Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Oklahoma City
Bicycle riding is an exhilarating outdoor experience. It’s also an eco-conscious and fitness-friendly means of transportation to local destinations. Unfortunately, when cyclists and motor vehicles share the roadway or move in close proximity, the results can be catastrophic. Bicycle accidents in Oklahoma City are more common than you might guess, with an alarming 88 reported crashes involving bicycles and motor vehicles in a single recent year.
If you’ve been injured in a crash, an Oklahoma City bicycle accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation.
What Causes Most Car vs. Bicycle Accidents in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City ranked as the country’s 15th most dangerous city for cyclists in the United States, with one-third of the state’s total yearly bicycle accidents occurring within the City limits.
Even the safest bicycle rider cannot control the following negligent actions of drivers:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield the right of way to a cyclist
- Following too closely
- Failure to leave adequate space between the vehicle and the bicycle
- Left-turn accidents, which occur when a driver makes a left turn into the pathway of a cyclist while looking to the right
- Right-hooking accidents, which happen when a driver passes a cyclist traveling in the same direction and then makes a right turn into the bicycle’s path
- Deviating from a car lane into a bike lane
- Impaired driving
- Drowsy driving
- Car-dooring accidents, which occur when a driver parks their car on the roadside and then opens their door in a bicyclist’s path
Most vehicle-versus-bicycle accidents in Oklahoma City are caused by driver negligence or recklessness, making the driver liable for the injury victim’s damages. However, other entities may also be responsible or contribute to the cause of a bicycle accident.
Other Causes of Oklahoma City Bicycle Accidents
Not only do drivers owe a duty of care to cyclists sharing the road, but other entities must also consider bicyclist safety. In some cases, a bicycle accident doesn’t result directly from a driver, but from the following hazards:
- Unrepaired potholes
- Uneven lanes
- Lack of guardrails
- Loose gravel or grass clippings
- Deep sand on the road shoulders
- Construction debris or equipment left in the roadway
- Lack of adequate street lighting
- Poor intersection or roadway planning
- Lack of adequate bike lanes
In these cases, a city road management agency or a negligent road construction contractor could be liable for the damages caused by a cyclist’s serious injury. A bicycle accident lawyer can investigate all potential sources of liability in your case.
What Types of Injuries Happen in Oklahoma City Bicycle Accidents?
A cyclist is exposed to direct impact with the road, cars, and obstacles in a crash, leaving them vulnerable to severe, catastrophic, or deadly injury. Common injuries cited in Oklahoma bicycle accident claims include:
- Fractured bones
- Knee injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), ranging from concussions to severe brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- External head, facial, and dental trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations and contusions
- Friction burn abrasions (road rash)
- Internal organ injuries
- Traumatic limb loss
- Crush injuries
After a bicycle accident, it’s imperative to seek medical care as soon as possible, even if you think you’ve escaped without harm. Whiplash, TBI, and internal injuries may have delayed symptom onset.
How Can an Oklahoma City Bicycle Accident Attorney From Dan Davis Law Help My Case?
Most bicycle accident claims are made against a driver’s auto insurance or a government entity’s insurance. Unfortunately, insurance companies often dispute, delay, or undervalue claims to protect the company’s profits at the victim’s expense.
When you’re dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of a crash, an experienced bicycle accident lawyer can handle negotiations and legal procedures on your behalf.
Contact the Oklahoma City bicycle accident attorneys from Dan Davis Law at (405) 930-4210 to protect against these and other tactics and maximize the chances of a full, fair payout on your damages, like medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.