Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Oklahoma

It’s vital for all riders of all experience levels to know the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma. While these accidents often result from the same causes as other accidents, motorcycle accidents have a much higher chance of resulting in severe or fatal injuries. Knowing the risks you face on the road can potentially reduce your chances of suffering severe injuries and expensive economic losses.

Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Oklahoma

Motorcycles aren’t as common as passenger vehicles, but motorcyclists are disproportionately represented in vehicle accident injury and fatality statistics. The National Safety Council reported that in 2023, motorcycles only accounted for about 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States, but motorcyclists accounted for nearly 16% of all vehicle accident fatalities that year. Between 2013 and 2023, motorcycle accident deaths increased 38%.

The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety reported that in 2021, the most recent year with available crash data, motorcycle accidents resulted in 990 injuries and 76 deaths throughout the state. Motorcycle accidents most commonly occur because of driver negligence, which can take several forms: 

• Distracted driving is one of the most commonly cited examples of driver negligence in the United States. Texting while driving and other distractions can easily result in serious crashes, and motorcycles are smaller and easier to overlook than most other vehicles, making motorcyclists especially vulnerable to distracted drivers.
• Speeding is another leading cause of accidents in Oklahoma each year. Speeding not only increases the chance of an accident happening but also the severity of any resulting damage. Motorcycle accidents that occur at higher speeds have a significantly higher chance of resulting in catastrophic and fatal injuries.
• Moving violations, such as illegal turns, failure to yield the right-of-way, and improper lane changes, are especially dangerous for motorcyclists. Moving violations disrupt the flow of traffic and, in some cases, startle nearby drivers. Motorcyclists caught in these situations can potentially sustain serious harm.
• Neglecting vehicle maintenance can also lead to serious accidents. Drivers are required to address mechanical issues with their vehicles right away. Failure to do so could potentially result in a serious accident. It’s also possible for incorrectly performed vehicle maintenance to cause an accident, in which case the mechanic who performed the faulty service could be liable for the resulting damages.

These are just a few examples of how negligence can easily cause devastating harm on the road. Motorcycle accidents can also result from illegal misconduct, like intoxicated driving. No matter how your recent motorcycle accident happened, you will need to prove fault before you can claim compensation for your damages. It’s important that you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer at your first opportunity so they can build your case.

Proving fault for a motorcycle accident can be difficult, as liability is often contested. Unfortunately, many drivers inherently assume that motorcyclists are irresponsible and may accuse them of causing their own accidents. It’s possible for one party to bear sole liability for an accident, and it is also possible for multiple parties to share fault. When you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to represent you, they can expose the truth of the matter.

Ultimately, any form of driver negligence or misconduct that could potentially cause a car accident can also cause a motorcycle accident, but motorcyclists are more vulnerable in many situations than passenger vehicle drivers. They are also more likely to suffer serious or even life-threatening injuries when accidents happen. Fulmer Sill can help you navigate the legal aftermath of your recent motorcycle accident, so reach out to us today to learn how we can help.

FAQs

Q: How Do You Prove Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

A: Proving negligence in a motorcycle accident case will require proof that the defendant had some duty of care that they breached in some way and that this breach of duty directly caused the accident. You may need various forms of evidence that you will not be able to secure on your own, so it’s important to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer you trust at your first opportunity.

Q: What Damages Can I Claim for a Motorcycle Accident in Oklahoma?

A: In Oklahoma, the damages you can claim for a motorcycle accident can include any financial losses you suffered, such as vehicle repair costs, medical bills, and lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. Additionally, you also have the right to seek compensation for the pain and suffering you experienced. Your attorney can help you accurately calculate the total damages you are eligible to claim from the at-fault driver.

Q: What Happens if a Motorcycle Accident in Oklahoma Is Fatal?

A: If a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma is fatal, the surviving family of the victim may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim against whoever caused the accident. This type of personal injury case seeks compensation for the losses suffered by the family of the victim, and it will be crucial for the family to have skilled legal counsel on their side to maximize their chance of success with this difficult case.

Q: Why Are Motorcycle Accidents More Dangerous Than Car Accidents?

A: Motorcycle accidents are more dangerous than car accidents due to the fact that a motorcycle offers virtually no physical protection from a crash. Even with the highest quality safety gear, the motorcyclist could not only suffer extreme injuries from the initial impact with another vehicle, but also from the secondary impact of hitting the ground. The risk of catastrophic or fatal injury is much greater from a motorcycle accident than from a car accident.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

A: You should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to have a greater chance of success with the recovery efforts you attempt. The right attorney can not only help you pursue accountability from the at-fault driver, but they can also negotiate with insurance companies for you, accurately calculate your claimable damages, and determine the most efficient path to recovering compensation.

The team at Fulmer Sill has years of experience empowering injured people in their accident cases. Motorcycle accidents can be tremendously damaging, so it is vital that you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer you trust to help with your case. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team to learn more about the legal services we offer and how we can help with your recovery.