What Happens if a Road Hazard Caused My Motorcycle Accident?
The feeling of freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle is nearly unmatched. With the longest drivable stretch of Route 66, Talimena Scenic Byway, and the Mother Road all beckoning for an unforgettable adventure, it’s no wonder motorcycles are so popular in Oklahoma. But when that freedom ends in a crash, an experienced Oklahoma motorcycle accident Lawyer can help riders understand their legal options and recover from serious injuries.
It’s no secret that motorcycles are dangerous. In 2021, Oklahoma recorded over 1,000 motorcycle accidents, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 15% of all traffic fatalities in 2023 were motorcyclists.
These factors, along with the road hazards motorcyclists face and their general vulnerability on the road make it critical for riders to use all recommended safety gear every time they ride. But even with every precaution, accidents still happen. And when they do, it’s just as important to understand what comes next.
If you’ve been injured in a Tulsa motorcycle accident, you’ll need a motorcycle accident attorney who’s focused on protecting your well-being. At Aizenman Law Group, our attorneys are committed to standing up for injured riders, whether that means negotiating with insurance companies or taking the case to court.
Road Hazards Leading to Accidents
One of the often-overlooked causes of many motorcycle accidents is road hazards. They are usually overlooked because what may constitute a road hazard for a motorcycle will not necessarily constitute a road hazard for a car. However, they are nevertheless significant concerns for motorcyclists. Some of them are:
- Highway Construction: Areas surrounding highway construction can be dangerous. But even more so for motorcyclists. Pieces of debris from these construction sites can cause significant damage to motorcycle tires and cause accidents when motorcycles swerve to avoid a collision.
- Falling Objects from a Truck Bed: Car drivers have a windshield to protect them from dangers like these, but motorcyclists do not. Even when they are not directly behind the truck that has an object/objects falling off it, these falling objects pose a serious hazard.
- Wrong Traffic Sign Placement: Because motorcyclists often have limited visibility, they rely on road traffic signs to understand what to expect ahead. Where these signs are incorrectly placed, they could become a road hazard. Faulty traffic lights also pose a danger, as even fender benders can lead to serious injuries for motorcyclists.
- Potholes: Poor roads are another significant hazard that could cause motorcycle accidents, especially on roads a rider has never traveled. To successfully navigate potholes, most motorcyclists need to go around them. However, swerving to avoid a pothole that a rider was not expecting could cause accidents.
Additional Hazards That Put Motorcyclists at Risk
- Uneven Surfaces: Surfaces like gravel and dirt roads could be challenging for unskilled riders. Riders going too fast on these roads will likely result in an accident.
- Animals: An animal running into the road poses significant danger for motorcycles and other vehicles. When drivers swerve to avoid animals, they often crash into something else. However, car drivers could still hit certain animals and remain unaffected. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case for motorcyclists. Even hitting a small animal could have a fatal outcome.
- Wet Roads: When the roads are wet after rain or snow, they constitute a road hazard for motorcyclists. Reduced friction on these wet surfaces could be more dangerous for motorcycles.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Road Hazard Cases
Unlike crashes involving another driver, accidents caused by road hazards can be harder to investigate and harder to prove. That’s why it’s important to contact a motorcycle accident attorney early on. Here’s how we help:
We Investigate What Happened in Detail
Was it loose gravel? A missing sign? Debris that should’ve been cleared? As your car accident lawyer, we’ll look at the whole scene. That includes speaking with witnesses, reviewing traffic or dashcam footage, pulling police reports, and documenting the exact conditions that caused the crash.
Sometimes it’s a city or county agency that failed to maintain the road. Other times, it’s a private contractor or construction crew that created the danger. Either way, you shouldn’t have to pay the price for their negligence.
We Deal with the Insurance Company So You Don’t Have To
Once the responsible party is identified, your lawyer will file a claim with their insurer. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may also need to file a claim with your own provider. Either way, your personal injury lawyer will handle the negotiation process to pursue the compensation you are owed.
Insurance companies often attempt to reduce payouts by arguing that the motorcyclist was speeding, reckless, or should have avoided the hazard. These tactics are used to shift blame and limit liability. An experienced car accident lawyer will use the available evidence, including reports and witness statements, to push back and secure a fair settlement.
We Fight Back After a Wrongful Denial
Some insurance companies wrongfully deny valid claims. At the end of the day, they exist to make a profit sometimes at your expense. Our wrongful denial attorneys understand how these denials work and know when legal action is the right next step.
If your claim was rejected unfairly, we will work to hold the responsible party accountable. Whether it’s for medical bills, lost wages, or property damage, we’ll fight to recover what you’re owed. If the insurer still refuses to do the right thing, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. You don’t pay anything unless we win.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Road Hazard Crash?
Every motorcycle accident is different. Your injuries, the damage to your bike, your time away from work all adds up. When a road hazard is to blame, the responsible party might not be another driver but a company or agency that failed to do their job. Either way, you deserve to be made whole.
If you were hurt in a Tulsa motorcycle accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Ongoing care and physical therapy
- Lost wages during your recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to the same job
- Repairs or replacement of your motorcycle
- Pain and suffering, especially if the injury affected your quality of life
- Emotional distress or trauma following the crash
The types of damages listed above can make a major difference in your recovery. A motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand your options, gather the evidence needed to support your claim, and fight for the full compensation you’re entitled to under Oklahoma law.
Don’t Let an Insurance Company Downplay Your Motorcycle Accident
Motorcyclists are often unfairly blamed for crashes, even when road hazards—not rider error—are the real cause. In some cases, insurance adjusters may suggest that the rider was taking risks or could have avoided the danger. These assumptions can make it harder to get a fair outcome.
At Aizenman Law Group, we focus on the facts. Whether your crash involved debris, a pothole, or poor road maintenance, we work to build a clear, evidence-backed case to support your claim and protect your right to compensation.
Talk to a Tulsa Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
After an accident, the last thing you should have to deal with is fighting the insurance company on your own. You’re already trying to recover physically. Let us take on the rest.
When you hire Aizenman Law Group, you get more than a motorcycle accident attorney, you get a team that knows Oklahoma roads, understands how insurers operate, and refuses to let your story go unheard.
If a road hazard caused your crash, you may have more legal options than you realize. We’ll walk you through every step, investigate your claim, and pursue full compensation for your injuries and losses. And we won’t charge you a fee unless we win.
Call us at 918-215-8856 any time, day or night for a free consultation. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help you move forward. Let Aizenman Law Group guide you toward the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.
