Tulsa Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Tulsa has become a haven for bicycling enthusiasts, thanks to its picturesque landscapes and a growing network of bike trails. Popular routes like the River Parks Trail System and the Osage Prairie Trail offer cyclists both the beauty of natural scenery and the convenience of well-maintained paths. As bicycling continues to gain traction in the city, it’s not just a mode of transport or leisure activity, but a part of the community’s lifestyle.

However, with the increasing number of bicycles on the road, the risk of accidents also rises. Catastrophic bicycle accidents can occur, often due to negligence or lack of awareness from motorists. These accidents can result in serious injuries, or worse, drastically impacting the lives of those involved. In such situations, the need for a skilled Tulsa bicycle accident lawyer becomes paramount.

This is where Carr & Carr in Tulsa steps in. Our Tulsa bike accident lawyers are committed to providing the legal support and guidance needed after a serious bicycle accident. We will build a strong case on your behalf and deal with insurers, paperwork, and other details on your behalf so you can focus on recovery.

Why Hire Carr & Carr for Your Tulsa Bicycle Accident Claim?

Years Of Experience in Bicycle Accident Cases: As Tulsa bicycle accident lawyers, we have a wealth of experience and knowledge in this particular area of Oklahoma personal injury law.
Dedicated Legal Representation: Our legal team provides personalized attention to each case. We ensure that your legal rights are upheld and your voice is heard throughout the process.
Strong Negotiation Skills: Our law firm has a proven track record of successfully negotiating with insurance companies, ensuring that our clients receive the fair compensation they deserve for severe injuries and losses.
Resourceful and Thorough Investigations: We conduct detailed investigations to uncover all relevant facts of the auto accident, using resources like accident reconstruction experts to strengthen your claim.
Client-Centered Approach: At Carr & Carr, we prioritize the needs and well-being of our clients. We handle the legal aspects so that you can focus on your recovery, providing peace of mind during a challenging time.
No Win, No Fee: We take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay nothing upfront and we take our attorney fees out of your insurance settlement or award. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

Choosing Carr & Carr means you have a dedicated team working to secure the best possible outcome for your bicycle accident claim in Tulsa.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

If you’re involved in a bicycle accident, taking the right steps immediately afterward can be crucial for your health, safety, and any potential legal action.

Check for Injuries: Your safety is the priority. Check yourself and others involved for any injuries. If you’re bleeding or have visible wounds, don’t move. Instead, remain calm and ask others for help.
Call 911: Report the accident to the authorities, especially if there are injuries or significant damage. The police report can be crucial later for insurance or legal purposes.
Exchange Information: Get the contact and insurance information of the driver or drivers involved. Also collect contact details from witnesses, as their statements could be important.
Document the Scene: If you’re able, take photos of your bicycle, the vehicle involved, any injuries, and the overall accident scene. This visual evidence can be valuable for insurance claims or legal action.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to seek medical care after an accident. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately noticeable, so prompt attention is recommended.
Keep Records: Keep all documentation related to the accident, including medical records, police reports, and any communication regarding the accident.
Do Not Repair Your Bicycle: It’s important to keep your bicycle in the same condition it was after the accident until all aspects of the claim are resolved.
Consult a Tulsa Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Before talking to any insurance company representatives, consult an experienced lawyer who handles bicycle accidents. They can guide you on the best course of action and ensure your rights are protected.

Remember- the steps you take following a bicycle accident are critical in protecting your rights and ensuring you can recover any damages you’re entitled to.

Bicycle Accident Compensation and Settlements

Bicycle accident compensation typically falls into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. This financial compensation aims to cover the losses and impacts the accident has had on the victim’s life.

Economic Damages

Medical Expenses: This not only covers immediate medical costs but also any long-term rehabilitation or therapy. If you require ongoing treatments, like physiotherapy, or incur costs for medical equipment, these should be included. Future medical bills, especially for long-term or permanent injuries, are also factored in.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: This goes beyond just the salary lost during your recovery period. If your injuries impact your ability to work in the future, the potential earnings you’ve lost out on are also considered. This can include a reduction in working hours or an inability to continue in your current profession.
Property Damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle, as well as any damaged personal items.
Other Expenses: Any additional costs directly resulting from the cycling accident should be accounted for. This could be transportation costs to medical appointments or hiring help for household chores you can no longer manage due to your injuries.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and discomfort during and after the injury as well as the mental anguish of going through such a traumatic experience.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If you’re no longer able to engage in activities you once enjoyed, like cycling or other hobbies, you can seek maximum compensation.
Emotional Distress: This goes beyond the immediate impact and includes long-term psychological effects like anxiety, insomnia, or fear of cycling.

How much you ultimately receive will depend on factors like the following:

Injury Severity and Recovery Time: The more severe and long-lasting the injuries, the higher the potential compensation, especially if there’s a long-term impact on your health and lifestyle.
Total Financial Impact: All the economic damages are tallied, including potential future expenses. The clearer and more extensive this accounting, the more precise the compensation calculation.
Quality of Life Changes: The degree to which your life is altered by the accident plays a huge role. Permanent disabilities or chronic pain can significantly increase the settlement value.
Fault and Liability: If the other party is clearly at fault, you’re likely to receive a higher settlement. Comparative negligence (if you’re partly at fault) can reduce the amount.

