The Deadly Impact of Bicycle Accidents in Oklahoma

Even though bicycling is one of the best ways to stay in shape and help the environment, it is also a risky hobby, especially if you live in Oklahoma. Bicycle accidents can lead to serious consequences for those who are involved in collisions while biking, including paralysis, amputation, traumatic brain injuries, and even death.

The last 10 years have seen a significant increase in bicyclist fatalities across the country. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the number of cyclist deaths rose from 873 in 2011 to 1,260 in 2020, a 44% increase. Bicycle accident fatalities also increased by 16% from 2019 to 2020.

To make matters worse, cycling only accounts for one percent of all trips made in the United States, yet over two percent of all traffic-related fatalities include cyclists, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Oklahoma is one of the deadliest states for bicycle accidents

According to data from the organization StreetLight, Oklahoma ranks as the sixth deadliest state in the country for cyclists. When it comes to states with the highest deathrate per capita for cyclists, Oklahoma is the ninth deadliest in the country. From 2015 to 2020, an average of 332 bicycle accidents and 10 fatalities occurred every year, according to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (OHSO).

The most dangerous year to date for cyclists in Oklahoma occurred in 2019 when there were 389 reported bicycle accidents. The deadliest year for cyclists in Oklahoma was 2018, when 16 cyclists were killed in accidents.

What are common causes of Tulsa bicycle accidents?

Taking all of the safety precautions available when riding a bicycle will not guarantee your safe return home. The reason for this is that everyone around you might not be as cautious. The most common causes of bicycle accidents include the following:

• Speeding
• Aggressive driving
• Distracted driving
• Failure to yield to a bicycle when turning
• Blowing a stop sign
• Impaired or drowsy drivers
• Potholes, missing road signs, and other road debris
• Inadequate signage or improper street lighting

When you are injured in a bicycle accident, you deserve to be compensated for your losses. The Tulsa bicycle accident attorneys at Biby Law Firm will hold the negligent party responsible for your injuries so you are not stuck paying out of your own pocket for medical care and other damages. Let our personal injury attorneys fight for your rights while you focus on your recovery.

What are typical bicycle accident injuries?

The most common injuries Oklahomans suffer in bicycle accidents include the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Road rash
• Broken bones
• Traumatic amputation
• Internal organ damage and bleeding
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Death

One of the most important things you can do following a bicycle accident is to seek medical care immediately. Even if you believe the injuries are minor, being examined by a doctor will go a long way in helping you secure compensation in a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. It is possible that you might not experience pain until a couple of hours or days after the crash, which is why going to the hospital in the moments immediately following the crash is so vital.

The importance of consulting with a Tulsa bicycle accident attorney

Once you seek medical attention, you need to consult with a Tulsa bicycle accident attorney about your case. An experienced attorney will help you with all of the following when seeking compensation after suffering an injury:

• Speak to your doctor and obtain medical records
• Obtain the police report
• Collect evidence from the crash scene
• Talk to witnesses
• Write and send demand letters on your behalf
• File all required paperwork
• Initiate settlement negotiations with the at-fault party
• Handle all communications on your behalf with insurance adjusters and defense attorneys
• Schedule expert witnesses to testify on your behalf
• Represent you in court should the case go to trial

What is the statute of limitations in Oklahoma?

Consulting with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a bicycle accident is important because you have just two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. The Oklahoma statute of limitations does not afford a lot of time for injury victims to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, which is why you need a lawyer on your side as quickly as possible. You can seek compensation for the following damages in a personal injury lawsuit after a bicycle accident:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earnings and benefits
• Rehabilitative costs
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Futures costs/expenses which will arise as a result of your injuries

Did you suffer an injury in a bicycle accident in Tulsa? You deserve to be compensated for all of the damages you suffer when the accident is caused by someone else’s negligence. Call the experienced and compassionate Tulsa bicycle accident attorneys from Biby Law Firm at 918-574-8458, or submit our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.