Tulsa Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Let Us Put Our Combined 100+ Years of Experience to Work for You
Motorcycle accidents often result in devastating injuries and life-altering consequences for riders and their families. Unlike drivers in passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have little physical protection, making them especially vulnerable when negligent drivers fail to share the road responsibly. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, Our Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyer at Martin, Jean, Jackson, Martin & Peach can help you pursue justice and the compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame onto motorcyclists or downplay the seriousness of their injuries. Our firm understands the unique challenges faced by injured riders and is committed to protecting your rights under Oklahoma law. From investigating the cause of your crash to negotiating with insurers or taking your case to trial, we are here to advocate for you every step of the way. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, we have the skills that you need secure a positive outcome in your case.
Call (918) 623-4119 to speak with a Tulsa motorcycle accident attorney today!
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcycle accident is a collision involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, object, or person. These accidents can result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the lack of protective barriers for the motorcyclist.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers may text or use their smartphones while driving, diverting their attention from the road. Adjusting the radio or GPS, eating, drinking, or conversing with passengers can also cause distractions.
- Failure to Yield: Some drivers fail to give the right of way at intersections, leading to collisions. Ignoring traffic signals or turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle are common examples.
- Speeding: Speeding involves driving too fast for road conditions or exceeding the speed limit. This reduces the driver's ability to react to sudden changes, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and reaction times. This significantly increases the likelihood of causing an accident.
- Tailgating: Following a motorcycle too closely, or tailgating, reduces the time available to react if the motorcyclist needs to stop suddenly. This can easily result in a rear-end collision.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Not checking blind spots or failing to signal before changing lanes can lead to accidents. Motorcycles are often overlooked due to their smaller size.
- Sudden Stops: Abruptly stopping without warning can catch a following motorcyclist off guard, leading to a collision. This is particularly dangerous for motorcyclists who have less protection.
- Opening Car Doors: Opening a car door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle is a common cause of accidents in urban areas. This sudden obstacle is often unavoidable for motorcyclists.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, or uneven road surfaces can cause motorcyclists to lose control. Negligent drivers who do not consider these hazards contribute to the risk.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions like rain, fog, or snow can reduce visibility and traction. Drivers who do not adjust their driving for these conditions increase the risk of accidents.
Oklahoma Motorcycle Laws
Understanding Oklahoma motorcycle laws is essential when pursuing a personal injury claim. Key laws include:
- Helmet law: Oklahoma requires helmets for riders under 18. Adults over 18 are not required to wear helmets but must have eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windshield.
- Motorcycle endorsements: Riders must have a valid motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license.
- Lane splitting: Lane splitting is illegal in Oklahoma.
- Comparative negligence: Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies often use these laws to argue that a rider was partially responsible for a crash. Our Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyer can counter these tactics and protect your right to fair compensation.
Where Do Motorcycle Crashes Often Happen in Tulsa?
Motorcycle accidents in Tulsa frequently occur in high-traffic and high-risk areas, including:
- Busy intersections such as those along Memorial Drive, Peoria Avenue, and Lewis Avenue
- Major roadways like Interstate 44, Highway 169, and the Broken Arrow Expressway
- Downtown Tulsa, where congestion and distracted driving are common
- Construction zones with uneven pavement or debris
- Residential neighborhoods where drivers fail to watch for motorcycles
Knowing where and how crashes occur helps our legal team anticipate defenses and strengthen your claim.
Compensation for Injured Motorcyclists
Victims of motorcycle accidents may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses, including future treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage, including motorcycle repair or replacement
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
At Martin, Jean, Jackson, Martin & Peach, we carefully evaluate every aspect of your losses to pursue the maximum compensation available under Oklahoma law.
Motorcycle Accident Claim FAQs
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this time may bar you from recovering compensation.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You may still recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your share of fault.
Do I need a lawyer for a motorcycle accident claim?
While not required, having a Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyer greatly improves your chances of obtaining fair compensation, especially when dealing with insurance companies.
How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
The value of a claim depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, medical costs, lost income, and long-term effects. An attorney can provide a more accurate evaluation after reviewing your case.
Set up a Free Consultation With Our Tulsa Team Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in a motorcycle accident, our legal team in Tulsa is prepared to fight for the compensation you are entitled to. We are familiar with these types of cases and we will guide you through every aspect of the legal process. We keep all communications between you and our legal professionals confidential and our firm does not charge a fee for legal services unless we secure compensation for you.
Contact our Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyers to get started on your case consultation.
What Makes Us Different
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Free Consultations in English & Spanish
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More Than A Billion Dollars Recovered
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Over 20,000 Injured Clients Represented
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Over 100 Years of Combined Experience
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Individually Tailored Legal Services