Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident Attorney

No one expects to be involved in an accident, but statistics show that motorcyclists face significant risks when sharing the road with other motorists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 5,000 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents nationwide in 2019. Even more alarming, motorcyclists are nearly 30 percent more likely to be involved in fatal traffic accidents than occupants of passenger vehicles, such as cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks.

If you or someone you love was involved in a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma City or any of the surrounding areas, turn to the team at Fulmer Sill for the compassionate legal counsel you need. With decades of collective trial experience, our attorneys are prepared to aggressively seek the maximum compensation you are owed. We utilize a collaborative approach, pooling our combined resources and skills to build powerful, innovative legal strategies for our clients. This methodology has helped us secure millions of dollars in compensation, including numerous million- and multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts. Our commitment to client communication ensures you are informed every step of the way.

What to Do After an Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident

After you are in a motorcycle accident, you should try to remember to follow these steps:

• Ensure your safety: Move to a safe location to avoid further danger, if possible. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers. Secure the area with warning triangles, if available.
• Check for injuries: Assess yourself and others involved for any injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured, no matter how minor the injuries may seem. Remain calm and provide first aid if capable.
• Call the police: If no one needs medical attention, the police should still be notified to redirect traffic away from the crash. Calling the police will also create a police report that may help your claim later.
• Gather evidence: Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and other parties involved, including names, phone numbers, and addresses. Note the environmental conditions, such as lighting and weather.
• Exchange information: Exchange insurance and contact information with the other motorist(s). Note the make, model, and license plate number of all vehicles involved, and remember to verify the details on any documents.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, visit a doctor as soon as possible because some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Keep all medical records and receipts related to your treatment, as they may be critical evidence for your claim.
• Consult with our attorneys: Contact our motorcycle accident attorneys in Oklahoma City to discuss your situation. We can help with all parts of the process, including reporting the accident to your insurance company, so call (405) 510-0077 quickly after a wreck for insights into your legal options.

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Although there is a common belief that motorcyclists are more likely to cause accidents due to reckless or aggressive driving, this is not necessarily the case. In fact, most motorcycle crashes result from other motorists’ carelessness, not the negligence of motorcycle riders.

Specifically, some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Texting/cellphone use
• Fatigued driving
• Drunk driving
• Improper lookout
• Tailgating
• Dangerous turns
• Unsafe passing
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Traffic law violations

Other common causes of motorcycle accidents have nothing to do with other drivers on the road but, rather, unsafe or defective conditions that put motorcyclists at risk. Examples include poorly designed roadways, insufficient road maintenance, potholes, blind curves, poor visibility, and even inclement weather, all of which can be extremely hazardous for motorcyclists.

Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen in OKC?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), data shows 80 fatal motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma throughout 2021 (the most recent year with a complete and analyzed data set). Unfortunately, the data does not show where those accidents occurred exactly. Still, Oklahoma City likely sees the most motorcycle crashes each year due to being the largest city in the state.

Furthermore, reviewing crash data from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation sheds some light on which intersections in OKC have the most motor vehicle crashes each year. Through this information, we can extrapolate which intersections in Oklahoma City pose the highest crash risks for local motorcyclists. Regular consultation of city traffic advisory updates can be beneficial for bikers to plan safer routes.

The most accident-prone intersections in Oklahoma City are where the Northwest Expressway meets these streets:

• Belle Isle Boulevard
• Lake Hefner Parkway (east and west)
• Northwest 63^rd Street
• Pennsylvania Avenue
• Portland
• Rockwell

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Because motorcyclists are relatively unprotected compared to drivers and passengers in standard automobiles, they tend to sustain catastrophic injuries when they are involved in collisions with larger, heavier vehicles. Sadly, many motorcycle accidents are fatal.

Some of the most common injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents include:

• Amputation
• Brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Friction burns (“road rash”)
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations
• Organ damage
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash

Seeking immediate medical assessment after any accident can greatly aid in properly documenting and treating such severe injuries.

Is a Motorcycle Helmet Required in Oklahoma?

Currently, anyone 18 or older doesn’t have to wear a motorcycle helmet while operating a motorcycle. Those who are under 18 must wear a helmet while riding. However, regardless of age, anyone riding a motorcycle must wear goggles or a face shield to protect the rider, unless the motorcycle itself has a windshield meeting certain size and material requirements. While riders don’t have to wear a helmet, it’s still recommended to wear one. Because of how dangerous it can be to ride a motorcycle, not wearing a helmet puts the rider at a significantly increased risk of a serious life-threatening injury.

