Have You Been in a Motorcycle Accident
When you are in a motorcycle accident, it’s best to consult with a lawyer specializing in representing motorcycle accident victims. Due to the factors surrounding the construction of motorcycles, there’s a great deal more at stake than for someone involved in a collision with another car or truck. The nature of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine and averages only 77 MPG means that most people will never own one, won’t ride one, or aren’t around them every day. This makes riders vulnerable to accidents. In this article, we will discuss reasons why you should choose motorcycle accident attorney. Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Know How To Fight For You Motorcycle accident attorneys know how to fight for your rights and get the compensation you deserve after an accident. A lawyer will examine all aspects of the case and see if the evidence supports your claim that someone else was at fault for the crash and your injuries. Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help You With The Paperwork And Insurance Claims Process After an accident, navigating through the paperwork process required by your health insurance company and any other insurance companies involved in your claim can be challenging. Even worse, many insurance companies have what is known as “no-fault” laws, which means they will pay out benefits even if they believe it was their driver’s fault. You Want to Know Your Rights If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and were not at fault, it is essential that you know your rights and how to pursue them. A motorcycle accident attorney has years of experience dealing with these types of cases and can inform you on what to expect throughout the process. They will also act as your advocate throughout the case so that you don’t have to worry about anything else but recovering from your injuries. You Need Help Recovering Compensation When someone causes harm by driving recklessly or negligently, they are liable for the damages they caused. If you suffered injuries or lost loved ones because of their actions, they should be held responsible for paying compensation for your losses. A motorcycle accident attorney can help ensure that all parties are held accountable for causing harm through negligence or recklessness behind the wheel. They Know How Insurance Companies Work Insurance companies pay out as little as possible when claims are filed. They try to avoid paying by claiming that the incident wasn’t their insured’s fault or by citing loopholes in the law that allow them to deny payment. A motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate these challenging situations and ensure you get what’s rightfully yours. They Know What Matters In Court In a court of law, evidence and testimony matter more than anything else. That’s why it’s so crucial for you to have an experienced attorney on your side who knows exactly what kind of evidence is needed to win your case especially if it goes to court. Your lawyer will know what questions need to be asked on the witness stand and what types of arguments can be made during closing statements that make all the difference in winning or losing an insurance claim case against car drivers who caused your injuries while driving recklessly. Experienced Attorneys Can Help You Get Fair Compensation While most attorneys will do their best to get you the settlement you deserve, some are better at it than others. An attorney with experience handling motorcycle accidents will have an in-depth understanding of the process of getting fair compensation for injured parties. They’ll know how to negotiate with insurance companies and other parties involved to get their clients as much compensation as possible. Reasonable Attorneys Will Understand Your Needs as an Injured Party An attorney who understands what it’s like being disabled or suffering from chronic pain after an accident can provide better representation than someone that has not worked with clients that have been in a motorcycle accident. If you’ve been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, you’ll need an attorney who understands how difficult it can be to deal with those injuries daily. For more information and a free consultation, contact us in Oklahoma City at (405) 253-4478 or our Ardmore office at (580) 798-0447.
Why should you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Oklahoma City?
