Tulsa Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Dedicated Tulsa Litigators Helping Injured Bicyclists Throughout Northeastern Oklahoma
Traffic accidents involving bicycle riders generally cause severe injury or worse. When an incident consists of a collision between a vehicle weighing a ton or more and a person riding a bicycle, the bicyclist is going to suffer the most. Bicyclists have just as much right to be on Oklahoma roadways as do motorists, but they are at the immediate mercy of negligent and reckless drivers on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), bicyclists make up around two percent of all traffic fatalities across the country each year.
If you were injured by a negligent driver while riding a bike in Tulsa, you have the right to recover compensation for your injuries. Likewise, if your loved one was killed by a negligent driver while cycling along a Tulsa road, you and your family might be able to recover damages. The Tulsa bicycle accident lawyers at Levinson Law, P.C., can help you and your family recover the damages you are owed after your Oklahoma bicycle crash.
Why do Bike Accidents Happen?
Cycling accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Our Tulsa bicycle accident lawyers are prepared to hold negligent drivers accountable for accidents caused by any and all types of negligent conduct. Some of the more common causes of bike accidents include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Drowsy driving
- Failing to check blind spots
- Failing to signal before changing lanes or turning
- Speeding, overtaking, and other aggressive driving behavior
- Dangerous weather and road conditions
Bicycle Laws in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has laws and regulations that apply specifically to bicyclist safety. Some of the rules apply to cyclists, while others refer to drivers who share the road with bicycles. Violation of a safety regulation is strong evidence of negligence by a cyclist or a driver, should an accident occur.
Traffic laws. Oklahoma law states that bicyclists are subject to all of the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles, except for the requirements that “by their nature can have no application.” Laws that generally do not apply include things like speed limits and signaling continuously through a turn.
Cyclists have a few other specific rules, including: Bicyclists generally must ride as close as safely possible to the right side of the road, and where other traffic is present, should generally ride in a single-file line. Drivers must take extra care to give cyclists at least three feet of space, and they face penalties if they do things like throw objects at bicyclists. Local jurisdictions may have additional rules and regulations.
Helmet laws. Oklahoma does not require bicycle riders to wear a helmet when riding on a public roadway. Even minors are not required to wear a helmet. Cities and counties may impose their own helmet laws with stricter requirements than state law.
Trusted Help After Your Tulsa Bicycle Accident
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Tulsa or throughout Northeastern Oklahoma, call Levinson Law, P.C., today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation. Whether you were hurt by a negligent driver, a reckless motorcyclist, or another party, the efficient and effective Tulsa bicycle accident lawyers at Levinson Law, P.C., are ready to help you seek compensation. Our Tulsa cycling accident attorneys will help you build your case and hold the responsible parties liable for the damage they have caused you and your loved ones.
