Tulsa Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

How Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur?

Motorcycles present different risks than other vehicles, and too often, these accidents have catastrophic results. These can accidents can happen for many reasons, from road conditions to speeding. The most important things you can do to avoid severe injuries and significant damages are to wear protective clothing and a helping and avoid risky behavior on the road.

Accidents can happen due to the following factors:

• Wet pavement
• Small debris on the road
• Less visibility to cars
• Lack of experience
• Weaving in between lanes

Motorcycles are small, light, and accelerate quickly, making them riskier than other vehicles on the road. They are also less visible to other vehicles, which can lead to a car merging into a lane already occupied by a cyclist. The contributing factors in an accident play a significant role in your ability to make a claim.

Understanding Liability in Motorcycle Accidents

Liability is the state of being responsible for your safety and the safety of others on the road. When someone neglects their responsibilities, they are negligent. Negligence is the key to almost all accident cases. The court will evaluate who is at fault to determine how much money in damages to award and the penalties for the responsible party.

Because motorcycles are vulnerable to risks, car or truck drivers are often held responsible for the accident. In many cases, drivers speed, drive through a red light, or merge without signaling and collide with a cyclist. Motorcyclists can also be negligent, especially if they operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol or choose to drive recklessly.

Determining Fault in Motorcycle Accidents in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a modified comparative fault state which means the injured party can receive a reduced amount of damages as long as their percentage of fault is under 30 percent. For example, if the total damages are valued at $5,000, and you are 30 percent at fault, your award is reduced by $3,000. If you are found more than 30 percent at fault, you receive no damages from the court.

How Does the Court Evaluate Negligence?

In order to evaluate your percentage of fault, the court must consider the following factors:

• Were both drivers reasonably cautious
• Did the accident result in injuries
• Would a reasonable person conclude that a driver’s conduct was negligent
• Were the injuries a direct result of negligence

Once the court has all the details of the case, the judge will decide who is at fault and how to award the damages. If the motorcyclist contributed to the accident in any way, the other party might try to prove that they are equally if not more responsible for the accident.

Protect Your Right to Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you understand the hopelessness and pain these accidents can cause. However, you do not have to pursue compensation alone. Our attorneys at Enlow Law have over 30 years of experience in and out of the courtroom. We work with you to investigate your accident, create a case strategy, and construct a court-ready defense to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Don’t wait - schedule your consultation with our Tulsa motorcycle accident attorneys today.