Motorcycle accidents cause serious injury to many people every year, whether it is due to a car driver not seeing the rider or poor road conditions. Motorcycle accidents often result in serious damages because there is so little protection against a fast-moving vehicle. As an accident victim, establishing liability in motorcycle accidents enables you to pursue damages against the at-fault party.
Our legal team at Gorospe Law Group can help you determine liability and pursue maximum compensation in your case. Set up a free consultation now with our Tulsa motorcycle accident attorney.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
With the help of the responding police officer, one of the first steps in determining liability in a motorcycle accident is to find out what caused it. Motorcycle accidents occur for various reasons, including:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Debris on roadways
- Distracted drivers using phones
- Intoxicated drivers
- Lane splitting
- Poor road conditions due to weather
Understanding the cause of the accident enables the police to determine who is at fault. Under Oklahoma liability laws, you can file a claim against the other party as long as you were not more than 50% at fault.
Types of Damages Recoverable in a Motorcycle Accident
Under the liability laws in Oklahoma, the at-fault party must pay for any of the losses they cause to others. As the victim, you must present to the at-fault driver the damages you are owed, broken down by what they are and their value. Your motorcycle accident attorney can help you do this. Some of the most common damages recoverable in these accidents include:
- All medical expenses related to the accident
- Lost wages and benefits from being unable to work
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of quality of life
Your attorney’s goal will be to determine what type of losses apply in your situation and then use evidence to back up those claims. Medical reports, statements from accident experts, and family member statements about your mental health could help to build your case for damages.
Accepting a Settlement from the Insurance Company
After a motorcycle accident liability claim is filed, the insurance company for the at-fault party will determine if they will pay it or if they will try to negotiate a lower level of compensation to you. Most of the time, the first settlement offer from the insurance company is a lowball offer, and you should not accept it.
However, various factors impact your right to pursue additional damages. For that reason, you should work closely with your motorcycle accident attorney to determine what your rights are and how to maximize your claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Gorospe Law Group Now
To learn more about your rights to liability in motorcycle accidents, schedule a free consultation with Gorospe Law Group. Our motorcycle accident attorney will review your case and offer insight into maximizing your claim. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we can help you recover what you are owed as well.