Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by the negligent actions of another party? The experienced Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyers at McGuire Law Firm can help you fight to maximize your recovery. Call our law office in Oklahoma City at (405) 513-5658 for a free consultation today.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and suffering. You probably have a lot of questions - and that's great. We're here to get you the answers you need and help you fight for the money you deserve.
How Our OKC Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You After You're Involved in a Crash
A motorcycle accident can take a serious toll on a rider. Physically, emotionally, and financially. If someone else caused - or even contributed - to the wreck, you can take action to hold them accountable.
When you turn to our compassionate personal injury attorneys in Oklahoma City, you can count on us to:
- Be available to you when you need to talk
- Provide you with clear and transparent answers to your legal questions
- Coordinate an in-depth investigation into your motorcycle accident to determine causation, fault, and ultimately, liability
- Work closely with leading motorcycle accident and injury experts as we build and value your injury claim
- Defend you if and when insurance companies attempt to lay some or all of the blame on you
- Prepare strong legal arguments and back them up with evidence so that we’re positioned to negotiate a favorable settlement or persuade a jury to enter a verdict in your favor.
McGuire Law Firm can help you do that. Collectively, our Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers have more than 60 years of experience standing up for injured riders and their families.
We know how important a financial recovery can be as you struggle to get back on your feet. That’s why we are prepared to work tirelessly to help you not only win your case, but maximize your financial settlement or award.
Don’t hesitate to call our law office in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma if you or a loved one have been injured in an accident with a motorcycle. We’re ready to provide you with the help and guidance you deserve. All you have to do is connect with our team to arrange a free consultation. It’s that simple.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
The steps you take after a motorcycle accident - and the decisions you make - are really important. They can affect your physical recovery and have a huge impact on your personal injury case.
Here’s what you should do (and should avoid doing) after you’re involved in a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma:
- Stay near the scene but move to a safe location. It’s important to remain at the scene of a motorcycle accident. But, if your crash happened in the middle of an intersection or on a busy highway, it’s important to move somewhere safe nearby. Oncoming vehicles might not see the wreckage in front of them and a second (or third) accident could happen.
- Report the crash. Call the police, tell them what happened, and ask to have first responders sent to the scene. Reporting your accident isn’t just a good idea - it’s quite possibly required by law.
- Seek medical attention. If you’re not transported to the hospital by EMSA or other first responders, make sure that you get to a doctor as soon as you can. Motorcycle accidents can cause catastrophic injuries - and some might not be obvious right away. Prompt medical care can help to keep you safe, ensure that all of your injuries are diagnosed and treated, and create important evidence for your injury case.
- Don’t apologize. Don’t apologize or accept blame for the accident. If you do, you can seriously compromise your ability to recover compensation. Make sure everyone is okay and sit tight until the police arrive.
- Take photos and document the scene. There’s an old saying: a picture is worth a thousand words. By taking photos of the wreck, tire tracks, scene, and your injuries, you can provide your attorney with tons of information about your accident. A simple photo of skid marks or damage to a vehicle can be incredibly valuable. So, if you have the ability to do so, snap some photos and take a few videos on your phone.
- Direct communications to your lawyer. Insurance companies will try to get you to say something to hurt your case or pressure you to accept a lowball offer. Protect yourself by directing all communications with insurers and other parties to your attorney.
Following a crash, your health and safety should be your top priorities. Then call an attorney at McGuire Law Firm to discuss your legal rights as soon as you can.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Oklahoma
According to the state crash stats, 306 motorcyclists were involved in accidents in Oklahoma County in 2019. Nearly 92% of these accidents happened in Oklahoma City.
Out of the 281 motorcyclists involved in those OKC crashes:
- 13 were killed
- 37 sustained serious/catastrophic injuries
- 99 sustained minor trauma, and
- 64 sutained possible injuries.
The condition of at least 20 riders was unknown, and another were left with damage to their bikes and other property.
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If you are one of the people who was injured in a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma, you may be entitled to compensation. To find out more about your legal options, just pick up the phone and reach out to an OKC personal injury lawyer at McGuire Law Firm.
What Contributes to Most Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Oklahoma?
Across the state of Oklahoma, 66 motorcyclists were killed in accidents in 2019. Nearly one out of every five motorcycle fatalities happened in Oklahoma City. Statewide, that’s between 5 and 6 fatal motorcycle crashes a month.
What’s contributing to so many deadly motorcycle crashes in the Sooner State?
Data from the state shows that:
- Unsafe speeds contributed to 24.3% of all fatal motorcycle crashes
- An improper act or movement was factor in 11.4% of all motorcycle wrecks
- Alcohol use contributed to 1 out of every 10 deadly motorcycle accidents
- 62.3% of riders killed in motorcycle accidents were not wearing a helmet
Feduce the likelihood of getting into an accident, as well as sustaining catastrophic or fatal injuries, by riding at safe speeds, obeying traffic laws, not riding under the influence, and always wearing a helmet.
What Compensation is Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims in Oklahoma?
Following a motorcycle wreck in the state of Oklahoma, riders are typically able to seek compensatory damages from those responsible. Compensatory awards fall into one of two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are awarded to account for the verifiable financial costs, expenses, and losses that are related to an accident.
