Oklahoma City Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Protecting Your Rights After a Bicycle Accident in Oklahoma 

Every year, hundreds of bicyclists in Oklahoma collide with motor vehicles. Statistics show that most of these collisions occur on city streets and in urban areas—yet bicycle-vehicle accidents in rural areas, including on highways and country roads, are not unheard of.

Bicyclists in Oklahoma City face unique challenges as urban and suburban growth continues. The landscape constantly evolves, with new roads and developments increasing the interaction points between vehicles and bicycles. As advocacy for bike-friendly infrastructure grows, there is a notable push toward awareness and education, aiming to reduce the frequency of these devastating incidents. Involvement in community action and working toward comprehensive policy changes and infrastructure improvements that can create safer environments for bicyclists are critical.

Regardless of where the crash occurred, you could be entitled to financial compensation if you or your loved one was involved in a bicycle accident. If the motorist (or another party) was at fault for the collision, our team at Fulmer Sill can help you hold them accountable for the immense physical, emotional, and financial hardships they have caused you to endure. Our Oklahoma City bicycle accident attorneys have extensive experience representing injured cyclists and the families of those involved in fatal accidents throughout the state. We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients and are ready to fight tirelessly for the whole, fair compensation you are owed.

Have you been involved in a bicycle accident in Oklahoma City? Call Fulmer Sill today at (405) 433-7414 or contact us online and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in OKC

The steps that you take after a bicycle accident are very important. Based on your decisions, you could help preserve your health and the validity of any injury claim you decide to file against the liable party later.

If you’re ever in a bicycle accident in Oklahoma City, you should:

1. Check on everyone: Your immediate priority should be your safety. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic. See if anyone needs help, but don’t do anything that puts you in more danger.
2. Contact the authorities: Call the police and report the accident, or dial 911 if anyone is seriously injured. An official police report will document the incident and provide valuable evidence for future claims.
3. Gather information: Collect as much information as possible at the scene, such as contact details like the names and insurance information of all parties involved. Record the details of any witnesses, including their contact information, too. Don’t forget to photograph the accident scene, your bicycle, any other vehicles involved, and any visible injuries.
4. See a medical professional: Even if you think you’re okay, go to a medical center for an evaluation as soon as possible after the crash. You could have underlying injuries that need medical attention. Also, your claim will be stronger if it shows in your medical record that you suffered specific injuries due to a bicycle accident, as noted by a doctor’s conclusion.
5. Preserve evidence: Keep your damaged bicycle and gear as they were after the accident. Don’t repair or alter anything before consulting with a legal professional.
6. Talk with an attorney: Contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer at Fulmer Sill. We can guide you through filing a claim, starting with notifying your insurance company about the accident if any such notifications are required. Please don’t talk to the driver’s insurance company without talking to us first.

Beyond these immediate steps, it is essential to maintain a personal record of your experiences following the accident. Documenting your injuries, daily routine changes, and related expenses can support your pursuit of compensation. A detailed record helps outline the accident's full impact on your life, strengthening your claim further.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents 

Negligence is, by far, the most common cause of bicycle accidents. This negligence takes many forms, and bicyclists and motorists can be negligent, leading to a crash. However, motorists more often bear a larger share of the blame, as they are more responsible for driving carefully and avoiding any actions that could cause a collision with a bicyclist. This is because bicyclists are far less protected than the occupants of passenger vehicles and, therefore, are at a much greater risk of being catastrophically injured or killed when involved in an accident with a car, motorcycle, truck, or another vehicle.

Some examples of negligent driving behaviors that frequently lead to bicycle accidents include:

• Driving while distracted
• Using a cell phone or texting while driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failing to keep a proper lookout for bicyclists
• Speeding
• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Tailgating or following too closely
• Failing to yield the right of way to a bicyclist
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Driving in a designated bike lane
• Failing to share the road with bicyclists properly
• Driving while fatigued or drowsy
• Failing to leave adequate space when overtaking a bicyclist
• Engaging in road rage

Outside factors other than motorist negligence sometimes contribute to—or even cause—bicycle accidents. These include poorly maintained roadways, potholes, cracks in the asphalt, defective road construction or design, blind curves, unsafe speed limits, and poor visibility.

