Ylla Gosney represents motorcycle accident victims in Oklahoma City. Riding your motorcycle in Oklahoma City is supposed to be fun and exciting, but that can quickly change when there’s an accident. More so than perhaps any other type of vehicle, a motorcycle accident is much more likely to result in serious injuries for you. The data would seemingly back this up, but it’s worth knowing your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Common are Motorcycle Accidents in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City, being the largest population center in the state, has its fair share of things to do. Not surprisingly, motorcycling is one of the most popular activities here. But the flipside is that it means more chances for accidents. According to data from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO), the five year period between 2017 and 2021 saw:
- 1,343 total motorcycle accidents.
Broken down by year, this equals out to the following number of accidents in the given year:
- 2017 – 279
- 2018 – 237
- 2019 – 281
- 2020 – 263
- 2021 – 283
What this data shows is that, statistically, the number of motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma City have been fairly consistent year to year. Because they’re relatively common, then, you should always keep in mind certain steps to take if you’re involved in one of these accidents:
- Get medical help right away, even if you don’t feel hurt.
- Call the OKCPD or sheriff’s department to report the accident.
- Share contact and insurance information with the other person involved and gather witness details.
- Take photos of the accident, vehicles, and any injuries.
- Tell your insurance company about the accident.
- Keep all records related to the accident.
- Only give basic information if you talk to the other person’s insurance or lawyers.
- Don’t post about the accident on social media.
- Follow your doctor’s advice and treatment plan.
In general, the steps might change based on your situation. Moreover, this could be tougher the more hurt you are, which is also quite common in motorcycle accidents.
How Serious Are Motorcycle Accidents?
The first thing you probably think of in a motorcycle accident is how hurt you could be. This isn’t complicated: a motorcycle not only is built for speed and maneuverability, but the tradeoff is that it offers very little to no protection in the event of an accident. What this means, in real terms, is that the severity of them are usually much heavier.
According to OSHO data between 2017 and 2021:
- 712 motorcycle accidents resulted in injuries or were fatal.
When you look at the year-by-year breakdown, it becomes more clear how serious motorcycle accident can be:
- 2017 – 63 injured; 16 fatal
- 2018 – 41 injured; 14 fatal
- 2019 – 37 injured; 13 fatal
- 2020 – 43 injured; 10 fatal
- 2021 – 43 injured; 15 fatal
What makes a motorcycle accident different from other types of accidents isn’t just the level of injuries, but the range. If you’re in one, you could be looking at any or multiple of the following:
- Scrapes and bruises from hitting the road.
- Broken bones in arms, legs, wrists, and collarbones.
- Head injuries like concussions or skull fractures.
- Spine injuries causing paralysis.
- Muscle, ligament, or tendon damage causing strains or sprains.
- Damage to your internal organs like liver, spleen, or kidneys from impact.
- Dislocated joints like shoulders or hips.
- Burns from heat or friction with the road.
- Cuts, breaks, or dental injuries from hitting the ground or objects.
- Emotional issues like PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
When Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Oklahoma City?
Another thing about motorcycle accidents is that even though they’re fairly common in Oklahoma City, they don’t happen all the time. In fact, there’s certain times of the year where these accidents are more likely to happen. According to OHSO data, of the 283 total motorcycle accidents in 2021, 54% happened during the summer months:
- 155 accidents between May and August.
This isn’t that surprising given that these months have the most favorable conditions for motorcycle riding. Still, month-by-month, here’s a look at the number of accidents in the city:
- January – 8
- February – 1
- March – 22
- April – 18
- May – 31
- June – 50
- July – 39
- August – 35
- September – 29
- October – 25
- November – 13
- December – 12
Which Age Group is in Motorcycle Accidents?
One of the more surprising things about motorcycles in Oklahoma City is that pretty much every age group is represented in terms of riding. Still, certain age groups are more represented when looking at the OSHO data. Between 2017 and 2021, the following age groups were in the most motorcycle accidents in the city:
- 20 – 24 – 125
- 25 – 29 – 179
- 30 – 34 – 156
- 35 – 39 – 152
- 40 – 44 – 126
- 45 – 49 – 140
- 50 – 54 – 123
- 55 – 59 – 107
Regardless of your age, being hurt in a motorcycle accident that’s caused by someone else’s actions (or inaction) gives you certain legal rights. You typically begin by either filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
An insurance claim is less formal and may lead to a faster settlement, but the amount offered may not cover all your needs. If you’re unsatisfied, you can proceed with a lawsuit, which involves more time and effort but offers the potential for higher financial support (known as “damages”) determined by a judge and jury. This usually includes things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Wrongful death expenses
Get Answers After an Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents can leave you with many questions. At Ylla Gosney, Attorneys at Law,, we’ll be there to give you the answers you need. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you in understanding your legal options and recovering from your injuries.
