Oklahoma Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders are in an exclusive position on the road. They enjoy the freedoms that come riding a motorcycle, but they are often exposed to dangers not met other motorists. The lack of any protective barriers between a motorcycle and the road, as well as the difficulty that motorists may experience in anticipating and seeing a motorcycle, leave riders prone to serious injury in the event of an accident.
Motorcycle riders in Oklahoma must be aware of their legal rights and remedies if they are involved in a vehicle accident. The insurance laws in Oklahoma may be very different with respect to motorcycles versus automobiles making it very important to consult with an Oklahoma motorcycle attorney.
Contact us today if you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident by using the form on your left or by calling us toll-free at 1 (866) 664-0400 for a FREE case review.
Over 80 percent of all multi-vehicle accidents involving motorcyclists are not the motorcyclist's fault. Injuries caused by motorcycle accidents are, more often than not, the result of an inattentive vehicle driver who does not see the motorcycle or who turns directly in front of the bike or follows too closely and runs into the back of the bike.
Unfortunately, the injuries suffered by motorcycles can be catastrophic resulting in brain injury, paralysis, or even death.
Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident Statistics
In 1994 the Oklahoma State Department of Health Injury Prevention Service performed a study on motorcycle accidents that found each year:
- Approximately 750 people are injured
- Approximately 30 people die
- Approximately 82 percent of persons killed are not wearing helmets.
- Approximately 70 percent of non-helmeted persons die from head injuries, compared to 36 percent for helmeted persons.
A study conducted in Oklahoma in 1994 concerning motorcycle crash injuries found that helmets were 60-75 percent effective in reducing moderate, severe and fatal head injuries.
Non-helmeted riders compared to helmeted riders were:
- 2.5-5 times more likely to suffer a fatal head injury.
- 1.5 times more likely to require hospitalization.
- Spinal cord injuries did not differ by helmet status.
- 2 times more likely to suffer a non-fatal head injury.
- Acute hospital charges in 1994 were more than $4.5 million.
- Non-helmeted persons accounted for 72 percent of those costs.
- Insurance paid for 40 percent of medical costs while the majority of the remaining two-thirds was paid by government or left unpaid.
- The total societal costs, including medical and emergency costs, productivity losses, insurance expenses, legal and court costs, etc., in 1994 were estimated at $48 million.
- The economic savings of a universal motorcycle helmet law in Oklahoma were estimated at more than $6 million a year.
Oklahoma Motorcycle Laws
Safety Helmet - required by law under age 18
Eye Protection - required by law unless helmet is equipped with windscreen
Daytime Use of Headlight - required by law at all times
Passenger Seat - required if carrying a passenger
Passenger Footrests - required if carrying a passenger
Passenger Age Restrictions - none
Helmet Speakers - no restrictions
Periodic Safety Inspection - required by law
Mirror Left (L) Right (R) - both left and right mirrors are required by law
Radar Detector - no restriction
We can handle your potential legal case if you are in any of these Oklahoma cities. Even if your city is not listed you may still speak with one of our Oklahoma motorcycle accident attorneys by filling out our contact form or calling us toll-free at 1 (866) 664-0400.
Ada, Afton, Altus, Alva, Anadarko, Ardmore, Atoka, Bartlesville, Blackwell, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, Chandler, Checotah, Chickasha, Claremore, Clinton, Del City, Duncan, Durant, Edmond, El Reno, Elk City, Enid, Erick, Frederick, Glenpool, Grove, Guthrie, Guymon, Henryetta, Idabel, Lawton, Locust Grove, Mcalester, Miami, Midwest City, Moore, Muskogee, Norman, Oklahoma City, Okmulgee, Owasso, Pauls Valley, Perry, Ponca City, Poteau, Pryor, Roland, Sallisaw, Sand Springs, Savanna, Shawnee, Stillwater, Stilwell, Stroud, Tahlequah, Tulsa, Vinita, Wagoner, Weatherford, Woodward, Yukon
Copyright © 2006 Garrett Law Office, P.C.
111 W 5th Street | Tulsa, OK 74145
Phone: 918-622-9292 | Fax: 918-549-6794