Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Oklahoma

Motorcycles are inherently dangerous due to the fact that they provide little to no physical protection in a crash. When a motorcycle accident happens, the rider faces a high chance of suffering severe injuries, both from the initial impact of the other vehicle and the secondary impact of hitting the ground. It’s important to know common motorcycle accident injuries in Oklahoma and what to do if you are hurt in such an accident.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Oklahoma

Motorcycle accidents happen for the same reasons that all other accidents happen, but motorcyclists are more vulnerable to serious injuries than occupants of enclosed vehicles. According to the National Safety Council, motorcycles only account for about 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States, but motorcyclists account for about 15% of all vehicle accident fatalities.

The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office reported that in 2021, the most recent year with available crash data, there were 1,285 motorcycle accidents throughout the state; 76 people were involved in fatal crashes, 276 people were involved in serious accidents, and another 441 suffered minor injuries. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries in Oklahoma include:

• Traumatic brain injuries. Motorcyclists should wear Department of Transportation-approved motorcycle helmets to reduce the risk of suffering fatal head injuries. While helmets are proven to save lives, traumatic brain injuries are consistently cited as one of the most common motorcycle accident injuries in Oklahoma and throughout the United States each year.
• Spinal cord injuries. It’s possible for a motorcyclist to suffer severe injuries to the spine, some of which may be permanently damaging. If the spinal cord is broken or severed, the victim will be paralyzed below the injury site, and the spinal cord does not repair itself once injured, unlike the rest of the body.
• Broken bones. Crash impact forces and hitting the ground at high speed can easily result in broken bones. It’s common for motorcyclists to suffer multiple serious fractures. Many bone fractures will fully heal with appropriate medical care, but severe breaks may require surgical placement of steel pins and plates.
• Facial and dental injuries. Even when a properly fitted helmet is worn, it is possible for a rider to suffer severe injuries to their face and teeth in a crash. Some of these injuries will require reconstructive surgeries, and some may result in permanent scarring.
• Friction burns. Also known as road rash, this type of injury results from a rider sliding along the road surface after a crash. They can not only suffer extreme skin damage but also face additional medical complications due to fragments of road debris becoming embedded in their skin.
• Internal organ damage. It’s possible for a motorcycle accident to cause traumatic injuries to internal organs. Some of these injuries may not cause immediately noticeable symptoms, so it is crucial to seek medical treatment after a motorcycle accident, even if you think you managed to emerge from the incident only having suffered minor injuries.

These are just a few examples of the most common motorcycle accident injuries in Oklahoma. When you have been hurt in such an accident, you need to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer you trust to help you pursue accountability for the at-fault driver. You may have grounds to claim substantial compensation for your damages, but you need an attorney’s help to maximize your chances of success with your case.

FAQs

Q: How Do You Prove Fault for a Motorcycle Accident in Oklahoma?

A: In Oklahoma, you can prove fault for a motorcycle accident with evidence such as vehicle computer data, drivers’ cell phone records, police reports, and statements from any witnesses who saw your accident happen. Once you prove fault, you can claim compensation for your damages. Oklahoma’s fault-based system for resolving vehicle accidents means that the at-fault driver is liable for the damages they caused.

Q: What Is Comparative Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

A: In a motorcycle accident case, comparative negligence can come into play when multiple parties share fault for causing the accident. This could mean multiple defendants sharing fault for a plaintiff’s damages or a plaintiff sharing fault with a defendant. Under Oklahoma’s modified comparative fault rule, a plaintiff found partially liable for causing their damages can still recover compensation as long as they are found less at fault than the defendant.

Q: How Much Is a Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth in Oklahoma?

A: In Oklahoma, the value of a motorcycle accident claim usually depends on the severity of the victim’s injuries. If you are able to prove who caused your accident, how they caused it, and show the full extent of the damages they inflicted, it is possible to recover compensation for vehicle repair costs, medical bills, lost wages during recovery, and for your pain and suffering. A motorcycle accident attorney can help you maximize your case award.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

A: You should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to have a better chance of success with the recovery efforts you attempt following the accident. Your attorney can help you secure a fair settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier, and if you must file a personal injury case, you are more likely to win and maximize your recovery with an attorney’s help.

Q: What Happens if a Motorcycle Accident Is Fatal?

A: If a motorcycle accident is fatal, the driver responsible for causing it could be liable for wrongful death. If you have lost a family member in a fatal motorcycle accident, it’s important to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer with proven experience handling this type of case. Your attorney can help you prove fault and hold the defendant accountable for their actions.

It’s vital for every rider to know common motorcycle accident injuries in Oklahoma so they can acknowledge the risks they face on their bikes. If you are struggling with injuries from a motorcycle accident, you need to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer who can empower their injured client in their difficult legal proceedings. Contact Fulmer Sill to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn how we can assist with your recovery.