Bicycling in Tulsa is a popular commuting, exercise, or recreation activity. However, it can also be dangerous. Each year, bicycle accidents in the city result in injuries and even fatalities, often due to collisions with motor vehicles or hazardous road conditions.
These incidents not only cause physical pain but can also lead to financial struggles due to medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
When you’re involved in a bicycle accident, figuring out what steps to take can feel overwhelming. This is where legal help becomes essential. An experienced Tulsa accident lawyer can guide you through seeking justice and fair compensation for your injuries.
At Doney Law, PLLC, we understand the challenges accident victims face. Our dedicated team is here to fight for your rights, ensuring you receive the support you need. With more than a decade of experience in personal injury law, we’re prepared to handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovery.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Accidents don’t just happen. They are often caused by specific factors that could have been prevented. Here are some of the most common causes:
Motorist Negligence
Drivers are responsible for sharing the road with bicyclists, but some fail. Common issues include distracted driving, speeding, or ignoring traffic laws. These mistakes put cyclists at serious risk.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, uneven pavement, and lack of proper bike lanes create dangerous situations for cyclists. The city or property owners may be liable in these cases.
Failure to Yield
Drivers who fail to yield the right of way at intersections or while turning often cause collisions with bicyclists.
Bicycle Equipment Failure
Sometimes, accidents happen because of defective equipment, such as faulty brakes or tires. In these cases, the manufacturer could be held accountable.
Injuries Associated with Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries due to the lack of protection cyclists have compared to car occupants.
Common Injuries
Victims may suffer broken bones, road rash, concussions, or even traumatic brain injuries. More severe cases can include spinal injuries or internal damage.
Long-Term Impacts
Some injuries require months or even years of recovery. In the worst cases, they can lead to permanent disability, affecting your ability to work and enjoy life.
The Importance of Timely Medical Attention
Seeking medical care immediately after an accident is crucial, even if you don’t feel hurt immediately. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately but can worsen over time.
Liability in Bicycle Accidents
Determining who is responsible for a bicycle accident is key to building a strong claim. Often, fault lies with the driver who caused the crash, but it’s not always that simple. In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility. Understanding traffic laws is also important, as these rules can help establish who is liable.
For example, Oklahoma law requires drivers to leave a safe distance when passing bicycles, and breaking this rule can indicate fault. It is important to understand that Oklahoma’s comparative negligence system allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your level of responsibility.
The Role of a Tulsa Bicycle Accident Lawyer
A Tulsa bicycle accident lawyer plays an essential role in helping you build a strong case and secure the compensation you deserve.
- Investigating the Accident: A thorough investigation includes gathering evidence like photos, witness statements, and police reports to establish fault.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you aren’t shortchanged.
- Representing You in Court: If we are unable to secure fair compensation through negotiations, our bicycle accident attorney in Tulsa, OK, will represent you in court to fight for your rights.
- Ensuring Fair Compensation: A lawyer will account for all damages, to ensure you receive what you deserve.
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims
Bicycle accident victims may be entitled to several types of compensation.
Types of Damages
You can recover costs for medical bills, lost wages, and any future medical care. Additionally, compensation may be awarded for emotional distress and physical pain.
Factors Affecting Compensation
The severity of your injuries, the degree of fault, and the impact on your life all affect the amount you can receive.
At Doney Law, PLLC, our Tulsa personal injury lawyer has successfully secured settlements for clients facing significant challenges after bicycle accidents. While every case is unique, our track record demonstrates our commitment to achieving positive outcomes.
Why Choose Doney Law, PLLC
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, Doney Law, PLLC is here to support you every step of the way. Our no-win, no-fee bicycle accident lawyer in Tulsa is committed to helping you rebuild your life after such a challenging experience.
Deep Knowledge of Bicycle Accident Cases
We’ve worked with many bicycle accident clients, and we understand how complex these cases can be. From investigating the accident to dealing with insurance companies, we know what it takes to fight for your rights.
Tailored Legal Support for Your Situation
Every case is different, and so are your needs. That’s why we take the time to listen to your story and create a legal plan that fits your specific situation. You’re never just another case to us; you deserve the best representation possible.
Focused on Getting You the Compensation You Deserve
Your injuries might involve medical care and other expenses. We work hard to ensure you receive the maximum compensation to cover these costs and help you move forward confidently.
Strong Communication Throughout Your Case
We believe you should always know what’s going on with your case. That’s why we keep you updated every step of the way. We’re here to answer questions and guide you through the process if you have questions.
A Team You Can Trust
At Doney Law, PLLC, our best bicycle accident lawyer in Tulsa truly cares about your well-being. We’re here to stand by your side, handle the legal work, and support you during this tough time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident, it’s natural to have questions about the legal process, your rights, and what steps to take next. To help you feel more informed and confident, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we receive from clients.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Oklahoma’s comparative negligence laws allow you to recover damages even if you were partly responsible as long as your fault is less than 50%.
How much does it cost to hire a bike accident attorney near me?
Doney Law, PLLC operates on a no-win, no-fee basis. This means you won’t pay unless we secure compensation for you.
Contact Our Tulsa Bicycle Accident Lawyer
A bicycle accident can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to face it alone. Seeking legal representation can make all the difference in recovering the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
At Doney Law, PLLC, we are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of bicycle accident victims in Tulsa. Contact our top-rated bicycle accident lawyer in Tulsa today for a free consultation, and let us help you get back on track.