired vision. In any instance, a drunk driver is negligent and can cause an accident that harms motorcycle riders, pedestrians, and other motorists.
Bad Weather
Bad weather makes driving more dangerous for everyone. However, operators of both passenger and commercial vehicles and motorcycles are responsible for exercising caution during inclement weather conditions, even if it means getting off the road. If motorists fail to adjust to conditions when dangerous weather strikes, they may be liable for resulting damages.
BDIW Law offers legal help to motorcycle riders involved in accidents that occur for any of the aforementioned reasons. Our Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyer can review your case. We can help you decide if now is the right time to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYCommon Injuries in Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident Cases
There is no shortage of injuries that motorcycle riders can suffer in accidents. These injuries include:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Severe road rash
- Broken bones
- Face and scalp injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Limb amputation
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and other internal injuries
Many of these injuries can be life-threatening and require extensive medical treatment. If the other party’s insurance company refuses to pay or if they are offering a lowball settlement, legal help is available. At this point, you can partner with a motorcycle accident attorney in Oklahoma City that will help you fight for fair compensation.
Financial Compensation After an Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents can be disastrous, resulting in severe injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses. If you were hurt in a motorcycle wreck in or around Oklahoma City, you might be entitled to several forms of compensation. Recoverable damages in a motorcycle injury claim may include the following:
- Medical Expenses: Motorcycle accidents can result in significant medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor’s fees, prescription medication, and rehabilitation costs. You may be able to recover compensation for these expenses.
- Lost Wages: If you cannot work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This damage often includes loss of future earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: Motorcycle accidents can cause substantial physical and emotional pain. You may be able to recover compensation for these non-economic damages.
- Property Damage: If your bike or other property was damaged in the crash, you need money to repair or replace it.
- Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one in a fatal accident, you might be entitled to compensation for their wrongful death. This includes funeral expenses and compensation for the loss of their companionship.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party for their reckless behavior and deter others from engaging in similar conduct.
After a motorcycle accident, do not wait to seek out legal help. You can partner with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Oklahoma City that possesses extensive experience. This lawyer can help you get the maximum compensation available.
How Much Money You Can Get in an Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
Your Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyer will encourage you to request economic and non-economic damages. To determine how much to request in damages, your lawyer will help you calculate the costs of your accident to date. Also, your attorney will assess the long-term costs of your accident.
The plaintiff in a motorcycle accident lawsuit may request tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. Your attorney will help you determine a reasonable amount of damages to request. Once your lawsuit is filed, your lawyer will help you build a compelling argument designed to convince the court to rule in your favor.
If the defendant in your case finds you have a strong case, they may propose a settlement. You are under no obligation to accept a settlement proposal. If you review the proposal with your attorney, you can weigh its pros and cons and decide if it is in your best interests to accept it.
Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Oklahoma City
When a fair settlement cannot be reached, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover full compensation for your losses. It is important to be aware that there is a time limit, or “statute of limitations,” for filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait too long to seek damages in a motorcycle accident personal injury lawsuit, you lose your chance to do so at a later time.
In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident or injury, per Title 12, §95 of the Oklahoma Statutes. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years. If you choose not to do so, you are solely responsible for any damages associated with your personal injury.
A skilled lawyer will ensure that you meet all applicable deadlines in your case. At the same time, this lawyer will protect your rights and interests during negotiations with insurance companies and any at-fault parties. The lawyer will also explain the ins and outs of the legal process and help you achieve the optimal result in your personal injury case.
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma City
The team at BDIW Law is prepared to help you investigate the circumstances leading up to your accident, gather evidence, and fight for an appropriate settlement. Get in touch with BDIW Law today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
