Increase in Bicycle and Pedestrian Crashes in Tulsa

As fatal bicycle and pedestrian accidents increase in Tulsa, as a cyclist, it is important to keep yourself safe when you are around vehicle traffic. If an accident happens, you should be aware of what to do to protect your rights. Calling a Tulsa personal injury attorney is imperative.

In late September, police in Tulsa issued a plea to drivers to pay attention and reminded drivers to be aware that they share the roads with cyclists and pedestrians. This plea came after there were recently several fatal accidents involving cars hitting bicycles and people walking. Even if such accidents are not fatal, they often result in serious injuries to victims. 

If you or a loved one was a victim of an accident, as a pedestrian or while riding a bicycle, you should contact Wandres Law, a Tulsa personal injury attorney, right away. We can evaluate your rights, and help you hold negligent drivers responsible for the harm and losses they caused.

Increased Accidents in Tulsa

In a single week in September 2020, police in Tulsa reported the following tragic accidents:

• A car hit a man who was walking near 70th and Admiral, and the man did not survive his injuries;
• A cyclist died after a driver hit him while riding near Lewis and Pine;
• A driver hit another cyclist near 31st and Sheridan, and the victim was not expected to survive their injuries

In many situations, these fatal accidents would not have happened if a driver had paid more careful attention to the road, and complied with all applicable traffic laws. 

Injuries to Cyclists and Pedestrians

Neither pedestrians nor cyclists wear much beyond a helmet to protect them from the impact of a crash. Even if a cyclist has a helmet, the helmet will not protect from head injuries 100 percent of the time, and helmets obviously offer no protection to the rest of the body. Pedestrians, of course, do not generally have head protection, so they are completely vulnerable to the impact of a car, truck, or SUV. 

Because of their vulnerability, and because of the weight and force of a vehicle impact, it is no surprise that many times, the injuries resulting from these accidents are fatal. It can, of course, be devastating to family members and other loved ones to learn that they suddenly and unexpectedly suffered a tragic loss. We have, unfortunately, represented those who, beyond the loss of someone they love, have also lost their financial, emotional, and practical support in an instant. 

Even when a cyclist or pedestrian survives a collision with a motor vehicle, they often sustain a variety of traumatic injuries. Some injuries common in such crashes include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury (SCI)
• Crush injuries
• Traumatic amputations
• Back injuries
• Face and jaw fractures
• Severe Internal injuries

Victims of pedestrian and bicycle accidents often need emergency transportation, trauma care, hospitalization, surgery, and extensive rehabilitation. The costs of medical care alone can be overwhelming, and these expenses are often combined with lost income and other long-term losses, such as permanent impairment or disfigurement. 

Liability for Pedestrian and Bicycle Crashes

Because the injuries and losses can be so severe from pedestrian and bicycle accidents, it is important to know your legal rights. If you are injured in any sort of collision that isn’t your fault, whether it be while walking, biking or driving, you have the right to hold negligent parties liable for your losses. If someone died in an accident, their surviving family members can seek compensation from liable parties by filing a wrongful death claim. 

Some examples of negligent conduct that can lead to liability include:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Failure to yield
• Not obeying traffic signals
• Speeding
• Aggressive driving
• Other violations of traffic regulations

Once our team determines who can be held liable for an accident, we can file the necessary claims and lawsuits to seek compensation for your losses. As an injury victim, losses can include:

• Past and future medical bills
• Physical and mental pain and suffering
• Past and future lost income
• Permanent injuries and disabilities

We will seek maximum compensation from negligent drivers who cause severe injuries to pedestrians and cyclists. 

Learn How Wandres Law and our experienced team of Tulsa Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help

At Wandres Law, PC, we believe that everyone, including cyclists and pedestrians, should be able to share the road without suffering serious or fatal injuries. When a driver is irresponsible and collides with a person or vehicle, we work to hold that driver accountable for their actions by seeking full compensation for injured accident victims. If you believe you or a loved one might have a claim following an accident, you should consult with our team of experienced Tulsa personal injury lawyers at no cost. Call (918) 641-4044 or contact us online – we’re ready to help you and your family.