A 24-year-old man was killed in a fatal Oklahoma motorcycle accident after his motorcycle struck a pickup truck. According to a news report in NewsOK.com, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred on U.S. 59 north of Stilwell in Adair County. The man was driving south on the highway when he struck a pickup truck driven by a 66-year-old woman and then hit a mailbox and a stop sign. The motorcyclist was taken to an area hospital with severe head and internal injuries, but later died from his injuries. The man was wearing a helmet. The two women in the pickup truck were uninjured.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, fatalities involving motorcyclists have steadily increased over the last 10 years. In fact, in 2007, there was a 7 percent increase in fatalities as compared to 2006. Per vehicle mile traveled in 2007, motorcyclists were about 37 times more likely than occupants of other vehicles to die in a motor vehicle accident and nine times more likely to be injured.
When a fatal motorcycle accident is caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the family of the deceased victim can file what is known as a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault motorist seeking compensation for damages such as lost future wages, medical expenses, and funeral costs.
The experienced Oklahoma motorcycle accident attorneys at Maples Law Firm offer our deepest condolences to anyone who has lost a beloved family member in a traffic accident. If you wish to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights, please contact us at (888) 226-6159 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
A 32-year-old man was killed in an Oklahoma motorcycle accident after a pickup truck collided head-on with his cycle. According to a news report in The Tulsa World, the fatal car accident occurred on the U.S. 64 west of Pawnee. Troopers say the driver of the 2005 Chevy Silverado pickup truck, a 77-year-old man, was blinded by the sun’s glare when he crossed into opposing lanes of traffic and crashed into the Honda motorcycle. The motorcyclist died at the scene while his 30-year-old female passenger was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. Another motorcyclist in a 2006 Harley Davidson who was behind the Honda also got run off the roadway as a result of the collision. That 52-year-old man also suffered serious injuries.
Motorcycle accidents are most commonly caused by drivers who are not paying attention to the roadway. In some cases, drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to an oncoming motorcycle. Some motorcycle accidents occur when another driver makes an unsafe lane change. Regardless of how the accident occurs, if a motorcyclist or passenger has been injured by a negligent driver, he or she has a right to claim compensation. Injured victims can file a personal injury claim seeking damages such as medical expenses and loss of wages. Families of deceased motorcycle accident victims can file an Oklahoma wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages such as funeral expenses and lost future income.
If a negligent driver has injured you or a loved one, the experienced Oklahoma motorcycle accident injury attorneys at the Maples Law Firm are here to help you. We will not only stay on top of the official investigation and make sure your rights are protected, but we will also work diligently to help you get fair compensation and hold the at-fault parties accountable. Call us today at 1(888) 226-6159 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
According to a story in The Oklahoman, police in Tulsa are looking for a driver responsible for the death of a motorcyclist. After the crash, the driver fled the scene. The motorcycle rider was a 52-year-old man who was traveling on a Tulsa road when a gray or silver Chevrolet Camaro turned in front of him. The man was thrown from the motorcycle, landing on the street. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The driver of the Camaro left the scene of the crash and is wanted by police.
In a July 2009 data report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), figures show that while the number of people injured in motor vehicle crashes has decreased since 1999, the number of motorcyclist injuries has increased. In fact, from 1998 to 2007, the number of motorcyclists injured in crashes increased 110 percent. Within that same time period, data analysis shows that about 90 percent of motorcyclists injured in crashes were operating the vehicle while 10 percent were passengers. The largest number of motorcyclists injured fall within the 20-29 age group.
When cars and motorcycles collide, the resulting injuries are often catastrophic. Due to the lack of protection offered by motorcycles and the discrepancy in size and weight between cars and motorcycles, the motorcyclist and any passengers are at increased danger for injury and death as compared to those inside a car. The Tulsa motorcycle accident attorneys at the Maples Law Firm know how difficult it can be to cope with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident. Our skilled lawyers have the experience to help you recover damages you may be owed as the result negligence by another party. Call us today so that our Oklahoma personal injury lawyers can get started on your case right away. Call 1-888-226-6159.
Motorcycling is a fun and social activity enjoyed by many during the warmer months of the year. A sense of freedom usually accompanies riding a motorcycle, but danger also tends to tag along for the ride. Most Oklahoma motorcycle accidents occur, not because of the rider, but because of other motorists who do not know how to share the road with motorcycles. Because motorcyclists are much less protected than drivers of other motor vehicles, they need to practice riding safely and defensively to protect themselves in the event of a motorcycle crash in Oklahoma. The following safety guidelines can help motorcyclists stay safe on the road:
- Take a safety course.
- Get your motorcycle license.
- Wear a full-face helmet, sturdy jacket with full sleeves, thick pants, reinforced gloves, and boots that protect the ankle.
