Motorcycle Accident

A 39-year-old woman was killed when the motorcycle on which she was a passenger crashed into a guardrail. According to a NewsOn6 report, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred on Avery Drive west of Chandler Park in Tulsa County. Officials say the 42-year-old man who was driving the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed when he failed to negotiate a turn. The motorcycle left the roadway and struck the guardrail. The female passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, and the motorcyclist sustained injuries. It is not clear if the motorcyclist will be cited for the crash.

Speed is a common factor in Oklahoma motorcycle accidents. Under Oklahoma statute 47-11-801: “Any person driving a vehicle on a highway shall drive the same at a careful and prudent speed not greater than nor less than is reasonable and proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface and width of the highway and any other conditions then existing.” Motorcyclists who lose control of their vehicle because they are traveling too fast may be held accountable for their actions.

The family of someone killed in an Oklahoma motorcycle accident may file a wrongful death claim to receive compensation for their losses. In order to have a successful claim, they will have to show that the at-fault driver was negligent in some way. Was the driver speeding, intoxicated, distracted, or otherwise careless? In such cases, he or she can be held accountable for the loss suffered by the victim’s family.

A successful claim can provide much needed financial support to a grieving family. At-fault drivers can be held accountable for funeral expenses, lost future wages, medical bills, and other related damages. The family of the victim, however, may not want to file a claim if the at-fault driver is a friend. It is important to remember that the insurance provider of the driver responsible for the crash will bear the bulk of the damages in cases where passengers are injured or killed.

At the Maples Law Firm, we help Oklahoma families receive fair compensation following a fatal crash. We offer no-cost consultations to anyone who has lost a loved one in a fatal Oklahoma traffic accident. Please contact us at (888) 226-6159 to find out how we can help.

It is essential for all Oklahoma motorists to share the road responsibly. Sadly, many motorcyclists are injured or killed because of the negligence of a driver. To help reduce the number of motorcycle accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is promoting May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

There are a number of tips provided by the NHTSA to motorcycle riders and drivers to reduce the number of fatal collisions.

• Ride sober: NHTSA reports that the percentage of intoxicated motorcycle riders in fatal accidents is greater than the percentage of intoxicated drivers.
• Always wear a helmet: Wearing a helmet saved 1,829 motorcyclists in the year 2008. Helmets help reduce the severity of head injuries and they do not interfere with vision or hearing.
• Obey right-of-way laws: Motorcyclists are given the same rights and privileges as motor vehicles under the law.
• Avoid blind spots: It would be in the best interests of motorcyclists to make themselves visible and for car drivers to check their blind spots before changing lanes or making a turn.
• Stay alert: Individuals who are driving while distracted are more likely to fail to see a motorcycle until it is too late.
• Use turn signals: It is important for all drivers and motorcyclists to use hand signals when changing lanes and merging with traffic to make sure that motorists see them.
• Allow plenty of space: Remain about three or four seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. This will help you avoid rear-end collisions.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, an experienced Oklahoma personal injury lawyer can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Injured victims and families of deceased victims can seek compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses.

An 18-year-old man was killed in a recent Oklahoma motorcycle accident after striking an object on the roadway. According to a News OK report, the young motorcyclist was killed on State Highway 3W north of Ada. Officials say he crashed after the motorcycle he was riding struck an unspecified object on the roadway. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the fatal accident. There is no information regarding the type of debris he struck or about who may have dropped or dumped that debris on the roadway.

According to a report released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety in 2007, roadway debris causes approximately 25,000 traffic accidents and nearly 100 traffic accident-related deaths each year nationwide.

Under Oklahoma law, it is illegal to dump any type of debris on the roadway. According to Oklahoma Statute 21-1753.3, “The operator of a vehicle, unless any other person in the vehicle admits to or is identified as having committed the act, shall be liable … for any act of throwing, dropping, depositing, or otherwise placing any litter from a vehicle upon highways, roads, or public property.”

In such cases, the individual or entity that dropped the debris on the roadway can be held civilly liable for the damages and losses. In cases where negligence is involved, families of deceased auto accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and pain and suffering.

The experienced Oklahoma fatal motorcycle accident lawyers at Maples Law Firm handle all types of auto accident cases. We help injured clients and their families obtain fair compensation for their significant losses. If you have lost a loved one in an accident, please contact us at (888) 226-6159 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

A 17-year-old Midwest City High School senior was injured in a recent Oklahoma car accident when his 1997 motorcycle collided with a Chevy Impala and caught fire. According to a KOCO news report, the motorcycle crash occurred on northeast 10th Street near Lee Avenue in Midwest City. Officials say the motorcycle struck the front passenger door of the car before bursting into flames. The high-school student was knocked unconscious and severely burned. He has been listed in extremely critical condition and has sustained third-degree burns on 50 percent of his body. Officials are looking into whether the driver made an improper left turn before the crash.

It is common for motorcycle accidents to result from a failure to yield the right-of-way. Drivers who are distracted, speeding, or otherwise negligent often miss an approaching motorcycle. It is crucial that motorists obey the law by remaining focused and by yielding the right-of-way.

Under Oklahoma Statute 47-11-402, ‘The driver of a vehicle within an intersection intending to turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.”

Victims of negligent motorists may pursue financial compensation from the at-fault party. A knowledgeable Oklahoma motorcycle accident attorney can help the victim pursue support for medical bills, hospitalization fees, lost wages, disabilities, permanent injuries, disfigurement, the cost of future treatment, and other related damages.

