Motorcycle accidents are a serious business in Oklahoma. Every year, dozens of people die and hundreds more are injured in motorcycle collisions across the state, according to Oklahoma Public Safety. Concerningly, the same half-dozen causes are responsible for a large share of these preventable accidents. A better understanding of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents can help you avoid becoming one of these statistics – or help you seek fair compensation if you already have.
Cain Law has extensive experience helping people recover compensation for motorcycle crash injuries in Oklahoma. We can handle your legal case and fight for the full amount you’re owed. Your initial consultation is free, and you don’t owe us any fees unless you recover compensation. Call now or complete our contact form to learn more.
Why Choose Cain Law for Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
After a motorcycle accident, you need a legal team that moves fast, fights hard, and knows how to win. Cain Law has recovered over $100 million for clients across Oklahoma, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you. We have more than 100 years of combined legal knowledge to offer, so you can trust us to build a strong case from day one.
More than that, we have a proven record of pushing the law forward in Oklahoma. We helped change the law to let injured victims bring direct claims against trucking companies for their unsafe practices. Cain Law is also a local law firm, giving us considerable insight into Oklahoma laws and the courts that try these cases.
We’re available 24/7 to take your call, and our team can meet you wherever you are. Our rapid-response team will immediately launch an in-depth investigation into your crash to gather evidence before it is lost or destroyed. We can also help you get the medical care you need because your physical recovery matters to us as much as your financial recovery.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Negligence
A significant percentage of Oklahoma motorcycle crashes happen because other motorists aren’t careful and don’t respect traffic laws for motorcyclists. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
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Blind Spot Accidents
Motorcycles are smaller and easier to overlook in a car or truck’s blind spots. Drivers who fail to check their blind spots before merging or changing lanes might not notice a motorcyclist next to them before it’s too late to avoid car accidents. These collisions often happen at high speeds on highways or busy roads. Drivers have a duty to be aware of their surroundings, and failing to account for blind spots is a clear act of negligence.
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Left-Turning Cars
Left-turn accidents are one of the most dangerous scenarios for motorcyclists and a primary cause of motorcycle crashes. These crashes typically occur when a car turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle at an intersection or while entering a driveway. The driver often claims they “didn’t see” the bike or misjudged how fast it was going, but these are no excuses. Drivers must yield to oncoming traffic, including motorcycles. When they fail to do so, motorcycle drivers can suffer life-altering injuries in an instant.
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Dooring
Dooring accidents happen when a drivers or passengers in parked vehicles open their car door into the path of a motorcycle. Riders have little time to react when this happens and may crash directly into the door or after swerving into traffic in an attempt to avoid it. This is a particular threat in busy urban environments. Section 47-11-1105 of the Oklahoma Statutes requires drivers and passengers to check for approaching traffic before opening a door, making those who break the law negligent.
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Reckless Driving
Drivers who speed, weave through traffic, run red lights, or ignore basic road rules endanger everyone – but especially motorcyclists. Reckless driving gives motorcyclists no time or space to avoid a crash. These collisions often result in severe injuries or fatal motorcycle accidents due to the extreme impact force. Whether it’s the result of road rage, distraction, impaired driving, or impatience, reckless behavior behind the wheel is dangerous.
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Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes between cars and motorcycles are almost always severe and often cause fatal injuries. These serious or fatal motorcycle crashes typically occur when a driver travels the wrong way on a one-way street, drifts into oncoming traffic, or tries to pass without enough space. Drivers must stay alert and in their lane at all times to avoid motor vehicle accidents.
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Rear-End Accidents
What might be a fender-bender were it to happen between two passenger vehicles could prove deadly when a motorcyclist is involved. A distracted or speeding driver who slams into the back of a motorcycle can throw the rider onto the pavement or into traffic. These common motorcycle accidents often happen at red lights, stop signs, or in heavy traffic when drivers aren’t paying attention.
One vital point to note is that while helmet safety is important for preventing head injuries, a motorcyclist’s failure to wear a helmet should not affect their ability to recover fair compensation. Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Oklahoma right away if a driver or insurer tries to say you’re to blame for your injuries because you didn’t wear a motorcycle helmet.
How Our Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help Your Case
Cain Law is ready to act immediately after an Oklahoma motorcycle accident. We’ll start by gathering evidence and identifying the liable parties. Our team will collect police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and expert testimony to build a robust case for compensation. We’ll also seek to document your injuries fully and calculate the cost of your past and future medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering.
As your case progresses, we’ll handle all communication with insurance companies to protect you from their attempts to shift the blame onto you. If they won’t make you a reasonable settlement offer, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court. Throughout the process, you’ll have direct access to your legal team, and we’ll keep you informed at every step.
Contact Cain Law for Your Free Consultation
If you’re in pain, call Cain. Contact Cain Law now or complete our contact form for a free case review with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Oklahoma, and let us pursue fair compensation on your behalf.