Riding a motorcycle is known to be riskier than riding a car, but that does not stop some Oklahomans from riding them for daily transportation, as well as for pleasure. Riders know they can be easily thrown from their vehicles in any collision, which is why most of them choose to wear protective gear, such as padded leather jackets, gloves, knee pads and helmets to protect them from serious injuries. They also know it is important to ride responsibly to avoid collisions with other vehicles.
Despite these precautions, motorcyclists are still involved in many collisions because other drivers are often reckless. This seems to have been the case recently in Leflore County, some 140 miles from Oklahoma City. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP), a 54-year-old Jeep driver was heading south on U.S. Highway 270, near Red Oak, when he ran a red light and collided with a 56-year-old motorcyclist. The motorcyclist sustained serious leg and head injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital. According to OHP troopers, the man was not wearing a helmet. The vehicle driver was not injured.
Motorcycle accidents often mean serious injuries for motorcyclists. The law governing negligence plays an important factor in determining liability in accidents, such as this one. If the motorcyclist was driving responsibly before the collision and the OHP investigation shows that the accident was the result of negligence on the part of the vehicle driver, then the motorcyclist may be entitled to compensation.
Personal injury claims often arise from motorcycle accidents as victims file claims seeking damages from the presumed responsible parties. In most cases, both parties can avoid litigation by agreeing to settle out of court. Injured parties should think carefully about accepting a settlement, however, and first calculate their entire losses before accepting the settlement.
Source: KFSM, “Poteau man in critical condition after motorcycle crash,” Chainee Bartlett, Aug. 27, 2014
