BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA

Bicycle riders are incredibly vulnerable to collisions with cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles. A bicyclist is more likely to suffer devastating injuries than an occupant of a motor vehicle. To make matters worse, injuries after a bicycle accident can have long-term effects and may even result in a permanent disability.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 13 bicyclists died on Oklahoma roads in collisions with motor vehicles in 2019 alone, while thousands more suffered serious injuries. If you or someone in your family suffered injuries in a bicycle accident in Shawnee or other parts of Oklahoma, including Norman, Chandler, Ada, or Okemah, consider speaking with an experienced attorney.

At Wilson Law Firm PLLC, I have served bicycle accidents victims throughout Oklahoma for more than 20 years. As a compassionate and results-driven personal injury attorney, I am committed to standing by your side to help you seek the compensation to which you are entitled.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Shawnee or other parts of Oklahoma, the steps you take following the collision can impact your ability to obtain compensation:

• Call 911 and request an ambulance if there are any visible injuries

• Write down the other party’s contact and insurance information

• Talk to witnesses and collect their contact information

• Document the scene of your bicycle accident (take photos and write down relevant details)

• Go to a hospital to seek medical attention (even if there are no visible injuries)

• Contact a bicycle accident attorney

As a personal injury lawyer with an enviable track record of success representing victims of bicycle accidents in Oklahoma, I am prepared to help you deal with the aftermath of your crash and advocate for your rights.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Some of the most common causes of collisions between motor vehicles and bicycles include:

• Drunk driving

• Distracted driving

• Failure to yield the right of way

• Drowsy driving

• Failure to check rear- and side-view mirrors

• Making unsafe lane changes

• Running a red light or stop sign

• Turning without looking

Oklahoma Laws Affecting Bicycle Riders

Under Oklahoma law, bicycles are considered vehicles and must follow the same rules as all other drivers. Cyclists in Oklahoma have the right to use public roadways, though they are also permitted to ride on sidewalks. Some cities, however, prohibit bicyclists from riding on sidewalks in business districts.

According to the official website of the City of Shawnee, cyclists must always ride with the flow of traffic on the right-hand side of the road. Oklahoma law requires motorists to give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist. Passing a bicycle when it is not safe to do so is illegal in the State of Oklahoma.

A driver who fails to use caution when sharing the road with bicycle riders can face liability for any resulting injuries and damages.

Filing a Claim for Compensation After a Bicycle Accident in Oklahoma

When seeking compensation after a bicycle accident in Oklahoma, it is crucial to understand three fundamental state laws that might impact your claim:

1. Oklahoma is an at-fault state. The driver whose negligent conduct causes a bicycle crash will be responsible for any resulting medical expenses and other losses suffered by the victim.

2. The modified comparative negligence rule. Under Ok. Stat. § 23-13, Oklahoma adopted the doctrine of modified comparative negligence, which means accident victims can obtain compensation as long as their degree of fault does not exceed 50%.

3. The statute of limitations. In Oklahoma, the time limit to bring a personal injury lawsuit after a bicycle accident is two years from the date of the accident. However, if the injured victim is a minor child, the statute of limitations will expire on their 19th birthday or after two years, whichever occurs later.