Dangerous Intersections for Bicycle Accidents in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City is not yet a “Vision Zero Action Plan” city; it was only recently awarded a grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation to improve its roadway safety with a focus on pedestrians and bicyclists. As such, the city does not keep clear records of where bicycle accidents occur. However, analyzing traffic collision reports from law enforcement and first responders working in OKC reveals which streets and intersections see the most accidents, injuries, and fatalities in an average year—and most point at one problem road.

Efforts are underway to increase the safety of these intersections, with city planners looking at redesigns and traffic-calming measures as potential solutions. Advocacy groups and community members also push for increased investment in cycling infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes and more apparent road markings, to help protect those choosing eco-friendly commuting options. The ongoing dialogue between citizens and officials is crucial for creating a safer, more inclusive urban environment.

The most dangerous intersections in Oklahoma City are where Northwest Expressway meets these streets:

• Belle Isle Boulevard
• Rockwell
• Portland
• Northwest 63rd Street
• Lake Hefner Parkway (east and west)
• Pennsylvania Avenue

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accidents often result in severe or life-changing injuries suffered by the bicyclist. A helmet and protective gear can only do so much to protect from the impact of a vehicle, after all.

Beyond the immediate physical injuries, bicycle accidents can have lasting psychological effects on the victims. Traumatic experiences may lead to anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression, impeding recovery and daily life. Addressing both physical and emotional recovery is critical and can have a profound impact on the victim's quality of life post-accident. Victims are encouraged to seek comprehensive medical evaluations that consider both physical and mental health aspects following an accident.

Common types of injuries suffered by bicyclists include:

• Head injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may be suffered in a bicycle accident, even if the bicyclist was wearing a properly fitted helmet.
• Fractures: Broken bones suffered in a bicycle accident may result in lifelong complications or pain. Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are the most commonly broken in bicycle accidents.
• Soft tissue injuries: A bicyclist may suffer serious soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions, affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
• Road rash: Road rash is a severe injury caused by skidding on pavement. It can be fatal if not treated immediately, and severe infections may develop even if treatments are given promptly.
• Spinal injuries: Damage to the spinal cord or vertebrae, potentially leading to paralysis or long-term disability, may occur if a bicyclist is struck by a heavy vehicle and thrown onto the asphalt.
• Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs may not be immediately apparent, so anyone who has been hurt in a bicycle accident should seek medical attention right away.

Liability in Bicycle Accident Cases

As with most personal injury cases, determining who is liable for your bicycle accident is critical to your pursuit of compensation. This allows you to pursue compensation from the liable party by filing a claim with their insurance company or seeking damages directly.

The litigation process can be complex, often involving multiple parties and insurance companies. In some cases, the manufacturer of bicycle components may also be held accountable if equipment failure plays a role in the accident. Understanding the nuances of liability and being prepared with a robust legal strategy is vital in ensuring fair compensation. An experienced legal team can meticulously assess the circumstances of the accident to pinpoint liabilities accurately.

The facts of your claim—including how the accident occurred, whether any additional factors contributed to the crash, and even your degree of fault (if any) in causing the accident—determine who is liable for your resulting damages. The motorist involved is often responsible, as motorists have a strict duty of care to bicyclists. However, if you are found partially at fault for the crash, you may be unable to file a personal injury claim. Under Oklahoma's rule of modified comparative negligence, you cannot recover compensation if you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault for the accident.

For example, if a bicyclist is hit by a speeding motorist but fails to stop completely at a stop sign, the insurance adjuster may assign the bicyclist 40 percent of the blame. If the bicyclist suffers severe injuries and damages amounting to $100,000, they can only recover up to 60 percent of this amount, or $60,000. In other words, their total recoverable damages would be reduced by 40 percent.

