Tulsa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Tulsa Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Traffic accidents are dangerous for anyone, but motorcyclists are often left more vulnerable when involved in collisions on the road. Oklahoma’s motorcycle accident laws give those involved in crashes the chance to recover damages for their injuries. However, these laws don’t guarantee a fair outcome for every claimant. It’s wise to connect with a Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyer to help you understand the claims process and secure a fair settlement.

A Tulsa personal injury lawyer from Fulmer Sill brings decades of law experience to the table that will instill the confidence you need to navigate your claim. Moreover, we bring experience as a local injury law firm. We understand Oklahoma’s roads, how to negotiate with Oklahoma insurance companies, and we’re comfortable handling litigation through the Tulsa County District Court. We believe in empowering injured people, and we’re ready to hear your story.

Motorcycle Accidents in Oklahoma

No one expects to be in an accident, but it’s a possibility for every person who gets on the road. Unfortunately for motorcyclists, they’re often even more at risk due to how vulnerable they are on the road. In addition to being more at risk of being in an accident, they’re also more likely to sustain severe injuries or even die.

Motorcycle accidents are a major cause of serious injury and death in the United States. Nationally, they accounted for 15 percent of all traffic fatalities reported in 2023. Motorcycle accidents also resulted in over 80,000 injured motorcyclists. In Oklahoma specifically, motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all traffic deaths recorded that year.

The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OSHO) enforces traffic safety laws and educates the public on safe driving. Even so, Oklahoma is frequently ranked among the most dangerous states for driving. This is mostly due to bad driving behavior and poor road conditions. Even when you can control these things for yourself, you must rely on every other person on the road to make it to your destination safely.

Some of the most dangerous areas on the road include busy interchanges on the I-40, downtown stretches of the I-35, and the I-240 around the city. These areas can be dangerous for anyone on the road, but motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to serious injury or death from motor vehicle accidents. No matter where you’re at on the road, it’s imperative that you understand your options for recovery.

There are over 190,000 motorcycles registered in Oklahoma, which means a great deal of people are at risk of being in an accident on any given day. The state’s motorcycle accident laws work to keep motorcyclists safe on the road, but you must know how they work if you’re involved in a crash. Fortunately, you don’t have to become a professional yourself overnight. Instead, you can turn to a Tulsa motorcycle accident attorney to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Tulsa, OK

If another driver’s negligence or misconduct caused your accident, you may have grounds to file a claim against them to recover damages. The filing process is straightforward, but it can be challenging to recover a fair settlement, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Oklahoma’s motorcycle accident laws. It’s wise to have a plan in place, so you’re prepared if the worst happens. It’s also recommended to consult an attorney as soon as you can.

After a motorcycle accident, it’s likely that one of two claims will be filed. Either the victim themselves may file a personal injury claim to recover damages for their losses, or the executor of their estate may file a wrongful death claim if the victim themselves succumbed to their injuries.

The claims process may look a little different depending on the details of the incident, which is why it’s recommended to reach out to a Tulsa motorcycle accident attorney to help you through your situation. You can recover both economic and non-economic damages through a motorcycle accident claim, regardless of the details of the situation, but it requires you to file a claim backed by strong evidence.

You’re eligible to recover the full value of any direct economic losses regardless of the scope of damages. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are capped at $500,000 under Oklahoma law. Recoverable damages from a personal injury claim after a motorcycle accident include:

• Disability
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disfigurement
• Property damage
• Related ongoing expenses
• PTSD

Wrongful Death Claims After Motorcycle Accidents in Tulsa

If you’ve lost a loved one in a crash and are looking to recover damages on their behalf, a Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyer from Fulmer Sill can help you there, too. Wrongful death claims are filed to recover damages on behalf of the surviving family members, more so than the victim themselves. Common types of damages that our attorneys at Fulmer Sill have secured for our clients include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Grief and mental anguish
• Loss of companionship and/or consortium
• Lost wages and benefits from the victim
• Medical expenses
• Ongoing related expenses
• The victim’s pain and suffering before they passed

No amount of money can bring back your loved one, but it’s still important to access your right to compensation. A Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your options in the wake of a crash, whether you’re the victim yourself or you’re seeking to recover damages on behalf of a lost loved one.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Tulsa, OK

There are many causes of motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma. Motorcycles often get a bad rap for being unsafe, but the truth is, a lot of what’s unsafe is the environment around them. Other drivers’ carelessness causes more motorcycle accidents than motorcyclist negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

• Dangerous turns
• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Fatigued driving
• Failure to yield or stop
• Not checking mirrors
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Unsafe passing
• Other traffic law violations

Other catalysts of these types of accidents include unsafe road conditions like blind spots, poor maintenance, and weather-related issues. These factors and the actions of other drivers put motorcyclists at risk every day.

