Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Motorcycle riders face serious dangers on Tulsa roads. Every summer, there’s a noticeable increase in fatal crashes involving motorcycles, often caused by drivers who fail to see or safely share the road with riders. One recent crash tragically took the life of a young motorcyclist, reminding us all of the risks that come with riding on Oklahoma highways.
In August 2015, an 18-year-old Rogers County rider was killed while traveling north on US 169. Despite wearing a helmet, the young man died at the scene after losing control of his motorcycle. Authorities suspect speed may have been a factor, but the Investigation was ongoing.
Sadly, this is far from an isolated incident. More recently, in June 2025, a 21-year-old was killed in a wrong-way crash on I‑44 in Tulsa. Police believe the other driver was under the influence. In May 2025, another motorcyclist, 18-year-old Sidney Fuller, died after a driver made a sudden U-turn near 61st and Memorial Drive.
Tulsa saw a wrong-way crash on I‑44 in June 2025 that killed a 21-year-old motorcyclist; police say DUI was involved.
Each case underscores how quickly lives can change when a driver makes a careless decision.
Motorcycle accidents aren’t just physically dangerous—they’re legally complicated. Many involve disputes over who was at fault. Drivers often claim they “didn’t see” the motorcycle. That doesn’t excuse the accident, but it shows how easily visibility issues can lead to tragedy.
Summer months bring more bikes on the road. With heavier traffic and longer daylight hours, drivers need to stay alert, especially when changing lanes or turning at intersections. A simple glance could be the difference between life and death
Under Oklahoma law, motorcycle riders and passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear helmets. All riders, regardless of age, must wear some form of eye protection. While helmets are strongly encouraged, they’re not legally required for adult riders.
Still, helmet use can affect how an injury claim is evaluated. Insurance companies may argue that not wearing one made the injuries worse, potentially reducing compensation.
Motorcyclists are about 16 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries than occupants of passenger vehicles.
Oklahoma also follows a “modified comparative negligence” system. If a rider is found to be less than 50 percent at fault, they can still recover damages, though their compensation will be reduced based on their share of fault.
Motorcycle crashes are often caused by other drivers, not the riders themselves. Here are some leading causes seen in Tulsa:
These accidents usually occur because drivers fail to see or yield to motorcyclists.
Cause | Example Case | Legal Impact |
| DUI / wrong‑way | I‑44 crash, June 2025 | Potential felony, punitive damages |
| Distracted driving | Sidney Fuller, May 2025 | Comparative negligence, crash fault |
| Visibility / blind spot | US 169 crash, August 2015 | Investigation of lane change fault |
Wearing a helmet won’t prevent every injury, but it dramatically reduces the risk of traumatic brain injuries and death. Head injuries are the leading cause of motorcycle crash fatalities.
In the 2013 Oklahoma data, 92 riders were killed, and 77 of them were not wearing helmets. That data continues to shape safety recommendations today. Helmets remain one of the simplest ways to protect riders, even if the law doesn’t require them in every case.
If you’re ever in a motorcycle crash in Oklahoma, follow these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
Crash scenes are often chaotic, and insurance companies move quickly to assess the situation. An attorney can help ensure evidence is preserved and your story is clearly documented.
Every case begins with an investigation. This includes reviewing police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction data. The goal is to determine who was at fault—and by how much.
In Oklahoma, if you’re found to be at fault, you can still get damages if you are 49% or less at fault. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot. This makes evidence crucial.
An attorney negotiates with insurance companies, gathers expert testimony, and prepares for trial if needed. Many cases settle before trial, but preparing as if a trial is likely gives you more substantial leverage.
The impact of a motorcycle crash goes far beyond the scene. Victims often face long recovery periods, lost income, and emotional trauma. Here’s what compensation can include:
Each case is different, and damages are based on the specifics of your injuries and recovery path.
Ensure your safety by calling emergency responders, seeking medical attention, and documenting the scene. Do not admit fault. Contact a lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.
In some cases, yes. Oklahoma law only requires helmets for riders under 18, but if you are not wearing one, it may worsen your injuries, and insurers may reduce your compensation.
Oklahoma’s statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. This applies to injury and wrongful death claims. Waiting too long can prevent you from filing a lawsuit.
Yes. As long as you are less than 50% at fault, Oklahoma law allows you to recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
Yes. Motorcycle accident cases often involve complex fault analysis, multiple parties, and high-stakes damages. Legal support can make a significant difference in protecting your rights.
Motorcycle accidents in Tulsa continue to claim lives, often due to driver mistakes or negligence. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a crash, acting quickly matters. From medical care to preserving legal evidence, early steps can shape the entire outcome of your case.
At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, we understand the devastating impact these crashes can have. Our team is here to guide you through the legal process, fight for fair compensation, and help you move forward with confidence. You deserve answers—and the proper support to get them.
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.