Recovering Damages After a Motorcycle Accident

Often, motorcycle accidents result in permanent injuries, significant impairments, and lasting disabilities. Victims and their families are likely to face numerous challenges, from obtaining critical medical care to managing everyday expenses while out of work. Overall, the physical, emotional, and financial cost of a motorcycle accident can be extreme, affecting victims for months, years, or even the remainder of their lives. Seeking early legal and medical advice can be pivotal in ensuring comprehensive support and recovery options.

At Fulmer Sill, we help our clients seek maximum compensation for their economic and non-economic damages resulting from serious motorcycle accidents, including but not limited to:

• Medical expenses
• Hospitalization
• Future medical care
• Rehabilitation/physical therapy
• Lost wages and/or income
• Loss of future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Lost earning capacity
• Disfigurement
• Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses

Our Oklahoma City motorcycle accident attorneys fight to help victims of severe bodily injury and devastating losses pursue the full and fair compensation they are owed. We also represent surviving family members who have lost loved ones due to fatal motorcycle accidents throughout Oklahoma. Reach out to us today to gain an understanding of your legal rights and options moving forward.

Understanding Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident

If you were in a motorcycle accident, you have several key rights as an injured motorcyclist. Primarily, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses through a civil injury claim or lawsuit. This compensation can cover a variety of damages including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Equipping yourself with knowledge about the legal process can empower you to act swiftly and effectively post-accident.

You also have the right to hire a lawyer to guide or represent you throughout the entire legal process. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer from Fulmer Sill can handle all communications with insurance companies, gather evidence of liability, calculate the damages owed to you, represent your interests in negotiations or court, and much more. Preparing detailed documentation of all accident-related issues can aid considerably in your legal journey.

Who Is Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?

Under Oklahoma’s traditional tort system, victims of motorcycle accidents must prove someone else—whether another motorist, the manufacturer of a defective vehicle, or some other entity—was at least partly responsible for the accident to recover damages. If the person bringing the claim was also partly at fault, they can still recover damages as long as they were less than 50 percent to blame. However, the amount they can recover will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Many different parties could be liable for your motorcycle accident. You may have a claim against a negligent motorist’s insurance company or have grounds to sue the at-fault driver directly for damages. You may have a third-party lawsuit against the manufacturer of a defective vehicle or vehicle part, or you could even have a case against an entity responsible for roadway design, construction, and/or maintenance. You must work with a knowledgeable lawyer, like ours at Fulmer Sill, who can review the details of your situation and pursue all possible avenues of compensation on your behalf. Keeping meticulous records of all post-accident communications and evidence can provide a solid foundation for your claim.

Motorcycle Accident FAQ

What Should I Do If the Other Driver Is Uninsured?

If you are involved in a motorcycle crash and the other driver is uninsured, you should immediately collect all possible evidence from the scene, including photographs and witness testimonies. Notify your own insurance company as soon as possible, as they may have uninsured motorist coverage that can protect you. Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your situation, as they can help you navigate the complexities of filing a claim against an uninsured motorist, ensuring all potential avenues for compensation are explored. Keeping organized records of all interactions with insurance companies and related medical treatments will aid in building a strong claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Motorcycle Accident in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a legal claim seeking compensation for injuries or damages incurred. Failing to file within this period will likely result in losing your legal right to pursue compensation. It’s crucial to act quickly and consult with a motorcycle accident attorney early to ensure your claim is filed on time. They can guide you through the process, helping document your situation accurately and thoroughly to maximize your chances of a beneficial outcome.

What Types of Compensation Can I Pursue?

Following a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to pursue various types of compensation, depending on the specifics of your situation. This includes economic damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium. Each situation is unique, so consulting with a skilled motorcycle accident attorney can ensure that you explore all potential claims to garner the financial recovery necessary to support your recovery process and future well-being.

Why Hire an OKC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Although any motor vehicle accident can be devastating, victims of motorcycle accidents tend to face certain unique challenges when it comes to their physical, emotional, and financial recovery. Not only do motorcyclists more often suffer severe injuries when they are involved in accidents, but they are also more likely to face greater financial hardships as a result of those injuries. The cost of treating catastrophic injuries can be debilitating for individuals and families, not to mention the loss of income from time taken off work to recover and heal.

To make matters worse, insurance companies aggressively defend motorcycle accident claims due to their relatively high value. Insurance adjusters often use confusing language or try to get victims to agree to lowball settlements to avoid paying out the full and fair amount they are owed. Without the help of a skilled attorney, you could end up accepting far less than you need and deserve.