Did you know that more than 50 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents stem from collisions with cars? Riding a bike is definitely a great experience and many bikers enjoy prolonged stretches of mountain trailing and other trips to remote areas. But before setting out, you must check the vehicle and its equipment. Even after practicing caution, none can ever tell when you will be met with an accident. What are the various causes of bike accidents? Several factors contribute to motorcycle wrecks and they range from poor road conditions to unmindful riding to the problems involving other people also. At times, the most serious collisions stem from a blend of all these problems. And when you are knocked down in a bike accident, a reliable Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyer can take you through the process. Some of the major causes of motorcycle accidents are: Side swiping or rear-end collision Bad road or weather conditions Loss of bike control or skidding Lack of visibility Dangerous driving due to intoxication Failing to yield while changing lane, merging, or splitting Why will you need a responsible Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyer? The top reason why you should have a lawyer to represent your bike accident case is that they are aware of the law. An attorney has the right knowledge and experience in working with the relevant regulations which makes them the perfect choice for handling the case. Moreover, the lawyer can find out who’s responsible and gather the crucial evidence for backing up the case. If you are still not convinced, here are some more reasons why you should hire a lawyer: Staying objective: It will be extremely difficult for you to come around after an accident if you are continuously thinking about settling deadlines or communicating with the insurance companies. All of these are natural procedures after the accident and sometimes you will feel it is too much to endure. But when you have a reputed motorcycle accident lawyer to represent your case, then you can rest assured that the case is handled in an objective and practical way at the time when you require complete emotional and physical rest. Receiving the best settlement: It is a universally accepted fact that people who are faced with an accident and have attorneys to represent their case have higher chances of settling the case compared to those who don’t. When you are physically suffering and emotionally exhausted, the last thing you would want is to do is to take is the pain of representing yourself before the court or settle the case out of the court. You can only have the best chance of a fair judgment when you have an expert motorcycle accident lawyer beside you. Negotiating with the insurance companies: One of the most difficult aspects of surviving a motorcycle accident is to be involved in the processes which are not really a part of the mishap. Negotiating with the insurance companies is perhaps the most draining component of an accident. It’s their primary objective to get you as little money as possible and the last thing you can expect from them is to help you out in such a situation. Having an attorney beside you can effectively take the load off and work with the insurance company on behalf of you. Faster healing: When you know experts are handling your case efficiently, you can prioritize getting better while the attorneys take the stress of devising the best measures to win your case. After an accident, it’s highly likely that you will have several appointments with the doctors and other therapy sessions. Thus, having one of the best lawyers by your side can take a chunk of the burden off your shoulders. Conclusion Motorcycle accidents are very destructive as they can change lives forever. In worst cases, such accidents are fatal leaving the survivors in utter dismay and grief. On the same line, the aftermath of the accident is equally chaotic after the injury. With the medical expenses accumulating and insurance companies turning their back, the best help you can offer yourself is to have an experienced Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyer to represent your case. To speak with one of our experienced lawyers call us in Oklahoma City at (405) 253-4478 or our main office in Ardmore at (580) 798-0447.
Motorcycle Accidents and Helmet Laws
Motorcycle riding is fun. But it is also dangerous, which is probably part of the reason that makes it so much fun. Most motorcycle accidents occur because the driver did not see the motorcycle. Experienced riders understand this, and they take every possible precaution. They stay sober and alert, and they always expect the unexpected. Just because an approaching car does not have a flashing left turn signal does not mean that the driver is not going to make a left turn in front of you. In motorcycle accidents riders can be seriously injured. And the first question is always, “Was the rider wearing a helmet?” Oklahoma, like many other states, has a “comparative fault” rule, which can severely limit the rider’s ability to collect compensation. In the above case involving an illegal left turn, this means the rider can be found partially at fault for not wearing a helmet. Unfortunately, many judges, jurors and journalist buy into the argument that helmets do prevent injuries. And there are numerous studies that attempt to prove this point. But the overwhelming number of these studies are bought and paid for by the insurance lobby, the medical lobby, or the people who manufacture and sell motorcycle helmets. Should you be involved in a lawsuit where you were not wearing a helmet be prepared for a fight. The battle will be fought with statistics, and the insurance company can afford the legal equivalent of a navy SEAL team. So you cannot afford to walk into court with your family lawyer or a slip-and-fall all-purpose personal injury lawyer. You will need a battle hardened veteran motorcycle accident attorney. This will be someone who is familiar with the highly priced but also highly