Motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences: according to a report by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, there were 225 crashes reported in Tulsa County in 2021 alone, nine of which were fatal. To make matters worse, motorcyclists have to also deal with the public assumption that they bring this misfortune on themselves through reckless riding and a daredevil attitude.
The truth is that the majority of riders are as careful on the road as any other motorist. But without the protection of a larger vehicle, they are highly vulnerable to serious injuries, even in minor collisions. Unfortunately, many negligent drivers fail to properly look for motorcycles, leading to severe crashes and long-term challenges for victims and their families.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you’re likely in pain and worried about the future. Carr & Carr’s team of experienced attorneys is here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you need. Our firm has a history of helping motorcycle accident victims recover financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other losses. Call us today to learn more about how we can help.
Why Hire Us for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim in Tulsa?
At Carr & Carr, we have years of experience handling motorcycle accident claims. We know how to overcome common biases against motorcyclists and will demand full and fair compensation for your financial losses. Our experience and successful track record mean we know what to expect and how to prepare a solid case for you.
- You Matter to Us: When you work with Carr & Carr, you won’t just be another case number. We take the time to get to know our clients and understand their situation. You will have direct access to a Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyer who will be familiar with your case and available to answer your questions.
- We Know How to Investigate: Motorcycle accident cases often involve disputes over who was at fault. Our legal team investigates the accident thoroughly, gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage. We also work with accident reconstructionists to strengthen your case and prove liability.
- We Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance providers are often quick to offer settlements that don’t fully cover your expenses. At Carr & Carr, we are skilled negotiators and will push back against lowball offers. Our Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyers fight for the financial compensation you deserve and won’t accept less than what’s fair. If the insurance adjuster refuses to provide a fair settlement, we will take your case to court.
- We Are Prepared for Litigation: Although many motorcycle accident claims are settled outside of court, we prepare every case for the possibility of trial. You can trust that our personal injury attorneys are fully equipped to handle your case, no matter the direction it takes.
- No Upfront Costs – You Only Pay If We Win: Recovery from a motorcycle accident can be difficult financially. That’s why Carr & Carr works on a contingency fee basis – you don’t have to worry about legal fees unless we secure compensation for you.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
When you’ve been in a motorcycle collision, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel like you’ve been hurt. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not be immediately apparent but can have long-term effects if left untreated. Getting medical care also establishes a record of your motorcycle accident injuries, which will be important for your legal claim.
Once you’ve seen to your well-being, take the following steps:
- Call the Police and File a Report: Contact the police and have them file an accident report. This document will be valuable evidence for your case, as it will include details about the motor vehicle accident, statements from both parties and the responding officer’s assessment of fault.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene: If you are able, take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, the vehicles involved, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the crash. You should also identify any witnesses and get their contact information. These details can be critical in building a strong case.
- Exchange Information: Make sure to get the contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information of the other driver(s) involved. Provide the same information to them as well.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Watch what you say after a car accident. Even if you think you may have been partially responsible, avoid admitting fault. Simply provide the facts when speaking to the police or other parties.
- Contact an Attorney as Soon as Possible: After receiving medical attention, reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer. The sooner you involve a skilled attorney, the sooner they can start gathering evidence to support your case.
Who Pays Your Bills After a Motorcycle Accident in Tulsa?
Medical bills, motorcycle repairs, and other expenses can add up quickly after an accident. In Tulsa, the driver who is at fault for the accident is generally responsible for covering these costs. This is typically done through their insurance. However, it can be difficult to get fair compensation from insurance carriers, especially if the at-fault party disputes their responsibility.
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or is underinsured, you may need to claim under your own policy. Uninsured motorist coverage can help cover your medical expenses and other losses if the other driver doesn’t have insurance. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, if included in your policy, can also help cover medical bills.
Your motorcycle accident attorney at Carr & Carr will make sure that all potential sources of compensation are explored and that your bills are covered. Whether negotiating with the other driver’s insurance or pursuing a claim through your own policy, we’ll ensure your financial recovery is properly addressed.
Compensation You Can Claim After a Motorcycle Crash
Maximum compensation for a motorcycle accident depends on the severity of your injuries and the financial impact of the accident. Here are some of the most common types of compensation available:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, and any future medical care you may need as a result of the accident.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for the wages you’ve lost during your recovery. Additionally, if your injuries have a long-term impact on your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for reduced earning capacity in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: This type of compensation covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. It includes the impact that your injuries have had on your quality of life. Similar non-economic damages include loss of consortium and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage: You can recover compensation for the repair or replacement of your motorcycle and any other personal property that was damaged in the accident.
- Long-Term Care Costs: If your injuries require ongoing medical treatment, in-home care, or modifications to your home, you may be entitled to compensation to cover these expenses. This is especially important if your injuries are severe or permanent.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Motor vehicle drivers texting, using their phones, or engaging in other distractions are more likely to overlook motorcycles on the road. This lack of attention can lead to collisions, especially at intersections or during lane changes.
- Failure to Yield: When drivers fail to yield to motorcycles at intersections or when merging lanes, accidents occur. Motorcycles can be harder to spot, and drivers may misjudge the distance or speed of an oncoming bike.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of a collision. For motorcycle riders, the risk of serious physical injury or wrongful death is higher when reckless driving is involved, as they have less protection than those in enclosed vehicles.
- Drunk Driving: Motorcyclists face a huge risk when drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and reduced judgment, making them more likely to cause traffic accidents. Even a slight delay in reaction can result in life-threatening injuries for motorcyclists.
- Lane Splitting: While lane splitting (riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic) can be legal in some areas, it increases the risk of a traffic accident. Drivers may not expect a motorcycle rider to pass between lanes, and sudden lane changes by cars can lead to collisions.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Inclement weather such as rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery. These conditions are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, who have less traction and stability compared to larger vehicles.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, loose gravel, and uneven pavement can cause motorcyclists to lose control, especially at higher speeds. Because motorcycles are more sensitive to these conditions, road debris, and hazards can lead to severe accidents.
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
In Oklahoma, you typically have two years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a personal injury claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you do not file your claim within this period, you may lose the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
There are exceptions to this rule. For example, if the accident involves a government vehicle, different deadlines may apply. In cases involving minors, the statute of limitations may also be extended. To protect your right to compensation, it’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to ensure all necessary deadlines are met.
Get a Free Consultation From a Tulsa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycling accidents can be traumatic, overwhelming, and life-changing. While some bike accidents are minor and don’t require a personal injury lawyer, most involve catastrophic injuries and complicated insurance issues. In most cases, the motorcyclist is not at fault, and the legal issues are too stressful to deal with while recovering from an accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Tulsa, contact Carr & Carr for a free consultation. We are here to support you and provide the legal guidance you need to rebuild your life after suffering severe injuries. For more information or to schedule your free initial consultation with one of our motorcycle crash attorneys, call our law firm at 918-201-0423.