Bicycle Accidents

For those who ride their bikes on a regular basis, doing so may be good for your health and for the environment, but may also be risky, too. To be sure, there are an average 1.3 bicyclist deaths per million residents in Oklahoma per year, a figure that is higher than it should be. Further, this number does not account for the numerous crashes involving cyclists that occur in Oklahoma every year and leave cyclists with injuries, some of which are severe.

At the Owen Law Office, PC, our Oklahoma City bicycle accident attorneys know that there are few things more traumatic in life than being hit by a car while riding your bike. We have also seen the damage that these types of accident can cause to a person and a family, both physically and in a noneconomic manner. If you are in the process of exploring your options and recovering after a bicycle accident, we urge you to contact our law firm today for a free consultation and information about your rights moving forward.

Why Bicycle Accidents Occur

Bicycle accidents almost always occur as the result of negligence, whether on the part of the cyclist, the driver, or another third party. Some of the most common behaviors and situations that lead to crashes include:

• Driver following too closely/passing too closely. Drivers, whether distracted or frustrated with cyclists on the road, often will drive too closely when following or passing. This is extremely dangerous, as proximity means that the smallest error on the part of either party could result in a devastating accident.
• Right-hand turn crashes. One of the most common scenarios in which cyclists are hit is in the event that a driver is attempting to make a right-hand turn while a cyclist is hoping to pass straight through an intersection. Because the cyclist is likely on the right-hand side of the driver, when the driver makes their turn, they may not see the cyclists, leading to a crash.
• Intersection crashes. Another common site of a bicycle crash is an intersection. An intersection crash may occur when either driver or rider is attempting to make a left-hand turn, and fails to see or be seen by the other party who is approaching straight from the intersection.
• Drunk, distracted, and aggressive driving. Bicycle accidents are less common when drivers are paying attention and exercising a high duty of care. But when drivers get behind the wheel while intoxicated, or operate their vehicles while distracted or in an aggressive manner, such as while speeding, cyclists (and others) are at risk.
• Road defects/hazardous conditions. Not all cycling accidents occur because of the negligence of a driver or a cyclist; in some cases, the negligence may be that of a party (often a municipal government) responsible for road maintenance. For example, the existence of a pothole that goes unrepaired could increase the risk of a crash. In some cases, other, unforeseeable factors cause or contribute to crashes, such as debris in the road or bad weather.

Steps to Take after a Bicycle Accident Oklahoma City

It is important that you understand that if you are hit by a car or involved in a bicycle crash that is not caused as a result of fault of your own, you have the right to seek the full amount of damages suffered. In order to do this, and in order to maximize your damages amount, it is recommended that you take action quickly. After a crash, you need to file a police report, request a copy of the police report, seek medical care, thoroughly document all medical care received, gather evidence to prove fault, file a claim with the appropriate insurance company, and hire an attorney.

Why You Need an Oklahoma City Bicycle Accident Attorney 

You may be under the impression that the insurance company of the at-fault party is going to offer you a settlement that addresses the extent of harm that you have suffered. This may very well occur, however, it is unlikely – insurance companies are infamous for trying to get away will paying claimants as little as they can.

When you hire our law firm, you will benefit from the counsel of legal professionals with years worth of experience. Not only can we guide you in filing your claim and ensuring that you take legal action within the statute of limitations (two years in Oklahoma), but we will also gather evidence on your behalf, prove fault, and negotiate your settlement. What’s more, we do this all on a contingency fee basis, so you never have to pay us high, out-of-pocket fees.

We want to help you. To learn more, schedule a free consultation with our knowledgeable Oklahoma City bicycle accident attorneys today.