That is why it is important to understand Oklahoma motorcyclist accident laws and to know how to recover the appropriate amount of damages for your losses after a crash. A Tulsa motorcycle accident attorney from Fulmer Sill can help.

Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcyclists are unprotected on the road when compared to drivers and passengers in other vehicles. For this reason, people on motorcycles are more likely to sustain catastrophic injuries if they are involved in a crash. The type and extent of your injuries can factor into how much you can recover from your claim.

More importantly, it is going to dictate how you live the rest of your life. It is important to take the time to fully understand the extent of your short- and long-term injuries after a motorcycle accident. That way, you can recover a fair amount of compensation based on your total losses instead of just the immediate ones that are top of mind.

Common types of motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Amputations
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations
• Organ damage
• Paralysis
• Road rash
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Whiplash

It’s imperative that you seek medical attention immediately after an accident, even if you don’t think you are seriously hurt. Some injuries take time to reveal themselves, and waiting to get treated can put your life at risk. Additionally, it’s important to establish a clear document trail in the wake of an accident to help with the claims process down the road. The more information you have on your side, the better.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident on an Oklahoma road, you want to work with a local Oklahoma legal team. Tulsa residents have been trusting Fulmer Sill to help with their claims for decades, and it’s easy to see why. Our lawyers have recovered millions for our clients over the years by negotiating with Oklahoma insurance providers and navigating complex litigation through the Tulsa County District Court.

Our firm is built on a foundation of compassion and collaboration, and it’s fueled by a drive to push boundaries and stay ahead of the curve. We consistently embrace cutting-edge approaches to litigation and adopt new technologies to improve our process. You can count on us to provide the support you need to secure the compensation you deserve.

Our office is in Oklahoma City, right off I-235, so we are a quick trip for people in Tulsa County looking to settle a claim after an accident. We are familiar with Oklahoma roads and know what it takes to protect our clients under state motorcycle accident laws, and we aren’t afraid to pursue the settlement you deserve.

FAQs

What Steps Do I Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in Tulsa?

The steps to take immediately after a motorcycle accident in Tulsa can look a little different for everyone, depending on the situation. That said, it’s important to have a plan in place to protect yourself and your right to recover compensation. After an accident, it’s important to document everything and exchange information with the at-fault party. This includes detailed notes, photos, videos, and witness statements. It’s also wise to contact law enforcement and file a police report.

Is Oklahoma an At-Fault State for Traffic Accidents?

Oklahoma is an at-fault state for traffic accidents. This means that any party that causes an accident can be held liable for the damages. Oklahoma is a modified comparative fault state. This means that damages are awarded as long as the filing party is not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Any percentage of fault can impact how much a claimant can recover. You can expect the total settlement to be modified by any percentage of fault.

How Much Can I Recover From a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Tulsa?

How much you can recover from a motorcycle accident claim in Tulsa can vary based on the facts of your case. The scope of your injuries, the strength of your claim, and your ability to negotiate can impact how much you can recover. You can recover both economic and non-economic damages through a motorcycle accident claim. This covers direct losses such as loss of income, medical expenses, and property damage, as well as other losses like pain and suffering.

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

How long you must file a motorcycle accident claim in Tulsa can depend on the details of your case. Different situations can affect the statute of limitations for filing a claim after a crash. In most cases, you have two years to file a personal injury claim in Oklahoma. If the victim succumbs to their injuries, the executor of their estate typically may file a wrongful death claim to recover damages within two years of their death.

Tulsa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

In the wake of a motorcycle accident, it’s imperative that you act quickly to protect yourself and your rights to recover damages for your losses. Navigating a motorcycle accident claim can be complicated, which is why it is recommended to work with a Tulsa motorcycle accident attorney to secure the compensation you deserve.

Tulsa residents have been trusting Fulmer Sill to help them recover fair settlements after being injured in crashes. Our local Oklahoma personal injury firm brings decades of experience handling injury claims to the table, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you. Whether it’s settling claims through negotiations or reaching a solution through litigation, you can count on us to be there for you.

If you are ready to discuss your case in more detail, our attorneys are here to help. Contact the office to set up an appointment, and we can start strategizing. Our office is located right off I-235 in Oklahoma City, when you are ready to pay us a visit.