Motorcycle Accident | Oklahoma Car Accident News Blog
Involved in an Accident with a Reckless Motorcyclist? Steps to Take
An accident involving a reckless motorcyclist can leave you shaken, confused, and facing serious injuries or property damage. These types of collisions often happen in an instant and can lead to complex insurance and legal battles. If you’ve recently been in a crash with a motorcyclist who was speeding, weaving between cars, or otherwise driving irresponsibly, it’s important to take the appropriate steps to protect your health, your rights, and your future.
At Car Accident Help, we represent Oklahomans who have been seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents. If a negligent or reckless motorcyclist caused your injuries, contact us today. Our experienced Oklahoma car accident lawyers are here to fight for you. Here’s what to do next.
The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents and How to Avoid Them
Motorcycling offers freedom, excitement, and a connection to the road that few other forms of transportation can match. However, the risk of accidents is significantly higher for motorcyclists than for car or truck drivers. Although motorcycles comprise only 3% of all registered vehicles, motorcyclists accounted for 14.6% of all traffic fatalities. Understanding the most common causes of motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them can help riders stay safe and reduce the risk of serious injuries.
At Car Accident Help, we know how devastating motorcycle accidents can be. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, our experienced Oklahoma attorneys are here to guide you through your legal options and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Oklahoma Motorcycle Crash Causes and Statistics
It’s estimated that there are about 175,000 motorcycles registered in the state of Oklahoma. There are so many motorcycles with good reason–they are a convenient, fun, and accessible way to get around town and explore Oklahoma’s diverse landscapes. However, despite the adventurous lifestyle motorcycles can create, motorcycles do come with heightened risks and an increased likelihood of accidents.
The team at Car Accident Help has combined decades of experience helping individuals and families who have been the victims of motorcycle accidents. We have seen firsthand the daily dangers and risks motorcyclists face on Oklahoma’s highways and roads. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and have experienced catastrophic injury because of the actions or negligence of another, we’re here to help. Contact our team today for a free case evaluation.
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All About Moped and Scooter Accidents
While there is a definite financial benefit to riding a scooter or moped, there are also a few downsides.
Much like motorcyclists, moped and scooter riders are often the victims of an accident because a driver did not see them. Drivers often turn into the path of the smaller vehicle, or change lanes into it with devastating consequences. Read the rest »
Motorcyclist Killed in Oklahoma City Construction Zone Accident
A fatal motorcycle crash was recently reported in Oklahoma City. A 48-year-old man was driving a Harley-Davidson motorcycle on I-235 approaching a construction work zone. He apparently slowed down and was hit in the rear by a Chevrolet. The man, who was not wearing a helmet, died at the scene. Investigators are still reviewing the details of the collision. Read the rest »
You Don’t Have to Wear a Helmet While Riding a Motorcycle—But Should You?
Motorcycling has its own “gear.” Riders usually wear long sleeves and pants, gloves, boots, and some wear a helmet.
According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), Department of Transportation-approved helmets improve rider safety. The effectiveness of helmets has been documented in studies for many years, and the MSF strongly suggests that riders make the responsible choice. A helmet does not guarantee that a motorcycle rider will survive a crash, but data indicates an improved chance of survival. Read the rest »
Finding Fault in Lane Splitting Accidents
Lane splitting involves the riding of a motorcycle or bicycle between lanes of traffic traveling on the road. Lane splitting often occurs when traffic is slow or congested, and the rider splitting lanes seeks to make headway compared to the flow of traffic. Lane splitting is also referred to as stripe riding and lane sharing. Aside from using lane splitting to pass cars stuck in traffic, riders also use the technique to pass traffic stuck at a red light and pull up to the front of the intersection.
Currently, lane splitting is not legal in Oklahoma. In fact, the only state where it is legally permitted is California. Studies have concluded, however, that despite the legal status, lane splitting is often the safer option for motorcycle riders approaching traffic and stop lights. Aside from the ostensible threat it poses to riders and drivers, lane splitting has been shown to reduce the motorcycle rider’s chances of being rear ended when an abrupt stop must be made.
Becoming Familiar With Motorcycle Rider Rights
Motorcycle riders are frequently faced with dangers on the road. Reckless and incompetent drivers, debris, and poorly maintained roads can all pose serious threats to motorcycle riders. Because of the lack of safety apparatuses and protection, motorcycle accidents can be detrimental to the health of the riders involved.
To understand the rights of motorcycle riders in Oklahoma, it’s important to know the state’s requirements of riders. All riders age 17 and younger must wear helmets. Riders without windscreens must have eye protection, furthermore the height of the rider’s handlebars must not interfere with their line of sight. Riders are also required to ride with headlights on, even during the day. This gives extra assurance that the rider is easily visible to other drivers on the road. Along with these requirements, motorcycle riders also need to ride with functioning rear view mirrors on either side of their handlebars.
Lenapah Motorcyclist Killed in Catoosa Collision
A 50-year-old Lenapah man was killed in an Oklahoma motorcycle accident involving a front-end loader. According to a KJRH news report, the fatal motorcycle crash occurred on Bird Creek near a gravel service road in Catoosa. Officials say the motorcyclist was traveling northbound when he collided with a front-end loader that was in the process of turning. KOCO.com reports that the victim was not wearing a helmet. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the front-end loader was not hurt.
Under Oklahoma Statute 47-12-609 (B), only motorcycle operators and passengers who are under 18 are required to wear a safety helmet. The dangers of head injuries, however, do not go away when you become an adult. All motorcyclists in Oklahoma would be well advised to wear a helmet whenever they ride. Helmets cannot prevent all fatal injuries, but they can significantly reduce the amount of brain trauma that can occur during a violent crash. Read the rest »
Passenger Killed in Oklahoma Motorcycle Crash
A 39-year-old woman was killed when the motorcycle on which she was a passenger crashed into a guardrail. According to a NewsOn6 report, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred on Avery Drive west of Chandler Park in Tulsa County. Officials say the 42-year-old man who was driving the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed when he failed to negotiate a turn. The motorcycle left the roadway and struck the guardrail. The female passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, and the motorcyclist sustained injuries. It is not clear if the motorcyclist will be cited for the crash.
Speed is a common factor in Oklahoma motorcycle accidents. Under Oklahoma statute 47-11-801: “Any person driving a vehicle on a highway shall drive the same at a careful and prudent speed not greater than nor less than is reasonable and proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface and width of the highway and any other conditions then existing.” Motorcyclists who lose control of their vehicle because they are traveling too fast may be held accountable for their actions. Read the rest »
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