Oklahoma is full of natural beauty, and we Tulsans love to be out in nature as much as possible, whether it’s hunting, camping, or working outside. When it comes to getting around, no drivers get to experience this beauty of nature more than motorcycle riders. The love of the outdoors and the freedom that a motorcycle affords has contributed to the steady increase in motorcycle ownership in Tulsa, OK year over year. An unfortunate byproduct of this increase, however, is the rise in accidents involving motorcycles. If you have been in a wreck, our Tulsa, OK motorcycle accident lawyer is here to help you.
One of the hallmarks of our negotiation strategy involves clear, assertive communication. We initiate dialogue with insurance companies by submitting a detailed demand letter. This letter outlines the facts of the case, the evidence we have collected, and our calculation of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Our approach is not just about presenting facts; it’s about crafting a compelling narrative that highlights the physical and emotional toll of the accident on your life. Contact our team at Wandres Law, PC today to schedule a consultation.
Table of Contents
If you’ve recently been injured in a motorcycle crash, it’s important to speak with our reputable Tulsa, OK motorcycle accident lawyer, even if you’re unsure of whether you’re in a position to file a lawsuit. Unless you’re a personal injury attorney, it isn’t your job to know whether your situation is legally actionable. By contrast, the knowledgeable and compassionate legal team at Wandres Law, PC, fully understands which situations are legally actionable and which aren’t based on Oklahoma motorcycle accident laws.
When you schedule a free legal consultation with our team, you will benefit from our knowledge and experience. Once we work to understand the particulars of your situation and we will provide you with personalized legal guidance designed to help you make truly informed decisions about your legal options.
No two motorcycle accidents ever unfold under the exact same circumstances. Therefore, it isn’t possible to say with authority whether your situation is legally actionable or not until we have investigated the circumstances that led to your crash. With that said, it is likely that you have grounds upon which to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit if another’s negligence, recklessness, or intentionally dangerous conduct directly contributed to your harm.
In Oklahoma, you may even be in a position to seek compensation from another party – including other travelers, manufacturers of defective motorcycle equipment, government agencies responsible for road maintenance, etc. – if you were partially to blame for your circumstances. You’ll only be barred from seeking compensation if you were 50% or more at fault for your crash. If you’re unsure of what portion of responsibility for the crash is yours, that’s okay. We can investigate that issue and advise you of your rights and options accordingly.
Dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be an overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to dealing with insurance companies. We have garnered extensive experience in advocating for our clients’ rights, so that they receive the compensation they rightfully deserve. Below, we share our comprehensive approach to negotiating with insurance companies, embedding our expertise as motorcycle accident lawyers based in Tulsa, OK.
Before embarking on negotiations, it’s vital to understand the foundation upon which strong negotiations are built. Our team emphasizes the importance of gathering detailed evidence post-accident. This includes police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other documentation that can bolster your claim. Armed with this information, we approach the negotiation table with a solid case that underscores the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.
One of the most critical aspects of motorcycle safety in Oklahoma is helmet usage. The state has helmet laws in place, which require all motorcycle riders and passengers under the age of 18 to wear helmets. These laws aim to reduce the risk of head injuries and fatalities in motorcycle accidents. Failure to comply with these laws may impact your ability to recover damages if you’re involved in a motorcycle crash. It’s essential to wear an approved helmet to protect both your safety and your legal rights.
Oklahoma law also mandates certain insurance requirements for motorcycle riders. To legally operate a motorcycle in the state, you must carry liability insurance coverage. The minimum coverage amounts include $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident involving more than one person, and $25,000 for property damage. Carrying adequate insurance coverage is crucial not only for legal compliance but also for ensuring that you have financial protection in case of an accident.
Oklahoma follows a comparative negligence system when it comes to personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents. This means that if you’re involved in an accident, your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the incident. For instance, if you were speeding at the time of the accident and it was determined that you were 20 percent at fault, your compensation would be reduced by that percentage. Understanding how comparative negligence works is essential for assessing your potential compensation in a motorcycle accident claim.
In Oklahoma, there is a time limit, referred to as the statute of limitations, for filing a motorcycle accident claim. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to initiate a lawsuit. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation. It’s vital to act promptly and consult with our Tulsa motorcycle accident attorney if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident to make sure that you meet this deadline.
