Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Motorcycles offer a sense of freedom on the road that’s hard to match. The wind, the open view, and the simplicity of two wheels can make every ride feel like an experience. But with that freedom comes a serious risk, especially for riders who choose not to wear a helmet.
Recently, in Tulsa, a tragic crash involving a helmetless motorcyclist brought this issue into sharp focus. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of staying protected every time you ride, regardless of the season or destination.
A motorcyclist was traveling southbound on Memorial Drive when a motorist hit him and ran away. Sadly, the rider wasn’t wearing a helmet and suffered fatal injuries. He was taken to a nearby hospital but was unable to be saved.
This incident is just one example of what can happen when safety gear isn’t used. The roads are unpredictable, and even cautious riders can’t control what others do behind the wheel. Wearing a helmet may not have prevented the crash, but it could have increased the chance of survival.
In Oklahoma, only riders under age 18 are legally required to wear a helmet, but the CDC states that helmets lower the chance of mortality by 69% and head injuries by 37%.
Motorcyclists face far more danger on the road than drivers of passenger vehicles. Without the protection of a frame, airbags, or seatbelts, any crash can lead to serious injuries or death.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled.
In Oklahoma, motorcyclists often ride year-round, even in colder weather. The winter months bring added dangers, including poor visibility, wet roads, and black ice. These factors increase the likelihood of accidents, and the severity of those crashes tends to be worse for riders who do not wear helmets or protective gear.
Oklahoma’s helmet law is limited. It only requires helmets for motorcyclists and passengers who are under 18. For everyone else, helmet use is optional. However, just because it’s not required doesn’t mean it’s not necessary.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the NHTSA both recommend helmets for all riders, regardless of age. DOT-approved helmets are designed to absorb impact and protect the brain in the event of a crash. Studies have consistently shown that wearing one saves lives.
Wearing a helmet may not prevent every injury, but it often prevents the worst ones.
Choosing to wear a helmet is one of the most effective decisions a rider can make to reduce the risk of fatal injuries on the road.
Riding in cold weather presents its own set of challenges. The combination of low temperatures and unpredictable road conditions makes it even harder for experienced riders to stay safe.
When riding during the winter months:
After a motorcycle crash, the priority is medical care. Once that’s handled, there are legal steps to consider, mainly if someone else’s negligence caused the crash.
In Oklahoma, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. If the crash resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim.
Oklahoma follows a comparative negligence rule. That means even if the rider wasn’t wearing a helmet, they may still recover compensation, as long as they were less than 51% at fault.
Gathering evidence, witness statements, and police reports early can strengthen your case. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help guide you through the process and deal with the insurance company on your behalf.
The science around helmet use is precise. Helmets save lives. Studies have shown that helmets significantly reduce the risk of both fatal and non-fatal head injuries. They’re especially effective in crashes that involve impact with the ground or another vehicle.
Here’s a quick look at how helmet use affects crash outcomes:
Safety Metric | Without Helmet | With Helmet |
| Risk of Head Injury | High | Reduced by 69% |
| Risk of Fatality in Crash | Very High | Reduced by 37% |
| Legal Requirement in Oklahoma (18+) | Not Required | Not Required |
| Legal Requirement in Oklahoma (<18) | Required | Required |
No. In Oklahoma, riders aged 18 and older are not required by law to wear helmets. However, helmet use is strongly recommended for safety.
Yes. Oklahoma’s comparative negligence system allows you to seek compensation even if you weren’t wearing a helmet, though your recovery may be reduced.
Get medical help immediately. Report the crash to police, gather any available evidence, and avoid making statements to insurers without legal guidance.
Fewer people ride in winter, but crashes that do occur often have more severe outcomes due to slippery roads and limited visibility.
According to the CDC, helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 37%. They are one of the most effective safety measures available.
This is considered a hit-and-run. You may still have coverage through your uninsured motorist policy. An attorney can help identify all available options.
Motorcycle accidents can occur suddenly and have devastating consequences. While the law in Oklahoma doesn’t require all riders to wear helmets, the evidence is clear: helmets save lives. Choosing to wear one can make the difference between a close call and a fatal crash.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Tulsa, it’s essential to understand your rights. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers has experience helping victims and their families after serious crashes. Knowing your options is the first step toward recovery.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
