Oklahoma City Motorcycle Sideswipe Attorney
It’s the peak of summer and the height of motorcycle riding season. Anyone who’s ever ridden a motorbike knows the thrill of the open road and the feeling of freedom that goes with it. Unfortunately, these sensations come with a great deal of risk. Motorcycles may be less accident-prone than cars due to their accelerating and stopping abilities, the fact that they’re smaller, and have fewer blind spots. These factors don’t matter once you get in an accident. What would be a minor fender-bender accident in a car could result in serious injury on a motorcycle.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to consult and experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Attorney Ray Maples has many years experience representing injured Oklahoma City motorcyclists. Call him today at (405) 883-4487 for a free consultation.
Oklahoma City Sideswipe Accident
One of the most common types of motorcycle accidents is the sideswipe. A sideswipe happens when the side of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. Sideswipes usually happen when vehicles are changing lanes or merging onto a highway. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that another leading cause of sideswipes is "drifting": when one vehicle drifts from its lane into another lane.
While two cars involved in a sideswipe accident might only result in minor dents and paint scratches, a sideswipe involving a car and a motorcycle can lead to serious injury for the biker. Drivers of both cars and motorcycles should always check their mirrors before changing lanes. This practice could greatly reduce the number of sideswipe accidents on Oklahoma’s roadways.
Broadside Accidents
Another common traffic accident is the broadside, or "T-bone," collision. Broadsides usually occur at intersections when one vehicle doesn’t stop at a stop sign or red light, or fails to yield. Broadsides can also happen when a vehicle is making a turn. All drivers should remember to look both ways before entering an intersection, whether they have the right of way or not. When a car T-bones a motorcycle, or if the motorcycle T-bones a car, the motorbike always comes out on the short end. Where modern cars are equipped with airbags, reinforced side panels, and crumple zones, motorcycles have no protection from front or side collisions. A major factor in all motorcycle accidents is that other drivers simply just don’t see them. Automobile drivers have an obligation to be alert and aware of what’s going on around them at all times. What could be a minor accident to the driver of a car can be a life changing, or even fatal, accident for a motorcycle rider. According to the NHTSA, motorcycle fatalities have doubled in the last ten years. Don’t be part of this troubling statistic.
Hire an Experienced Oklahoma City Attorney
If you’re injured while riding a motorcycle and the other driver is at fault, you could be entitled to certain damages. These can include:
- Medical bills, physical therapy, artificial limbs
- Loss of wages due to time off of work
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s vital that you seek the representation of an experienced Oklahoma personal injury attorney. Attorney Ray Maples has represented many motorcyclists and won significant damages. He works on contingent basis, so there are no upfront fees. Attorney Maples only gets paid from the compensation win for his clients. Call at (405) 883-4487 and let us fight for you.