Warmer Weather Means More Motorcycles on the Road
As Oklahoma’s temperatures rise, so does motorcycle traffic. With more motorcycles sharing the road, safety becomes even more important. Their smaller size makes them harder for other drivers to see, which increases the risk of serious collisions. Even the most careful rider can’t always avoid a crash, and when that happens, having a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer in Oklahoma can make all the differences.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, the motorcycle accident lawyers at Aizenman Law Group are here to protect your rights. We know how insurance companies work and how to fight back. If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle crash, our personal injury lawyers offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options.
Motorcycle Awareness Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Spring and summer bring more motorcycles onto Oklahoma’s highways and city streets. But with more riders out, the number of crashes tends to rise. According to the 2021 Oklahoma crash data:
- 1,285 motorcyclists were involved in crashes
- 76 people died, with 53 riders not wearing helmets
- 276 sustained serious injuries
- 441 suffered minor injuries
- 523 motorcyclists crashed on city streets
- 475 were single-vehicle crashes, often involving rider error
- Helmet use made a major difference in survival rates
Many of these crashes occurred in urban areas, with Tulsa and Oklahoma City seeing the highest numbers. Intersections, in particular, are danger zones for motorcyclists. Drivers often fail to yield or miss seeing riders in time to avoid a collision.
Stay Alert: Tips for Drivers and Riders
Drivers can help prevent accidents by checking blind spots and using turn signals consistently. Keeping a safe following distance from motorcycles gives riders more room to maneuver if traffic suddenly stops or changes.
Riders, too, should take precautions:
- Wear reflective gear and bright colors
- Use headlights at all times, as required under Okla. Stat. tit. 47, § 12-602
- Avoid weaving through traffic or riding in blind spots
- Follow posted speed limits and signal turns
While helmets are optional for adult riders in Oklahoma, the statistics show that helmet use dramatically reduces fatal outcomes. In 2021, 49 of the 53 riders who died in crashes were not wearing helmets.
Understanding Oklahoma Motorcycle Laws
Every rider in Oklahoma should understand the laws that apply to them. These laws exist to protect not only motorcyclists but also their passengers and others on the road. Here’s a breakdown of key motorcycle safety laws in Oklahoma:
- Helmet Requirement for Minors: Riders under 18 must wear crash helmets that meet federal standards. (Okla. Stat. tit. 47, § 12-609)
- Eye Protection: Riders must wear goggles or a face shield unless their motorcycle has a windshield.
- Rearview Mirrors: Two mirrors, one on each side, are required.
- Handlebar Height: Handlebars cannot extend above the rider’s eye level.
- Lighting: Motorcycles must have a red tail lamp visible from 1,000 feet, positioned between 15 to 60 inches off the ground. (Okla. Stat. tit. 47, § 12-603)
- No Lane Splitting: Riders may not ride between traffic lanes. (Okla. Stat. tit. 47, § 11-1103)
- Passenger Rules: Riders over 16 may carry a passenger if the motorcycle has a designated seat and footrests or a sidecar.
- Underage Passengers: Riders under 16 are not allowed to carry passengers on highways.
If you were involved in a crash and need help understanding how these laws may affect your injury claim, speak with a Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyer at Aizenman Law Group.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious, often life-changing injuries. Knowing what to do right after a crash can protect your health and your right to pursue compensation.
- Get to safety and check for injuries.
- Call 911 to report the crash and request medical help.
- Take photos of the crash scene, including road conditions, damage, and injuries.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s) and collect witness contact details.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay, internal injuries and traumatic brain injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer before speaking with the insurance company.
Oklahoma follows an at-fault system, meaning the person responsible for the accident must cover the damages. However, insurance companies often attempt to shift the blame to the rider to reduce payouts or deny the claim. This is where a motorcycle accident attorney can make a real difference.
Why You Need an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Dealing with a motorcycle accident claim is not easy, especially when the other party’s insurance company tries to minimize your injuries or twist the facts. A skilled insurance claim attorney knows how to push back against bad-faith tactics.
At Aizenman Law Group, we know how Oklahoma insurers operate because we’ve worked on both sides of these claims. Our car accident attorneys and motorcycle accident lawyers build strong, evidence-based cases. We also help clients connect with trusted medical providers so they can focus on healing while we focus on the claim.
Common Motorcycle Injuries After a Crash
Because motorcycles don’t offer the same physical protection as cars, riders often suffer more severe injuries, even in low-speed accidents. Common motorcycle accident injuries in Oklahoma include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash and soft tissue damage
- Fractured ribs and broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Joint injuries
- Concussions
Some injuries, like spinal damage or closed-head trauma, may require long-term rehabilitation or surgery. That’s why it’s critical to seek immediate medical care and legal representation from a personal injury lawyer who understands the full scope of your damages.
At Aizenman Law Group we can connect you to top medical professionals, like neurologists and orthopedic specialists. We use those medical records to help build a rock-solid case for trial, fight for you at every turn.
We Help Motorcycle Accident Victims in Tulsa and Across Oklahoma
Motorcycle accident claims are often more complex than typical car accident cases. Riders may face bias from insurance adjusters or even juries. They may be blamed simply for choosing to ride in the first place.
At Aizenman Law Group, our Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyers push past those barriers. We investigate every crash thoroughly and document the full impact of your injuries. We also help our clients understand how Oklahoma’s comparative negligence laws may affect their case and we fight to ensure they aren’t unfairly blamed.
Whether you’re dealing with physical recovery, medical bills, lost income, or emotional trauma, you shouldn’t face it alone.
Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer at Aizenman Law Group. Our team includes car accident attorneys, insurance claim lawyers, and seasoned personal injury attorneys who are here to help you every step of the way.
Call 918-215-8856 any time day or night for a free consultation. We know how to deal with insurance companies, and we never settle for less than our clients deserve.