Tulsa, Oklahoma, a city known for its vibrant streets and bustling traffic, is not immune to the risks associated with motorcycle riding. As avid advocates for road safety and legal professionals at Wandres Law, PC, we understand the importance of awareness when it comes to the common causes of motorcycle accidents in this region. We aim to shed light on these causes and offer guidance on how we can assist those affected.
One of the most prevalent causes of motorcycle accidents in Tulsa is limited visibility. Motorcycles are significantly smaller than other vehicles, making them less visible to car and truck drivers, especially at intersections or in heavy traffic. This issue is compounded in conditions of poor weather or during nighttime. Our personal injury lawyers emphasize the importance of heightened awareness for both motorcyclists and other vehicle drivers to mitigate this risk.
Tulsa’s roads, though well-maintained, have their share of hazards that particularly affect motorcyclists. Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and debris can pose significant dangers to a motorcyclist’s stability and safety. Unfortunately, these hazards are sometimes overlooked until a tragic accident occurs. We encourage local authorities to prioritize road safety for all, including motorcyclists.
Speeding and reckless driving remain a universal problem, and Tulsa is no exception. These behaviors drastically increase the likelihood of accidents, particularly for motorcyclists who are more vulnerable due to their exposure and the bike’s stability dynamics. Our team strongly advocates for adherence to speed limits and responsible driving habits.
Operating any vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous, but for motorcyclists, the risks are even higher. Impaired judgment and slowed reaction times can have catastrophic consequences. We urge riders and drivers alike to always make responsible choices and avoid operating vehicles under the influence.
Wearing appropriate safety gear, particularly a helmet, can significantly reduce the severity of injuries in a motorcycle accident. In Tulsa, we often encounter accidents where inadequate safety gear turned minor incidents into traumatic injuries or fatalities. We cannot overstate the importance of proper protective gear.
Motorcycle accidents remain a significant cause of injury and death, particularly due to the vulnerability of riders compared to drivers of larger vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger car occupants per mile traveled. Motorcycle accidents account for approximately 14% of all traffic fatalities in the United States, despite motorcycles making up only about 3% of all vehicles on the road. The leading causes of motorcycle accidents include speeding, impaired riding, distracted driving, and failure to yield.
The risk of fatal injury is much higher for motorcyclists involved in crashes. The NHTSA reports that in over half of all fatal motorcycle accidents, the rider was not wearing a helmet, even though helmets are proven to reduce the risk of head injury and death significantly. According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), wearing a helmet reduces the likelihood of death in a motorcycle accident by about 37%.
In addition to fatalities, motorcycle accidents also cause a significant number of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Common injuries include fractures, road rash, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can result in long-term disability. Young adult males, particularly those between the ages of 18-34, represent the highest proportion of motorcycle crash fatalities.
The following charts illustrate key trends related to motorcycle accidents:
Our Tulsa, OK motorcycle accident lawyer has compiled answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the role of negligence in motorcycle accident related personal injury claims. Be sure to contact Wandres Law, P.C. if you need assistance. We are here to help in any way we can.
Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver error, environmental conditions, and equipment failure. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include speeding, distracted driving, lane splitting, and failure to yield the right of way.
To establish negligence in a motorcycle accident case, the plaintiff must show that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the plaintiff’s injuries. This can be done by showing that the defendant was driving recklessly or was otherwise negligent.
For example, if the defendant was speeding or failed to yield the right of way, they may be found to have breached their duty of care. The plaintiff must also show that this breach of duty caused their injuries, such as by proving that they would not have been injured if the defendant had acted responsibly.
Damages in a motorcycle accident case may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Medical expenses may include the cost of emergency room care, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation. Lost wages may include income lost due to the injury, as well as any future lost income if the injury prevents the plaintiff from returning to work. Pain and suffering damages compensate the plaintiff for physical and emotional pain and suffering.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior.
Liability in a motorcycle accident case is determined based on the concept of negligence. If the defendant was negligent and caused the plaintiff’s injuries, they may be held liable.
To determine liability, the plaintiff’s lawyer will investigate the accident and gather evidence, including witness testimony, accident reports, and photographs of the scene. Our Tulsa personal injury attorney may also consult with professionals, such as accident reconstructionists, to help determine what happened in the accident.
