Exploring Oklahoma by motorcycle gives riders the feeling of unparalleled freedom and adventure. That spirit of relaxation can instantly turn to fear when a careless driver crosses your path. Motorcyclists face a significant risk of enduring catastrophic injuries and even death when involved in collisions with passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. Understanding Oklahoma motorcycle laws is the best step toward accident prevention, but even the best motorcyclists cannot account for the negligent actions of others.
If you got hurt in a motorcycle crash in Oklahoma, an experienced attorney can explain your legal options. At Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, we understand the unique needs of motorcycle accident victims and how the state’s motorcycle laws can impact riders who need to file personal injury claims. You can count on our law firm to aggressively pursue maximum compensation for you. Contact us today for a free consultation with a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycles lack the protection and safety features of enclosed vehicles, meaning motorcyclists are more susceptible to catastrophic injuries if a collision occurs. Data compiled by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates that per vehicle mile traveled, motorcycle accident deaths were 24 times higher than the number of car accident fatalities in a recent year.
Closer to home, Oklahoma is no stranger to motorcycle crashes. The Oklahoma Public Safety Office recorded 66 motorcycle deaths on state roadways and at least 266 serious injuries in one year. City streets, country roads, and rural state highways were some of the most dangerous locations in the state for riders.
Overview of Oklahoma Motorcycle Laws
Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Oklahoma has enacted safety measures and laws to protect riders and their passengers on state roadways. First, Oklahoma law stipulates all motorists must carry liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance requirements are:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
Do I Need a Motorcycle License?
You need an “M” endorsement on your driver’s license to operate a motorcycle in Oklahoma. You must pass a written, vision, and drive test to receive the endorsement. The driving test can be skipped if you complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course. Drivers under 17 must take the MSF class to operate a motorcycle.
Are Motorcycle Helmets Legally Required?
In addition, Oklahoma motorcycle helmet laws require that riders under 18 must wear a helmet that complies with federal safety standards and includes a DOT label.
While helmets for adult riders are not mandatory, helmets save lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that helmets can reduce the risk of a head injury by 69 percent. They can also decrease a person’s risk of death. Head injuries are one of the leading causes of death and significant injuries in motorcycle accident cases.
Is Lane Splitting Legal?
Oklahoma law strictly prohibits motorcycle operators from passing other vehicles between lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction, or lane splitting. Lane splitting can be extremely dangerous for motorcycle riders because drivers don’t expect motorcycles to pass between designated traffic lanes. Motorcycles are also smaller and narrower than passenger cars, making visibility a problem.
Motorcycle Equipment Laws
Motorcycles should also be equipped with two rearview mirrors. Drivers without attached windshields on their bikes should wear goggles or other eye protection in the form of a helmet with a face shield.
Proving Liability in an Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
Motorcyclists involved in accidents with careless drivers can face disabling injuries that make performing daily tasks difficult. Gathering proof for a successful insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit is the last thing you should worry about during your recovery. Collecting the evidence needed to prove your case and establish liability is a job for a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer.
An Oklahoma motorcycle accident attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident scene and collect vital evidence before it is lost, altered, or destroyed. The right evidence will help your lawyer build a compelling case for maximum compensation for your losses. Examples of evidence that may help establish fault and prove liability may include:
- The police accident report
- Medical records
- Photographs and videos of the scene
- Video surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Cell phone records
- Expert testimony
Motorcyclists injured by careless motorists stand a better chance of recovering the money they deserve with the help of an experienced lawyer.
What is the Deadline for Filing My Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
Choosing whether to take legal action can feel overwhelming. Keep in mind that Oklahoma limits your time to file a personal injury lawsuit. The state’s statute of limitations allows two years from the date of the accident to file a claim against a negligent party.
If you file a lawsuit after the two-year deadline passes, your case faces dismissal. This means you lose the opportunity to pursue compensation through the court system.
Contact a Skilled Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Help
If you suffered injuries in an Oklahoma motorcycle wreck, you deserve a skilled lawyer to stand up for you. Turn to the legal team at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons. For over 30 years, our top-rated motorcycle accident attorneys have helped injured Oklahomans hold reckless parties accountable for their negligence. Our personal injury lawyer can advise you and handle every aspect of your case, giving you space to heal while we aggressively negotiate for the compensation you’re entitled to.
Contact us today for a free consultation. There is no obligation, and you don’t pay legal fees unless we recover money for you.
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