The experienced lawyers at Maples Law Firm help victims of motorcycle accidents get the compensation they need and rightfully deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, please contact us at (888) 226-6159 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

A 75-year-old Claremore man was seriously injured in an Oklahoma intersection accident when his motorcycle was rear-ended by a 2012 Dodge pickup. According to a News On 6 report, the motorcycle accident occurred near County Road 380 and County Road 412 in Rogers County. Officials say the motorcyclist slowed down for stopped traffic when he was rear-ended by a driver who accidently hit the gas instead of the brakes. The victim has been listed in critical condition. It is not clear if the 76-year-old driver will face charges or citations.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office’s 2010 Crash Facts report, there were 1,662 motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma that year. In those accidents, 75 people were killed, 431 suffered incapacitating injuries, and 689 sustained non-incapacitating injuries. During that same year, three fatalities and 27 injuries were reported in Rogers County motorcycle crashes.

In cases where driver negligence is involved, injured motorcycle accident victims can seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including but not limited to medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and even cost of long-term care.

The knowledgeable Oklahoma motorcycle crash injury attorneys at the Maples Law Firm have a long history of protecting the rights of injured motorcyclists and their families. We offer free consultations to anyone who has suffered an injury in an Oklahoma motorcycle crash. Please contact us at (888) 226-6159 to find out how we can help.

A 39-year-old man was recently killed in an Oklahoma car accident when an SUV rear-ended his motorcycle. According to a News On 6 report, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred on Oklahoma 48 north of Oklahoma 33 in Creek County. Officials say the Mannford man slowed down to make a left into a private drive when an SUV slammed into his motorcycle from behind. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. It is not clear if the 39-year-old female driver of the SUV will face charges, but the cause of the Oklahoma fatal collision is still under investigation.

There are a number of ways that a rear-end collision can occur. Drivers who are distracted may fail to notice that the vehicle in front of them has slowed down. Motorists who are tailgating may not have enough time to avoid a collision. Drivers who are drunk or speeding may not react in time to stop the rear-end collision from occurring. Drivers who are not entirely focused on the roadway may overlook a motorcycle or another smaller vehicle that has slowed down ahead.

Drivers who cause rear-end collisions may be held accountable for the damages they cause. When a rear-end collision results in fatal injuries, the victim’s family can pursue compensation for losses such as medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future wages and benefits, and other related damages.

The experienced Oklahoma motorcycle crash injury attorneys at the Maples Law Firm offer free consultations to anyone who has lost a loved one in a fatal crash. Our reputed Oklahoma motorcycle accident attorneys can be reached at (888) 226-6159. Please do not hesitate to contact us to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.

An 18-year-old woman was injured in an Oklahoma motorcycle accident when the 24-year-old driver of the motorcycle on which she was a passenger lost control of his vehicle and crashed. According to a news report in Ardmoreite.com, the motorcycle crash occurred on Chisholm Park Road south of Chisholm Road in Jefferson County. Officials say the 24-year-old male motorcyclist was attempting to catch up to another vehicle when he lost control. The female passenger of his 2004 Yamaha motorcycle suffered arm, leg, and other injuries. The driver refused treatment at the scene. Officials believe that the motorcyclist was traveling at an unsafe rate of speed.

Oklahoma motorists must travel not only under the speed limit, but also at a speed relative to the conditions on the roadway. Under Oklahoma Statute 11-801: “Any person driving a vehicle on a highway shall drive the same at a careful and prudent speed not greater than nor less than is reasonable and proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface and width of the highway and any other conditions then existing. No person shall drive any vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than will permit the driver to bring it to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead.”

Victims of motorcycle accidents would be well advised to discuss their legal rights and options with an experienced Oklahoma personal injury attorney. Financial compensation may be available for their medical bills, lost wages, suffering, and other related damages. The experienced motorcycle accident injury lawyers in Oklahoma City at the Maples Law Firm have a long history of handling motorcycle accidents throughout Oklahoma. Please contact us at (888) 226-6159 for a no-cost consultation.

A 26-year-old woman from Ardmore was injured in an Oklahoma motorcycle accident, which officials report, involved a driver who was under the influence. According to a news report in The Ardmoreite, the motorcycle accident occurred on U.S. Highway 177 north of Dickson. Officials say the 27-year-old man operating the 2012 Harley Davidson was under the influence of illegal drugs when he failed to negotiate a curve. The injured victim was a passenger on the motorcycle at the time of the crash. She has been listed in stable condition with multiple injuries. The motorcyclist was not injured in the crash.

Motorcyclists who choose to ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol put themselves, their passengers, and anyone else on the roadway at great risk of suffering an injury. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 27 percent of all motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol concentration of over .08 percent in the year 2006. Of the motorcyclists between the ages of 35 and 39 killed in motorcycle crashes that year, 41 percent were over the legal limit. Clearly, drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than sober riders.

Victims of DUI accidents in Oklahoma can pursue financial compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and suffering by filing a claim against the at-fault driver. This process can become more complicated when the at-fault motorists is a friend or family member. A skilled personal injury attorney can provide a confidential consultation on all of the legal options available for the victim.

The Oklahoma motorcycle collision lawyers at Maples Law Firm help injured victims of Oklahoma motorcycle accidents get fair compensation for their damages and losses. Please contact us at (888) 226-6159 for a free consultation and comprehensive case assessment.

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.