Who Really Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in Oklahoma?
Riding a motorcycle in Oklahoma can be one of the most exhilarating experiences on the road. Scenic stretches like Route 66 and the Talimena National Scenic Byway offer unbeatable views and open air, making it easy to see why motorcycling is so popular in the Sooner State. In fact, recent data from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation shows that there are more than 125,000 registered motorcycles across the state. If you’re ever involved in a serious crash, working with a skilled motorcycle accident attorney in Oklahoma can help protect your rights and ensure you’re treated fairly by insurers.
But while riding offers freedom, it also comes with risks. According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, there were 1,285 motorcycle crashes in 2021, the latest year with published data. That number may seem relatively low, but many accidents go unreported, either because the rider doesn’t believe they’re seriously injured or because reporting feels like a hassle.
Regardless of whether a crash is officially documented, motorcyclists are often not at fault, even when the damage is severe. Understanding the truth behind who causes most motorcycle accidents is essential, especially if you’re ever injured and need to file a claim. At Aizenman Law Group, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys help injured riders get the justice and compensation they deserve.
What the Data Actually Shows About Motorcycle Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has consistently shown that fatal motorcycle crashes are more often caused by the drivers of other vehicles. In its 2022 report:
- 58% of all fatal motorcycle crashes involved two vehicles.
- In 44% of those, the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking another vehicle.
This pattern is telling. When a driver turns left across traffic and hits a motorcyclist who is traveling straight, the driver has usually failed to yield the right of way. The NHTSA’s 2021 report echoes this trend:
- 57% of motorcycle fatalities involved a crash with another motor vehicle.
- In 43% of those cases, the other vehicle was turning left.
This is not a new issue. The landmark Hurt Report (commissioned by the U.S. Department of Transportation in 1981) found that:
- About three-quarters of motorcycle accidents involve a collision with a passenger vehicle.
- In these crashes, the other driver violated the motorcyclist’s right of way roughly two-thirds of the time.
- Drivers often fail to detect motorcycles in traffic or notice them too late to avoid a crash.
Taken together, the evidence paints a consistent picture: Motorcyclists are often the victims, not the cause of serious collisions.
Why Drivers Don’t See Motorcycles Until It’s Too Late
You’ve probably heard the phrase “I didn’t even see them.” It’s one of the most common things drivers say after hitting a motorcyclist. But why is that the case?
- Motorcycles are less common, so drivers don’t expect to see them. This “inattentional blindness” can cause even experienced motorists to overlook a rider.
- Their smaller size makes them harder to notice, especially in blind spots or behind other vehicles.
- Some drivers misjudge distance, thinking a motorcycle is farther away because it appears smaller than a car.
- When a driver can’t fully see around a corner or past an obstruction, they often assume the coast is clear and pull out blindly.
The result? Catastrophic accidents that often leave riders seriously injured or worse.
Oklahoma Law on Motorcycle Accident Fault
In Oklahoma, personal injury cases involving vehicles follow the modified comparative negligence rule, found in 23 O.S. § 13. This means a motorcyclist can recover compensation as long as they are not more than 50% at fault.
For example, if a motorcycle rider is found to be 40% responsible for an accident (perhaps they were speeding), and the car driver was 60% at fault (e.g., they turned left without yielding), the rider can still recover damages. However, their recovery will be reduced by their percentage of fault. So, if the rider’s total damages are $20,000, they would receive $12,000 after the 40% reduction.
This rule makes it even more important to have a motorcycle injury lawyer in Oklahoma review your case. Insurance companies often try to inflate the rider’s share of blame to reduce payouts.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Oklahoma
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, taking the right steps immediately after the crash can protect your health and your claim. Here’s what to do:
- Call the Police: If anyone is injured or property damage is significant, you should report the accident to law enforcement right away. This creates a formal record.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, damage to your motorcycle, any visible injuries, and road conditions. Witness statements can also be valuable.
- Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s insurance and contact information. Don’t admit fault and avoid arguing or speculating about what happened.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, get checked out by a doctor. Many injuries, especially head trauma or internal damage aren’t immediately obvious.
- Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney: Before dealing with insurance adjusters, contact a Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyer at Aizenman Law Group. We can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
Insurance Companies Often Blame the Rider, Wrongly
Insurance companies are known to downplay injuries, question the extent of your damages, or argue that you were speeding or being reckless. Their goal? To minimize how much they have to pay.
That’s why it’s crucial to work with a motorcycle accident attorney who understands how these companies operate. Our team fights back with evidence, expert opinions, and a deep knowledge of Oklahoma personal injury law.
We’ve seen cases where insurers try to:
- Delay processing the claim to pressure a low settlement
- Offer far less than the case is worth
Don’t fall for it. With an experienced insurance claim attorney in Tulsa, you can level the playing field.
Why Choose Aizenman Law Group?
At Aizenman Law Group, we understand the road and the risks better than most. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend rider, you deserve to be safe and respected on Oklahoma’s roads.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash, our motorcycle crash claim lawyers can:
- Investigate your accident
- Preserve key evidence
- Handle all insurance communications
- Fight for maximum compensation
We’ve helped riders recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Most importantly, we help our clients get peace of mind.
Call Aizenman Law Group at 918-215-8856 any time day or night for a no-cost consultation. You don’t have to fight this battle alone.
Final Thoughts
Despite the stereotype, most motorcyclists are not responsible for the crashes they’re involved in. The data consistently shows that inattentive or careless drivers in other vehicles are the ones at fault.
If you or someone you love has been in a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma, don’t wait to seek legal help. A personal injury lawyer at Aizenman Law Group can help you pursue the compensation you deserve and stand up to the insurance companies trying to shift the blame.
Let us help you ride forward with confidence and justice.
