Edmond Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Defend Victims in Central Oklahoma
Law firm advocates for bikers injured in crashes
A motorcycle accident can result in costly medical bills and leave you unable to work. When a careless driver on an Oklahoma roadway has caused you harm, you have the right to recover compensation. At Walsh & Franseen in Edmond, you can rely on our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers to provide sound advice and work diligently to win damages in your behalf.
About motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma
In just one recent year, there were approximately 1,150 motorcycle crashes in Oklahoma. These accidents resulted in 77 fatalities (53 included riders not wearing a helmet) and hundreds of serious injuries. Nearly half of accidents occurred on city streets but major highways are also high-risk for crashes, including the Northwest Expressway, I-40, I-35 and I-44. If you are a motorcyclist injured on an Oklahoma roadway, an injury lawyer from our firm can assess the facts of your accident and counsel you about your legal options.
What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?
It takes only a few seconds for motorcyclists to be severely injured when negligent car drivers come upon them. Accidents often occur due to:
- Speeding — Traveling at high speeds is a top cause of motorcycle crashes, whether it is other vehicles speeding or motorcyclists themselves.
- Distracted driving — Texting and other distracted driving behaviors are a major reason for accidents involving all types of vehicles, including motorcycles.
- Left-turns accidents — Due to the small size of motorcycles, drivers turning left at intersections may not see them or they may misjudge how quickly they are approaching and turn into them.
- Not looking twice when changing lanes — Motorists who change lanes without double checking for motorcycles, who may be in blind spots, can cause accidents.
Lane splitting, by which a motorcycle rides between two lanes of slowed or stopped cars, is illegal in Oklahoma but can lead to accidents if other drivers are not on the alert.
However your particular accident happened, we will investigate the facts, assemble evidence and fight to get you fair and adequate compensation for your injuries.
Types of injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents
Motorcycles do not have built-in safety protections like cars do, so motorcyclists are more vulnerable to serious injuries, which can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Spinal cord damage
- Bone fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Organ damage
- Road rash
- Soft tissue injuries
Some of these injuries can be debilitating and life changing. We will use your medical records and testimony of witnesses who are experts in the healthcare field to prove the extent of your injuries and how injuries will affect you into the future.
Do I have a case if I was not wearing a helmet?
Although wearing a helmet is recommended, Oklahoma law does not require one for motorcyclists of 18 years or older. Injured riders who do not wear proper head protection are able to bring claims for damages against other parties who may be at fault. However, damages awarded in court could be reduced if it is proved that your injuries — especially to the head, neck or spine — were worsened by the lack of a helmet. Under Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence law, an injured rider may be denied damages if they are found to be 50 percent more at fault for the accident or for their injuries. We will obtain qualified medical expert testimony that can support your right to receive at least partial compensation despite your lack of a helmet.
Compensation for damages in motorcycle accident claims
How much you could receive in a motorcycle accident case depends on your injuries. Plaintiffs typically claim damages for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
These can include actual losses and predictable future losses. Our personal injury lawyers will examine your total damages and other factors to help you determine the value of your case.
Contact an experienced Oklahoma motorcycle accident lawyer
Walsh & Franseen in Edmond helps motorcyclists in Oklahoma pursue compensation for injuries suffered in accidents caused by the other divers’ negligence. To schedule a free consultation, call 405-843-7600 or contact us online.