Compensation for Victims of Bicycle Accidents

Sadly, bicyclists tend to suffer catastrophic, life-changing injuries when they are involved in collisions with large, heavy, fast-moving vehicles. Victims are often left facing enormous medical bills, and many are out of work for weeks, months, or even years as a result of their injuries.

In addition to immediate medical costs, victims may face prolonged rehabilitation or require assistive devices, contributing to mounting expenses. The emotional toll and the impact on future earning potential necessitate a thorough compensation process. Legal advisers can seek compensation for medical expenses and potential long-term financial impacts, providing a comprehensive approach to modernization. This comprehensive compensation model ensures that all avenues for the victim's recovery and adjustment needs are met.

At Fulmer Sill, we understand your and your family's immense hardships. Our Oklahoma City bicycle accident lawyers are here to help you fight for every penny you are owed. Our collaborative and aggressive approach has helped us recover millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, including numerous million- and multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts.

Depending on the specific details of your case, we can help you seek compensation for the following damages:

• Past, current, and future medical expenses
• Past, current, and future lost earnings
• Past, current, and future pain and suffering
• Lost earning capacity and future income
• Diminished enjoyment/quality of life
• Miscellaneous out-of-pocket costs associated with your injuries

If your loved one passed away due to a fatal bicycle accident, we can assist you in filing a wrongful death claim and pursuing the justice you and your family deserve.

Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Oklahoma City

Technically and legally, you don’t need to hire a bicycle accident lawyer. You can represent yourself in civil court and all relevant processes, such as dealing with the liable party’s insurance provider and defense counsel. However, most people who are hurt in bicycle accidents decide that a bicycle accident attorney’s services and representation are necessary because they simply don’t have the time, energy, or resources to handle a claim correctly.

What an Oklahoma City Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Do for You

If you hire a bicycle accident lawyer from Fulmer Sill, we can help with:

• Case investigation: We can begin by conducting a thorough investigation of the bicycle accident, and gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
• Compensation calculation: We can accurately determine the value of your claim, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Liability determination: Identifying all parties responsible for the accident, including motorists, municipalities, or manufacturers of faulty equipment, allows us to file against the proper defendants.
• Insurance conversations: Save yourself a lot of stress by letting us handle communications with insurance companies, including making any initial reports.
• Medical coordination: In some cases, we may be able to help you get follow-up medical care with experts that we trust, such as physical therapy from local professionals.
• Settlement negotiations: We can attempt to negotiate a favorable settlement without the need for litigation but prepare to take the matter to court if necessary.
• Courtroom representation: If your case goes to court, we’ll be ready to provide representation during the trial.
• Client support: Throughout the legal process, you can depend on us for support that balances genuine compassion and trusted professionalism. You’re not just our client; you’re a local friend in need.

How to Choose a Bicycle Accident Lawyer 

Choosing a bicycle accident lawyer to get your case moving is essential, but choosing the right one for you and your situation is crucial. You should find a lawyer you feel you can trust because they will handle sensitive information and represent you before the court and opposing counsel. If you don’t trust them to do that how you prefer, then your case will be more stressful than it has to be. At Fulmer Sill, we always enjoy hearing from new clients, sitting down with them, hearing their stories, and taking the time necessary to build trust so they can feel confident in choosing us for their situation.

When choosing a bicycle accident attorney, you should consider the following:

• Experience: Look for a lawyer with years of experience in bicycle accident cases. Real-world experience matters in an injury claim.
• Track record of success: Review the lawyer’s or law firm’s history of results, including settlements and outcomes specifically for bicycle accident situations. While past results can’t guarantee future wins, they show what the attorney can achieve in cases similar to yours.
• Client testimonials and reviews: Consider feedback from previous clients through testimonials and online reviews. Positive reviews and high client satisfaction indicate the lawyer’s reliability and effectiveness in putting together a compelling case. See if there are any reviews specifically from bicycle accident clients.
• Communication and availability: Your lawyer should be approachable. The importance of clear communication cannot be overstated.