Examples include:
- Medical expenses, such as hospitalization, surgery, medication, medical devices, and rehabilitation
- Lost income and wages during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if an injury results in a total or permanent disability
- Funeral and burial costs, if a motorcycle accident is fatal
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are paid to make up for the intangible losses and consequences of a motorcycle wreck.
Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- PTSD
- Loss of quality or enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement and scarring
In limited instances, punitive damages might also be available. However, these awards are limited to cases where the defendant's conduct is clearly reprehensible and deserving of punishment.
Can I Recover Compensation If I'm Blamed for an Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident?
Sharing blame will not automatically mean that you can't recover compensation for your crash-related injuries and damages. It will ultimately boil down to how much of the blame you're ultimately assigned.
That's because Oklahoma operates under a modified comparative fault system with a 51% bar to recovery.
As long as your share of the blame doesn't exceed 50 percent. So, you can be partly to blame and seek damages from other parties, you just can't be mostly to blame.
When you are allocated some - but not most - of the blame, your damages will be adjusted to reflect that. For instance, if your damages total $100,000 and you're assigned 25% of the blame, you'll be able to walk away with (at most) $75,000.
Insurance companies will undoubtedly try to push as much of the blame for the motorcycle accident to you as they can. Don't let them. Call McGuire Law Firm and get our skilled attorneys in your corner. We know how insurers operate and we'll be ready to counter their every move.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents happen in Oklahoma City just about every day. These crashes are typically caused by one or more of the following negligent behaviors:
Speeding
When drivers and motorcyclists travel too quickly, they often do not have time to brake or turn in time to avoid colliding with obstacles in the street and other road users.
As such, it is little surprise that speeding is the leading cause of motorcycle crashes in Oklahoma.
Distracted Driving
Drivers who look at their phone or apply makeup while traveling through Oklahoma City are often slow to react to the movements of the road users in their vicinity. It is, therefore, not uncommon for distracted drivers to collide with unsuspecting motorcycle riders.
Unsafe Turning
When turning at a stop sign or four-way intersection, drivers often fail to notice oncoming motorcyclists. As a result, they frequently crash into them.
Drunk Driving
The presence of alcohol in a driver's system can severely impair their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. When drunk drivers are struggling to stay in their lane and blowing through stop signs, they regularly collide with vulnerable motorcyclists.
Tailgating
When car and truck drivers follow too closely behind motorcycles, they are often unable to react quickly enough when the rider applies the brakes. As a result, they frequently rear-end the motorcycle and send the rider to the hospital.
Have you been involved in an accident on your motorcycle in Oklahoma City? If so, the lawyers at McGuire Law Firm may be able to help you recover some compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team and learn more about our services.
Common Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles do not offer the same level of protection as modern cars and SUVs. Most motorcyclists rely almost entirely on their helmet and riding suit to keep them safe as they travel around Oklahoma City.
This lack of protection means that they can sustain a wide variety of, often life-altering or life-threatening, injuries when they are involved in an accident, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractured bones
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Internal organ injuries
- Eye injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
The motorcycle accident attorneys at McGuire Law Firm in Oklahoma City have been helping injured riders fight for the financial restitution they deserve for many years. If you would like to have us represent you in your case, all you need to do is contact us online or give us a call.
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits in Oklahoma?
In the state of Oklahoma, the standard statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years. The vast majority of people who are hurt in motorcycle, truck, or car accidents are required to begin the legal process within two years of the date of their crash.
Of course, not everybody who is involved in a motorcycle accident realizes that they are injured right away. For some injuries, it can take weeks or even months for symptoms to appear.
If there's a delay in discovering your injury, the two-year statute of limitations can begin to run on the date it's diagnosed by a doctor.
But, keep in mind that this is the exception, not the rule. And, if you miss the deadline that applies to your case, you'll lose the right to recover the compensation you deserve. Call our attorneys immediately after a wreck to preserve your legal rights.
Need a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma City? Contact McGuire Law Firm Today
After a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma City, you need an attorney you can trust. That's why McGuire Law Firm should be your first call. We have the experience you need and a demonstrated ability to get results for clients just like you. And, we're empathetic to your difficult situation and will work tirelessly to make life easier for you.
To get started with a free consultation contact us online or give our OKC law office a call now.
Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident Testimonial
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Oklahoma City Personal Injury Resources
OKLAHOMA CITY EMERGENCY ROOMS
- Surgical Hospital of Oklahoma – 100 SE 59th St
- Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City – 4300 W Memorial Rd
- Oklahoma Heart Hospital South – 5200 E Interstate 240 Service Rd
- INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center – 4401 S Western Ave
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
Motorcycle Accident Infographic
Government Resources
- Distraction.gov — US Government official website for distracted driving.
- National Safety Council — A nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing injuries and deaths at workplaces, communities, and roads by educating, researching, and promoting advocacy.
- US Department of Transportation — Serving the United States by providing an efficient, fast, accessible, and safe transportation system.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — Working to achieve the highest standards of excellence in motor vehicle and highway safety, preventing accidents, and protecting the American people.