- Drive defensively to avoid inattentive or reckless motorists.
- Ride in a staggered formation when with a group.
- Keep at least a two-second following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Only pass motorcycles or other vehicles individually and when it can be done safely.
Unfortunately these guidelines cannot prevent every motorcycle accident. There is only so much a motorcyclist can do to stay safe when another motorist is driving negligently or recklessly. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by the actions of an inattentive, speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses associated with your injuries.
At Maples Law Firm, LLP, our skilled Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyers will examine every detail of your accident to determine the validity of your claim and advise you on the best course of action for your particular situation. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact us for a free consultation at 1-888-226-6159.
With the warmer temperatures of spring and summer come more motorcycles on Oklahoma roads and highways. Due to the high number of motorcyclist deaths in recent years, Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) will be pushing motorcycle safety for the 2nd year in row, according to Fox23.com.
According to the OHP, 401 motorcyclists died in crashes in the state between 2006 and 2010. More specifically, 61 riders were killed in 2006, 74 in 2007, 87 in 2008, 105 in 2009, and 74 in 2010. The OHP began pushing motorcycle safety in 2010 as a result of the increase in motorcycle accident-related deaths between 2006 and 2009 and it seems to have worked since the number of motorcycle rider deaths dropped to 74 in 2010. The hope is that numbers will go down even more with emphasis on motorcycle safety this year.
Motorcycle riders must drive defensively at all times because they share the road with much bigger and heavier vehicles that don’t always see them. Most Oklahoma motorcycle crashes are caused by other motorists and so it is necessary to have safety foremost in one’s mind. Motorcyclists, in addition to having a proper Oklahoma motorcycle license and driving defensively, must wear a proper helmet, padded jacket, sturdy pants, reinforced gloves, and sturdy boots to protect themselves from the elements, falls, and other vehicles. In the case of a motorcycle accident caused by another vehicle, the injured motorcycle rider could file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party in order to receive compensation for their losses.
The experienced Oklahoma City personal injury attorneys at Maples Law Firm, LLP, can help injured Oklahoma motorcycle accident victims understand their legal rights so that they may make an informed decision about the best course of action for their specific situation. Contact us today at 1-888-226-6159 for a free consultation.
A nighttime motorcycle accident over the weekend injured both the bike’s male driver and female passenger when the 2002 Harley Davidson left the U.S. Highway 75 northbound entrance ramp from State Highway 20, according to the Tulsa news website KJRH.com. Both the driver and passenger were taken to St. Johns Hospital, where the woman remains in critical condition with head, arm, and leg injuries; the driver received treatment for head and arm injuries has since been released.
According to state troopers, the motorcycle hit gravel and several holes after veering off the U.S. Highway 75 entrance ramp, after which it lost complete control and crashed onto the pavement, but not before both riders were ejected over 80 feet north of where the motorcycle crashed down. State troopers determined that the driver was impaired by alcohol, and therefore attributed driving under the influence as the cause of the Tulsa motorcycle accident.
There were 84,000 injury motorcycle crashes, and 4,595 fatal motorcycle crashes, nationwide in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There were 108 fatal motorcycle crashes in Oklahoma the same year. Many Oklahoma motorcycle accident injuries are caused by failure to use defensive driving techniques and failure to use special precautions while riding (including wearing a proper helmet, and protective clothing). Defensive driving is especially important for a motorcyclist because they share the road with much bigger vehicles. Negligent driving on the part of a larger vehicle is very dangerous for motorcycle riders. If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by a negligent driver, that driver can he held accountable for all medical expenses associated with your injury.
The knowledgeable Oklahoma City motorcycle accident attorneys of Maples Law Firm, LLP, have successfully represented many motorcycle accident victims. We know how difficult a motorcycle injury can be for both the victim and their family, and so work diligently to recover any and all losses and damages suffered as a result of the accident caused by another’s negligence. Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn more about your legal options at 1-888-226-6159.
A fatal motorcycle accident occurred on Wednesday, February 16, which left a 62-year-old pastor dead, according to KFOR. The crash happened around 4:30 p.m. as the man was exiting I-35 and lost control of the motorcycle when it hit sand on the roadway. The bike skidded on its side for about 100 feet before coming to a rest. After hitting the pavement, the motorcyclist suffered a fatal head injury, even though he was wearing a helmet.
Further investigation of this tragic motorcycle accident in Oklahoma will determine whether or not negligence had a contributing role in the cause of the crash. Since the man lost control when his bike hit the sand, investigators may want to figure out why the sand was there in the first place to determine if the sand was there due to a person’s mistake. Sand is frequently used to help stuck vehicles regain traction in the snow. Leftover sand could have contributed to the fatal Oklahoma motorcycle accident. While this is a plausible option, investigators may want to examine the motorcycle itself to ensure that all components were working properly and that there were no mechanical defects. If it is found that there was a faulty motorcycle part, the manufacturer of the bike could be held liable.