Oklahoma City Bicycle Accident Resources

Important local resources and locations for those injured in a bicycle accident:

• Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City*:
  • Location: 4300 W Memorial Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73120
  • Phone: 405-755-1515
  • More information: https://www.mercy.net/practice/mercy-hospital-oklahoma-city/
• INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center*:
  • Location: 3300 Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
  • Phone: 405-949-3011
  • More information: https://baptist.integrishealth.org/
• Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office:
  • Location: 2101 NE 36th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
  • Phone: 405-713-1000
  • More information: https://www.oklahomacounty.org/elected-offices/sheriff
• Oklahoma County Courthouse:
  • Location: 320 Robert S Kerr Ave STE 203, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
  • Phone: 405-270-0082
  • More information: https://www.oklahomacounty.org/

*Fulmer Sill is not sponsored or endorsed by, affiliated, or partnered with any medical centers on this list. We care about our community, so we are providing this information as a potential resource to help our neighbors injured in an accident.

Contact Our Oklahoma City Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today

Our Oklahoma City bike accident attorneys can gather substantial evidence, identify the liable party, and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. We are here to answer your questions and provide the guidance you need every step of the way.

Choosing the right advocate can significantly influence the outcome and experience of navigating legal systems. Our team has a proven advocacy track record, emphasizing legal skills and empathic client relationships. We strive to meet and exceed expectations and foster trust and confidence in our representation. Partnering with us means you'll have the assurance of comprehensive support throughout the complex path to resolution.

We are known for our meticulous and collaborative approach to litigation and our willingness to go to trial whenever necessary. Insurance companies know we will fight for our clients, even if that means going to court. As a client, you can expect excellent personal attention, compassionate counsel, and dedicated support from our attorneys and staff.

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Our Oklahoma City bicycle accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights. Call now to discuss your case and get the justice you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents in Oklahoma City

What Laws Affect Bicycle Accidents in Oklahoma City?

The laws governing bicycle use in Oklahoma City are designed to ensure safety and accountability for both cyclists and motorists. In Oklahoma, bicycles are subject to the same laws as motor vehicles, meaning riders must obey traffic signals and signs. They are also required to use hand signals when turning and to ride in the same direction as traffic. Oklahoma law mandates that cyclists ride as close to the right-hand side of the road as practicable, but they are allowed to take the whole lane when necessary for safety, such as when passing parked cars or avoiding obstacles. It is also important to note that state law does not require helmets for cyclists, though wearing one is strongly recommended for safety. Understanding these regulations is vital for all road users in Oklahoma City, as it impacts liability and protective rights in the event of an accident.

How Are Bicycle Accident Claims Different From Other Personal Injury Claims?

Bicycle accident claims in Oklahoma City often involve distinct dynamics compared to typical personal injury claims due to the unique challenges cyclists face on the road. Unlike motor vehicle collisions, bicycle accidents may result in far more severe injuries due to the lack of protection afforded to cyclists. This disparity can lead to complex negotiations for compensation since the scope of damages and medical requirements often exceeds initial estimations. Additionally, liability determinations can be more intricate, as they may involve road conditions or faulty bicycle components. Legal assistance is often crucial in navigating these intricacies, especially when confronting insurance company tactics to minimize payout. Elements such as cyclist positioning, marked bike lanes, and adherence to local traffic laws become pivotal factors in the claims process, underscoring the importance of specialized legal knowledge and strategy.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Bicycle Accident Claim?

The duration of a bicycle accident claim process in Oklahoma City can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the willingness of the involved parties to negotiate, and the severity of the injuries sustained. On average, a straightforward claim may be resolved in a few months if all parties cooperate efficiently. However, if the case requires extensive investigation or disputes over liability or damages arise, it could extend into a year or more. Medical treatment periods also play a crucial role, as lingering or uncertain injuries can prolong settlement discussions until adequate assessments can be made. While estimations can provide a general timeline, engaging with an experienced lawyer can offer more transparent guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, ensuring each step is addressed promptly and thoroughly.