Motorcycle accident cases may involve unique considerations related to the nature of motorcycle riding. For example, motorcycle riders are more vulnerable to injury than drivers of enclosed vehicles due to the lack of protection provided by the motorcycle.
Additionally, some insurance companies may be biased against motorcycle riders and may attempt to blame the rider for the accident. In these cases, it is important for the plaintiff’s lawyer to gather strong evidence and demonstrate that the defendant was at fault.
Negligence plays a significant role in motorcycle accident related personal injury claims. To establish negligence and hold a party liable for the plaintiff’s injuries, the plaintiff must show that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the plaintiff’s injuries. Damages in motorcycle accident cases can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Motorcycle accidents in Tulsa, Oklahoma, can lead to life-altering injuries and financial hardships. At Wandres Law, PC, we help clients pursue compensation for their losses with a comprehensive approach that considers every detail of the case. Below, we’ve outlined key terms and concepts relevant to motorcycle accident cases to help you better understand your options when working with our legal team.
A demand letter is a formal document sent to the at-fault party’s insurance company outlining the details of a motorcycle accident, the evidence supporting the claim, and a calculated request for compensation. This letter is the starting point for negotiations and includes medical records, police reports, and other supporting documents. It also highlights the financial and personal impact of the accident on the injured party.
Our personal injury lawyers emphasize crafting demand letters that go beyond listing damages by telling a compelling story of how the accident affected our client’s life. This approach strengthens the likelihood of a favorable settlement for your personal injury claim.
Fault allocation determines how responsibility is divided between parties in a motorcycle accident case. In Oklahoma, the modified comparative fault system allows an injured party to recover damages even if partially at fault, as long as their share of fault is less than 50%. The compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the injured party. For example, if damages total $100,000 and the injured party is 20% at fault, their compensation is reduced to $80,000.
Our attorneys carefully analyze fault determinations and challenge any attempts by opposing parties to unfairly assign excessive fault to our clients. This make sure that our clients’ compensation reflects the true circumstances of the accident.
Oklahoma law requires motorcycle riders to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. While these amounts meet legal requirements, they may be insufficient to cover serious injuries or property damage. In such cases, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can provide additional compensation for the injured party.
We work to identify all potential sources of compensation, including UIM policies, at-fault driver policies, and claims against third parties, such as equipment manufacturers or government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions.
The use of safety equipment, particularly helmets, plays a critical role in motorcycle accident cases. Oklahoma law requires riders and passengers under 18 to wear helmets, but helmet use is optional for adults. Insurance companies often examine whether a motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, especially if the case involves head injuries, and may argue that the injuries could have been mitigated.
Our legal team addresses these claims by presenting medical evidence and professional opinions to show that your personal injuries were caused by other factors, such as the severity of the collision. We work to prevent helmet use from unfairly diminishing our clients’ compensation.
Evidence is the foundation of a successful personal injury case. Key forms of evidence include police reports, medical records, photographs of the crash scene, witness statements, and any additional documentation that demonstrates fault or the extent of injuries. Specialized evidence, such as accident reconstruction or expert testimony, may also be necessary in complex cases.
Our Tulsa personal injury lawyer prioritizes collecting and preserving evidence early to build strong claims for our clients.
1202 E 33rd St, Tulsa, OK 74105
Read more of our Google reviews and let us know how we can help you with your motorcycle accident case.
Managing the financial, physical, and emotional demands after a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Wandres Law, PC, we are committed to helping you every step of the way. Our dedicated team understands the challenges of motorcycle accident claims and is here to help you receive the compensation and justice you deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Tulsa, don’t wait—contact us today for a free consultation. Let our Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyer help you rebuild your life and secure your future. Reach out to our personal injury law firm now, and take the first step towards recovery and financial justice.
"I was recommended by my stepmother who used them for an accident and I have a terrible accident, got stuck between 3 bad drivers. Very messy situation and Loren handled it very well and was respectful the whole time despite us being a younger couple. I highly recommending them and will use them again if needed."
Mary Elzo
Local Phone Number (918) 641-4044
Toll Free Statewide 833-ASK-WLAW
1202 East 33rd Street
Tulsa, OK 74105
3030 NW Expressway
Suite 200 # 392
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
