Tulsa Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Motorcycle Accidents in Oklahoma

Every year, thousands of motorists are involved in traffic accidents—but motorcyclists face certain unique risks on the road. According to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA),motorcyclists are nearly 30 times more likely to be involved in fatal accidents than other types of motor vehicle occupants. In Oklahoma, more than 1,200 motorcyclists were involved in traffic accidents in 2020, resulting in over 60 deaths, according to data from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO).

Fellow motorists have a responsibility to follow the law and keep an eye out for motorcyclists. When they fail to drive with care, they put everyone else on the road at risk. If you were injured or if someone you love was killed in a motorcycle accident, turn to the team at Brewster & De Angelis. Since 1983, our firm has fought for the rights of the severely injured, as well as the families of those wrongfully killed throughout the state. Our Tulsa motorcycle accident attorneys offer compassionate and highly personalized legal representation, backed by a long track record of success.

Call (918) 265-1214 or contact us online to request a free initial consultation.

What Is the Most Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?

Although many people believe that most motorcyclists drive dangerously, this is simply not true. In fact, the vast majority of motorcyclists are highly skilled and defensive drivers. Most motorcycle accidents happen not because of the motorcyclist’s actions or errors but because of the other driver’s negligence.

Specifically, other drivers often cause accidents with motorcyclists when they:

• Text or use a handheld device while driving
• Drive while distracted (by a cellphone or otherwise)
• Speed or drive too fast for current traffic/weather conditions
• Cut off a motorcyclist or change lanes too close to a motorcyclist
• Drive aggressively or recklessly
• Follow too closely (“tailgating”) behind a motorcyclist
• Fail to check for motorcyclists in vehicle blind spots
• Fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists
• Turn across the path of an oncoming motorcyclist
• Pass a motorcyclist or another vehicle unsafely or illegally
• Disobey red lights, stop signs, and other traffic control devices
• Drive drunk or while impaired by alcohol or drugs

These and other negligent driving behaviors can have deadly consequences for motorcyclists and their passengers. At Brewster & De Angelis, we believe that careless motorists should be held accountable for the harm they cause, which is why our attorneys are ready to aggressively advocate for you and your recovery.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Because motorcyclists have far less protection than occupants of passenger vehicles, they are much more likely to be catastrophically injured or killed when they are involved in traffic accidents.

Motorcycle accident-related injuries often include:

• Broken bones/fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Brain damage
• Head and neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Road rash/friction burns
• Amputation/loss of limb
• Serious cuts, scrapes, and abrasions
• Soft tissue injuries
• Nerve damage
• Organ damage

The effects of these injuries are often severe. Victims may experience significant physical pain, lose their ability to move and get around on their own, and be unable to return to work temporarily or permanently. They typically require extensive medical treatment and may even need lifelong assistance and care. All of this results in considerable physical, emotional, and financial hardships.

At Brewster & De Angelis, our Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyers seek maximum compensation on behalf of injured motorcyclists and the surviving family members of those who die in tragic motorcycle accidents. We want to help you recover the full amount you are owed for your medical bills, future expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, lost enjoyment of life, and other damages.

Proving Negligence in Your Motorcycle Accident Case

When it comes to motor vehicle accidents and insurance claims, Oklahoma follows a traditional fault-based system. This means that you must prove another person or party was at fault for the accident if you want to file a claim against their insurance company for damages. Often, injured accident victims find that their own insurance coverage is not sufficient, and filing a claim against the other party’s insurance provider becomes necessary.

Proving that the other driver was at fault can be difficult without the help of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. Insurance companies often dispute these claims, arguing that the motorcyclist was to blame. Under the state’s rule of modified comparative negligence, you cannot file a claim if the insurance adjuster finds you more at fault than the other driver, even if they concede that the other driver shares some of the blame.

Additionally, even if you are found to be less at fault than the other driver and have the right to file a claim, your total recovery will be reduced by whatever percentage of fault you are found to have. For example, if you are seeking $100,000 in damages, but the insurance adjuster finds you 40 percent at fault for the accident, your recovery will be reduced by 40 percent. This means you would only be eligible to recover up to 60 percent of the amount you are seeking in damages, or $60,000.

Because motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and extensive financial losses, being found partially at fault for the crash and, therefore, having your recovery reduced by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars can make a huge difference. At Brewster & De Angelis, we work with accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and other expert witnesses to determine exactly what happened, how you have been impacted, and who is liable. Our attorneys know how to build powerful and persuasive cases aimed at securing the best possible results for you.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Call Our Firm Now!

The statute of limitations, or filing deadline, for most motorcycle accident lawsuits in Oklahoma is two years from the date of the accident. In wrongful death cases, the two-year deadline begins on the date of death. In any case, it is important that you act quickly so that you do not lose your right to sue the liable party for damages. The sooner you get in touch with our Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyers, the sooner we can begin investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and communicating with the insurance company on your behalf.

Right now, you should be focused on your physical recovery. Let our firm handle the legal details of your case. When you choose Brewster & De Angelis, you can feel confident knowing that our entire team will work tirelessly for you. We want to help you get back on your feet.

For personal legal attention and dedicated representation after a motorcycle accident, call Brewster & De Angelis at (918) 265-1214 or contact us online. Your consultation is free!