Ylla Gosney, Attorneys at Law help people that have been injured in bicycle accidents across Oklahoma City. No matter where it happens in the city, a bicycle accident can leave you facing pretty serious injuries and other damage. That said, busy intersections are often a place where a bicycle accident is much more likely to happen. It helps to be prepared, and our team can help you through the process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You Get a Lawyer?
A bicycle accident might seem like any other accident legally, but in reality, it can be very different–especially when it comes to injuries. When you’re riding your bike, you have little protection when there’s an accident.
However, you do have certain legal protections. But everyone won’t need a lawyer after a bike accident. If your injuries are minor, you might be able to handle things on your own. But going it alone can make it harder to get the full financial support you need to get better. Worse, serious injuries can lead to big medical bills and financial stress, making legal help even more important.
Our Oklahoma City bicycle accident lawyers can:
- Investigate your case and find out who’s responsible.
- Gather the evidence you need.
- Handle all legal paperwork and communication.
- Negotiate with the insurance company.
- Take your case to trial if needed.
- Connect you with doctors who can help.
We know how tough a bike accident can be, and we’re here to make things easier for you and your family.
What Options Do You Have When You’re in a Bicycle Accident at an Intersection?
If you’re in a bicycle accident at an intersection, you’re likely dealing with injuries, damage to your bike, and possibly even emotional distress. Bicycle crashes can be traumatic, both physically and mentally. Thankfully, you do have options for getting some of your losses back. Oklahoma law allows you to file a claim for your “damages.” You can do this by:
- Filing an insurance claim
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
The damages you may recover include:
- Medical expenses – This covers hospital stays, doctor visits, medications, surgeries, and any necessary medical equipment. If you need physical therapy or long-term treatment, those costs may also be covered.
- Lost wages and future earnings – If your injuries keep you from working, you may be able to recover lost income, including future earning potential if you can’t work anymore
- Pain and suffering – This covers costs for the physical pain and long-term effects of your injuries.
- Emotional distress – This covers anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental/emotional struggles caused by the accident.
- Reduced quality of life – If your injuries prevent you from doing activities you once loved, you can recover costs associated with this loss of your quality of life.
- Wrongful death – If you’re fatally injured, your family may recover damages for funeral costs, lost financial support, and emotional suffering by filing a “wrongful death” claim.
The amount you can recover depends on the details of your accident. If your injuries are more serious, your claim may be worth more. However, if you were partially at fault, your damages may be reduced based on Oklahoma’s “comparative negligence” rules. You also have a limited time to file–Oklahoma’s statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to take action.
Who Pays for My Damages in a Bicycle Accident at an Intersection?
For as dangerous as intersections are in Oklahoma City, every bicycle accident claim is going to have the same starting point, which boils down to two questions:
- Who caused the accident?
- Who is responsible for paying for your damages?
Liability is based on negligence, which means proving that someone acted carelessly and caused the accident. At an intersection, this is usually going to involve the driver of a car when they’re:
- Distracted by phones, passengers, or other distractions.
- Running red lights or stop signs.
- Speeding through intersections without enough time to stop.
- Driving while impaired
There’s also other unique factors at intersections that can cause accidents, like:
- Poor visibility due to bad lighting or obstructions.
- Failing to yield to cyclists or pedestrians.
- Dangerous road conditions like potholes or slick surfaces.
- Broken traffic signals or missing signs.
Ultimately, though, it’s going to come down to what actually happened in your accident. Usually, the responsibility of paying for your damages is going to fall on:
- The driver who hit you.
- A bike manufacturer if a defective part caused the crash.
- The city or agency responsible for road maintenance.
- The company responsible for traffic signals.
- A construction company if roadwork contributed to the accident.
- A pedestrian who improperly entered the intersection.
It’s not hard to see why liability is so important: it tells you who you’ll be filing your claim against, as well as who’s responsible for paying for your damages. But, what you do after the accident is also important.
What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident at an Intersection?
Even if you ride carefully, a bicycle accident can happen at any intersection. Some intersections in Oklahoma City are especially dangerous for bike riders, including NW 23rd St & Classen Blvd, May Ave & NW Expressway, and Pennsylvania Ave & Memorial Rd. Whether your accident happens at a busy intersection or a quieter street, knowing what to do next can help protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what to do:
- Get to safety and call 911 – Move out of traffic and check your condition. Call 911 for an ambulance if needed, and even if you feel okay, see a doctor later–some injuries take time to appear.
- Call the police – Report the accident to the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD). Officers can document the scene and create an official report, which is especially important for crashes at high-traffic intersections.
- Document the accident scene – Take photos and videos of your bike, the other vehicle, road conditions, and any traffic signs or signals. This is particularly useful at intersections, where heavy traffic can complicate liability.
- Find witnesses – It’s likely that there will be plenty of witnesses with your accident, so make sure to get their contact information. Also, many of the city’s busy intersections have surveillance or traffic cameras that may have recorded the accident.
- Note important details – Look around for possible causes, such as broken traffic lights, poor visibility, or reckless driving. If the other driver seems impaired, make a note of it. Some areas are known for congestion and quick signal changes, which can raise the risk of accidents.
Taking these steps can strengthen your claim if you decide to seek compensation. Speaking with a bicycle accident lawyer can also help you understand your options and what to do next.
Contact Our Experienced Oklahoma City Bicycle Accident Lawyers
A bicycle accident at an Oklahoma City intersection can turn your life upside down. If you’re struggling with injuries, medical bills, and insurance claims, our legal team is here to help. At Ylla Gosney, we’ll guide you through the process and fight for the financial support you’re rightfully owed. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