prejudiced “expert” studies and who has experience in exposing the flaws in the testimony of so-called expert witnesses. All but two states have laws regulating motorcycle helmet use. And these laws were not passed without transportation committees listening to thousands of hours of testimony presenting statistics on both sides of the issue. You can compile lists of numbers and claim that they prove whatever you want them to prove. However, outside of their surrounding context statistics are meaningless. For example, in 2003 Pennsylvania modified the motorcycle helmet law to allow mature and experienced riders to ride without a helmet. In less than a year the insurance and medical lobbies were producing statistics that showed that there was an increase in motorcycle fatalities. But under scrutiny it was demonstrated that there was also a significant increase in the number of registered motorcycles, as well as an increase in the number licensed motorcycle riders. Furthermore, Pennsylvania motel owners noticed an unusually large number of motorcycles with New York license plates in their parking lots that summer. So, yes, the number of motorcycle fatalities may have increased. But when you take into account how many more people choose to ride motorcycles in states, like Pennsylvania and Oklahoma, that do not mandate helmets and how many motorcyclists from out of state choose to vacation in helmet free states, there is no increase in the percentage of motorcycle fatalities. It is also claimed that states with no helmet laws have a higher percentage of fatalities than states with mandatory helmet laws. But there is a third category. These are states with modified helmet laws. These laws require helmet use by certain groups of riders, usually based on age and riding experience. When the states with mandatory helmet laws are compared to states with modified helmet laws, the difference in fatalities becomes insignificant. Also, motorcycle helmets are tested on human head forms for a 13 mph impact. But human head forms do not operate motorcycles at 50 mph. That makes a big difference. And I think I heard it put best at a transportation committee meeting in the Virginia House of Delegates by a member who said: “I would like to remind this committee that at our last meeting we heard compelling expert testimony that at 50 mph a motorcycle helmet becomes a 200 pound bowling ball attached by a strap to your neck.” So the evidence goes both ways. Ultimately, helmet choice should be left to the individual, as it comes down to what Mr. Justice Brandeis called “The right to be let alone.” Nevertheless, if you were involved in an accident without a helmet, the studies are manipulated to favor the insurance companies. But the facts often tell a different story. You need to retain an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who understands and can demonstrate the difference.
Motorcycle Accident Advice
What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Accidents A motorcycle accident can be a very traumatizing and painful experience. In fact, motorcycle accidents are some of the most serious types of accidents as they often result in severe injuries and an increased number of deaths. The chances of survival for the rider are greatly reduced if the crash happens at a high speed. This is mainly because, unlike cars, motorcycles offer very little protection for riders. Occupants of the car involved in a crash will often come out unscathed while the motorcycle rider may be killed on the spot. Establishing negligence after a motorcycle accident can be a complex process which is why it is very important to retain the services of a personal injury attorney. If you, as the rider, were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, then a personal injury attorney will help clear you of any fault and ensure that you are fully compensated for your damages and losses. Also, if you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, it is imperative to contact an attorney to ensure you get the justice you deserve. Common Types of Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident Broken Bones: Fractured bones are very common in road accidents. This is especially so in motorcycle accidents. Fortunately, most broken bones usually heal in a month or two without any major complications after treatment. Head and Brain Injury: In a motorcycle accident, there is a high risk of the rider sustaining head injuries. Even a low-speed collision is enough to cause a serious head injury. This is why it is very important to always wear a helmet. Studies have shown that it reduces the chances of head and brain injuries by 70%. Depending on the impact of the collision, even with a helmet, you may sustain traumatic brain injuries which are among the most serious types of injuries. The risk increases tenfold when you don’t wear a helmet. These injuries usually affect one’s cognitive, physical, and even emotional abilities. Whiplash: Sudden acceleration and deceleration cause the rapid movement of a person’s neck resulting in whiplash. Spinal Cord Injury: The spinal cord is one of the most important parts of your body but it is also one of the most delicate. If your spinal cord suffers any damage, it can result in partial or permanent paralysis. Other types of common injuries include broken neck, soft tissue injuries, amputations among others. What Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident? After being in a motorcycle accident, there are various things that you need to do and to avoid in order to safeguard your rights and ensure you get the necessary assistance. Seek Medical Help Your health and well-being should always be your top priority no matter what. Hence, ensure that you get the necessary medical treatment after an accident. You should be thoroughly examined by a medical professional even if you don’t have any noticeable injuries as this can potentially save your life. Also, your medical reports will provide crucial evidence in proving the extent of your damages. Contact the Police