A skilled attorney can effectively argue for a higher settlement by building a strong case around these factors. They can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive fair compensation.

How Can a Tulsa Bicycle Accident Attorney Help Me?

While you are not legally required to hire an attorney after a bicycle accident in Tulsa, there are several compelling reasons why doing so can be highly beneficial.

Legal Guidance: Bicycle accident laws can be complicated. A personal injury attorney with experience in this field can help you navigate the legal system, explain your rights, and provide counsel on the best course of action.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering: An experienced attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of your accident. This includes gathering evidence such as traffic camera footage, police reports, witness statements, and medical records. They ensure all relevant facts and details are meticulously compiled to strengthen your case.
Determining Liability and Negligence: Your bicycle accident attorney will work to identify all parties responsible for the accident. This often involves examining the actions of the negligent driver, potential road hazards, and any other factors that may have contributed to the crash.
Calculating Damages: They will determine the full extent of your financial losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and other damages to ensure you receive maximum compensation. This assessment includes current and future costs associated with the accident.
Handling Legal Procedures: Filing a lawsuit involves adhering to strict procedures and deadlines. Your personal injury lawyer will handle all legal filings, correspondence, and procedural requirements, ensuring no critical steps are missed.
Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often aim to settle personal injury claims for as little as possible. An experienced accident attorney will negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement. They know the tactics insurers use and how to counter them effectively.
Representation in Court: If a settlement cannot be reached, your personal injury lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. They will represent you throughout the legal proceedings, advocating for your best interests and seeking the maximum compensation you deserve.

Knowing that a professional is handling the legal aspects of your case allows you to focus on your recovery. Your attorney’s support can alleviate the stress and anxiety often associated with legal proceedings.

How Long Do I Have to File My Bicycle Accident Claim?

In Oklahoma, the time limit to file a claim for a bicycle accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to initiate legal proceedings against the party or parties you believe are responsible for the accident and your resulting injuries.

It’s important to note that if you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to sue for damages. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, if the claim is against a city or other government entity in Oklahoma, different time limits and procedures may apply. Also, in certain circumstances, such as when the injured party is a minor, the timeline might be extended. An attorney can provide specific advice based on the details of your case and ensure that all legal actions are taken within the appropriate time frame.

Common Causes of Tulsa Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents in Tulsa can happen for a variety of reasons, often due to a mix of traffic conditions, environmental factors, and human error. As biking becomes more popular in the city, understanding these common causes is essential for both cyclists and motorists to prevent accidents and ensure safety for everyone on the road.

Here are some of the common causes of bicycle accidents in Tulsa:

Distracted Driving: Motorists who are not paying full attention to the road can easily miss seeing a cyclist, leading to accidents. Common distractions include smartphones, GPS systems, entertainment systems, and other passengers.
Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant factor in many accidents, including those involving bicycles.
Opening Car Doors: Accidents frequently occur when a parked motorist opens their car door without checking for approaching cyclists.
Speeding: Excessive speed by reckless drivers reduces reaction time, increasing the risk of colliding with cyclists.
Failure to Yield: Motorists sometimes fail to yield the right of way at intersections or crosswalks.
Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and debris can cause cyclists to lose control and crash.

By being aware of these common causes, both cyclists and drivers in Tulsa can take proactive steps to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safer environment for everyone on the road.

What are Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?

Due to the exposed nature of bicycles compared to the enclosed, more protected environment of a car, cyclists are almost always at a greater risk of serious injury in the event of an accident. The lack of structural protection around them, combined with the often high speed of motor vehicles involved, means that cyclists bear the brunt of the impact, leading to catastrophic injuries.

Common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents include:

Head Injuries: Ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries, these can occur even with helmet use, though helmets reduce the severity.
Road Rash: This is a skin abrasion caused by sliding across the pavement, which can range from mild to severe.
Fractures: Cyclists often suffer broken bones, especially in their arms and legs, due to the impact of vehicles or the ground.
Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can be particularly serious, potentially leading to paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
Facial Injuries: Falling face-first can lead to broken jaws, dental injuries, and other facial damage.
Internal Injuries: These include internal bleeding or organ damage, which might not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, serious bicycle accidents can lead to psychological impacts like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Understanding these potential injuries underscores the importance of safety measures like wearing helmets, using proper lighting, and following traffic laws. However, even with precautions, the inherent vulnerability of bicyclists on the road remains a concern.

Get a Free Consultation From a Tulsa Bicycle Accident Lawyer

While biking offers numerous benefits and enjoyment, the reality of potential accidents can’t be ignored. If this happens to you or someone you love, let the dedicated Tulsa bicycle accident lawyers at Carr & Carr help. With our extensive experience in handling bicycle accident cases, we can make a key difference in the outcome of your claim and your journey to recovery. To learn more or schedule a free initial consultation, contact us today.