At Fulmer Sill, we stand up for the rights of injured bikers and their families. We meticulously investigate these claims and prepare every situation for trial to help ensure that we stay a step ahead of the defense. Our collaborative and aggressive approach makes us a formidable ally for our clients, and we are proud to serve as a voice for those who may be unable to speak up for themselves.

What to Look for in a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Working with a motorcycle accident lawyer you trust can reduce the stress of filing and pursuing an injury claim. A trustworthy attorney provides insightful legal counsel and emotional support, so you can feel confident in your chances of a fair recovery. When you trust your attorney, you’ll also find that you’re more willing to share details of the accident and how it has affected your day-to-day life, which in turn helps the attorney help you. For these reasons and more, it is important that you look for not just any motorcycle accident lawyer but one who feels like the right fit for your case.

When you are picking a motorcycle accident attorney, you should keep in mind their:

• Specialization and experience: Real-world experience with motorcycle accident and traffic collision scenarios cannot be replaced by any amount of legal knowledge. Look for a legal team with years of involvement.
• Track record of success: The attorney’s or law firm’s history of settlements and awards secured for clients can’t promise an outcome for your situation, but it does show what the legal team is capable of achieving in tough environments.
• Client testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge their satisfaction with the lawyer’s services. Positive feedback often reflects a lawyer’s dedication, communication skills, and overall effectiveness.
• Transparent fee structure: Choose a lawyer who offers a clear, transparent fee arrangement, ideally working on a contingency basis where they only get paid if you win your situation. This setup aligns their interests with yours and reduces any financial stress you may have.
• Strong communication skills: An attorney who communicates clearly and promptly will help you feel comfortable with how your situation is progressing—and you’ll know that you’re not just a number to their law office.

Why Choose Us for Your OKC Motorcycle Accident Case

At Fulmer Sill, we’ve set out to be an OKC motorcycle accident law firm that stands out from the rest. We’re not satisfied with providing just capable legal counsel and representation; we also insist on providing genuinely compassionate support during this trying time, so you always feel seen and heard as your case progresses. With our authentic approach to helping our clients backed by our experience and talents, we’re confident that we should be your first choice when you want to file a motorcycle accident claim in Oklahoma City.

People like to choose our firm because of our:

• Different approach: We keep you informed about your options and important updates, give you the resources you need to be confident in your recovery and fight in and out of court for you.
• Collaborative legal strategies: Fulmer Sill uses a collaborative approach to give each client’s situation our undivided attention. Your lawyer and our whole legal team are here to help!
• Focus on personal injury: Unlike many other firms that spread out their legal knowledge, we stay focused on personal injury claims and class action lawsuits. We also take on fewer situations at a time than most law firms, so we never have to rush.
• Respected reputation: Many of our attorneys are recognized across Oklahoma and the country as legal leaders in court, esteemed organizations, and more.

Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident Resources

Important local resources and locations for OKC motorcycle accident clients:

• INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center:
  • Location: 3300 Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
  • Phone: 405-949-3011
  • More information: https://baptist.integrishealth.org/
• Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City:
  • Location: 4300 W Memorial Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73120
  • Phone: 405-755-1515
  • More information: https://www.mercy.net/practice/mercy-hospital-oklahoma-city/
• Oklahoma County Courthouse:
  • Location: 320 Robert S Kerr Ave STE 203, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
  • Phone: 405-270-0082
  • More information: https://www.oklahomacounty.org/
• Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office:
  • Location: 2101 NE 36^th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
  • Phone: 405-713-1000
  • More information: https://www.oklahomacounty.org/elected-offices/sheriff
• Harley-Davidson World Service/Repairs Department
  • Location: 6904 W. Reno Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73127
  • Phone: 405-631-8680
  • More information: https://www.harleydavidsonworld.com/repair-your-harley-davidson-with-certified-technicians–service

*Fulmer Sill is not sponsored or endorsed by or affiliated or partnered with any of the medical centers or businesses on this list. We care about our community, so we are providing this information as a potential resource that may help our neighbors who have been injured in an accident.

Hear from Real Clients Who Loved Our Legal Counsel

We would be happy to tell you all about why Fulmer Sill should be your choice for motorcycle accident representation in Oklahoma City. However, it might mean more to hear it from the people we have helped in the past. Please take a moment to read written reviews and watch video testimonials from our past clients. Hearing directly from individuals who have been through the process can provide valuable insight and assurance to prospective clients.