It is imperative to call the police immediately after being involved in a motorcycle accident. When filing a claim, you will need to prove how the accident happened and a police report will provide the necessary evidence that you need. Don’t Admit Fault or Apologize In an accident, even if the circumstances surrounding the accident are unclear, you should never give even the slightest hint that you are in any way at fault. This can seriously affect your case. Hence, you should never apologize or give out more information than required. Collect Evidence When filing your claim, you will need as much information as possible to support your case. Hence, while still at the scene, you will need to take photos and videos of the scene, note down in detail your account, and collect names and contact information of any available witnesses. Contact the Insurance Company You will need to inform the insurance company of the incident and your intention to file a claim. It is important to have an attorney at this stage as your attorney will help to avoid any chances of you saying something that may jeopardize your claim. Get in Touch With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer As Early As Possible You should always keep in mind that insurance companies are businesses and they rarely have your best interests at heart. Their main aim is to pay the least amount of compensation or have to pay none at all in order to protect their bottom line. They will have a team of expert lawyers dedicated to discrediting your claim. You have minimal chances of getting fair compensation when you don’t have a lawyer. An attorney will help protect your rights, help you collect the necessary evidence to support your case, and fight hard to ensure you are fully compensated. What Damages Can I Recover After a Motorcycle Accident? After establishing the full extent of your injuries and losses, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company and demand full compensation. They will also include other damages you might not have been aware that you are entitled to. If the insurance company fails to comply, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights. The following are some of the damages you can recover: Past, present, and future medical expenses Lost income Loss of consortium Loss of earning capacity Pain, suffering, and mental anguish It is worth noting that most professional personal injury attorneys charge their fees on a contingency basis. This means that you only have to pay after they’ve successfully secured fair compensation for you. A certain percentage is deducted from your compensation. Therefore, you have nothing to lose but a lot more to gain when you hire a lawyer. Little, Oliver and Gallagher PLLC personal injury attorneys are here to help guide you through your motorcycle accident case. Contact us today in Oklahoma
Motorcycle Accident Information You Should Know
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Each year, there are more than 100,000 motorcycle accidents reported in the United States. The figure could be much higher than most people realize. On the other hand, the number of accidents seems to keep climbing every year. Riding a motorcycle is a very special experience for many people. Unfortunately, the majority of drivers on the road just do not see motorcycle riders, and the bulk of motorcycle accidents in the United States are negligent accidents. There are many causes of motorcycle accidents in the country. The most common instance is where the other driver fails to give the right of way to a motorcycle rider. Typical Injuries Suffered By Motorcycle Riders Leg injuries are the most common type of injury that results due to a motorcycle accident. A fractured or amputated leg is very common in a such an accident. In fact, when another vehicle hits the motorcycle from the side, the rider’s leg is mostly affected by the collision. The motorcycle provides little or no serious leg protection. A broken tibia (shinbone) is considered the most common leg fracture that results due to a motorcycle accident. The knee joint is involved in a tibial plateau fracture – such a patient has an improved risk for post-traumatic arthritis. TBI or traumatic brain injury is another common type of injury that results from a motorcycle accident. The brain will move inside the skull and strike the hardest part of the skull in order to cause a traumatic brain injury. This can happen even when the rider is having his/her helmet on. On the other hand, fractured or broken bones in the neck and back are common injuries due to motorcycle accidents. All these injuries can disrupt the normal life of the individual. In fact, the affected individual may have to spend months or even years confined to a hospital bed under most circumstances. It could seriously affect the financial status and quality of life of the victim. Your choice of motorcycle accident lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. You should be able to claim a reasonable amount of compensation from the party who is responsible for the accident. A highly specialized motorcycle accident lawyer is essential to represent your case in a court of law. He or she should have extensive experience in taking such cases to trial. On the other hand, the right motorcycle accident lawyer should be able to successfully negotiate with the insurance provider of the other party to get you the maximum amount of compensation. Such a lawyer knows what you are going through since they have been in a similar situation with their past clients. Hence, they know how to use the law in order to get you what you are entitled under its protection. The right lawyer should have an extremely high success rate of winning his/her past motorcycle accident cases. These are important things to consider when choosing the best motorcycle accident lawyer to represent your case in a court of law. For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys in the Oklahoma City area call (405) 253-4478 or our main office in Ardmore (580) 798-0447.