If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, one of the dedicated Oklahoma motorcycle accident attorneys at The Maples Law Firm can help you. Our lawyers are well versed in Oklahoma laws surrounding these types of accidents and can help you understand your rights and options. Contact The Maples Law Firm today at 1-888-226-6159 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you.
A motorcyclist was exiting the Muskogee Turnpike into the westbound lanes of the Creek Turnpike when he crashed into some hay bales that had accidentally fallen from a semi-truck, according to NewsOn6.com. Luckily, the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet and was reported in stable condition. The state trooper who arrived at the scene cited the driver of the semi-truck with not properly securing the load. The article states that the motorcyclist was only thrown five feet, which could mean that he was already slowing down to attempt to avoid the bales when the Oklahoma motorcycle accident occurred.
Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported by either party involved in this Oklahoma motorcycle crash; however, that is not always the case in motorcycle collisions. Oftentimes, motorcycle crashes leave the motorcyclist with serious or even fatal injuries since they are not protected by the metal exterior like occupants of a passenger car or large truck are. In addition, according to the American Motorcyclist Association, motorcycle helmets are only required for persons under 18 years of age in the state of Oklahoma. With fewer people wearing helmets, serious injury is more likely to occur.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Oklahoma motorcycle accident due to another individual’s negligence, it would be highly beneficial to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. The Oklahoma City motorcycle crash lawyers at The Maples Law Firm have the knowledge and resources necessary to handle a wide variety of motorcycle and other personal injury cases. Our attorneys will examine every detail of your accident and build a strong case to ensure that you’re compensated fairly for your injuries. Some damages that may be awarded include, but are not limited to pain and suffering, medical bills, loss of income, property damage and more. To learn more about The Maples Law Firm, call 1 (888) 429-0609.
A new tax will be added to the registration of all motorcycles in Oklahoma, according to NewsOK.com. The $3 tax is designed to fund safety programs for both experienced and inexperienced riders and reduce the risk of motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma. The article states that many in the motorcycle community are in favor of the new fee since it provides an opportunity for riders to learn about safety on the road.
One man, an avid motorcycle rider and host of a radio show about motorcycles says he has no qualms about the new fee, which the state will begin charging on November 1. The man even suggests that perhaps a program to teach motorists how to better watch out for bikers would be helpful. The Oklahoma Tax Commission reported that 123,906 motorcycles were registered in the state in 2009, which is a 7.4% increase from 2008.
Ultimately, the Oklahoma Advisory Committee for Motorcycle Safety and Education will determine how the funds will be spent, but most riders support the new tax.
Motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma are an unfortunate and common occurrence with 105 riders killed and 1,269 more injured in 2009 according to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may find it highly beneficial to retain the services of an experienced Oklahoma motorcycle crash attorney. Maples Law Firm has been helping injured victims of motorcycle accidents for years and have the knowledge and skill needed to hold negligent parties responsible for your injuries. To learn more about your legal rights and schedule a free consultation of your case, please call (888) 429-0609 today.
An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper was injured when his motorcycle lost control, causing him to slide nearly 290 feet across I-40, an article on NewsOK.com stated. The 44-year old trooper was one of two who were merging onto the highway from the Choctaw Road on-ramp. According to the report, something caused the trooper to swerve and hit the other trooper’s motorcycle before sliding across the westbound lanes of traffic. The second trooper was able to keep his bike upright.
The 44-year old man sustained abrasions, scrapes and possibly broken bones, though his condition was not included in the article. He was flown to OU Medical Center for treatment.
It is unclear exactly what caused this Oklahoma motorcycle accident. However, there are a number of possibilities including dangerous road conditions, debris, negligent driving on the part of another motorist, rider error, or a defective or malfunctioning motorcycle component. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper involved in this accident is very lucky, as many motorcycle crashes end much more tragically. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,553 motorcyclists died in 2005, 44% of which resulted from single-vehicle collisions and 56% of which were from multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents.
The Maples Law Firm is dedicated to helping clients injured in Oklahoma motorcycle crashes find justice. If you or someone you know was injured in a motorcycle accident, you deserve to know your rights and have negligent parties held accountable. Ray Maples, experienced Oklahoma City motorcycle accident injury attorney and founder of The Maples Law Firm, has handled a plethora of different types of personal injury cases and has garnered numerous favorable verdicts and settlements for his clients. You don’t have to face the emotional, physical or financial burdens of a motorcycle accident injury alone. Call The Maples Law Firm at 1(800) 429-0609 for a free and comprehensive consultation.
