Although motorcycles are exhilarating for many motorists, they are also inherently dangerous. They lack the surrounding protection that other types of motor vehicles have, which means motorcyclists are far more likely to suffer catastrophic or life-threatening injuries. Fortunately, Oklahoma laws are designed to protect motorcyclists in the event of a collision.
However, if you are involved in a collision in another state, the motorcycle accident laws may be different. It is important to understand these laws so you can take legal action where appropriate. Your dedicated Oklahoma motorcycle accident attorney can help you prepare and hold the liable party accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Oklahoma motorcycle laws are comprehensive. Although every person’s accident is different, these laws apply to every motorcycle and motorcycle accident across the state. Continue reading to learn more about some of Oklahoma’s most important motorcycle and personal injury laws so you can protect your future.
Motorcycle Laws Vary in Every State
When you are a licensed motorcyclist traveling to another state, it is important to brush up on the laws in the state where you are going to be riding your motorcycle. This is because motorcycle laws can vary on a state-by-state basis. Many states have similar motorcycle accident laws, but other states have laws that are far different from what you may be used to in Oklahoma.
As a licensed motorcyclist in Oklahoma, you should be aware of your helmet and safety requirements, auto insurance requirements, and the laws that could have an impact on your case if you are involved in a collision. These are also laws you will want to look up before you operate your motorcycle in any other state. Doing so could have a significant impact on the outcome of your case if you are seriously injured in a motorcycle wreck.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to help you understand some of the more confusing elements of these laws. While you recuperate from your injuries, your attorney can help you build a compelling case against those responsible. However, do not be surprised if these laws make or break the outcome of your car accident case.
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SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYOklahoma Motorcycle Laws
Injured motorcyclists in Oklahoma will be privy to the state’s motorcycle laws. There are multiple motorcycle and motorcycle accident laws that could influence your right to compensation. Some of the most notable laws to be aware of include the following:
Motorcycle Auto Insurance Laws in OK
According to Oklahoma auto insurance laws, if you are an individual with a registered motorcycle, you must have auto insurance coverage. The state minimums for motorcycle liability insurance include $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage. You should also carry a minimum of $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.
However, do not be surprised if this is not enough to fully meet your needs. While you are under no legal obligation to carry policies for comprehensive, collision, gap insurance, rental car reimbursement, or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, doing so can only help protect you in the event of an crash. It may be in your best interests to increase the amount of auto insurance coverage you carry on your motorcycle, as this coverage will protect you if you are ever responsible for causing a motor vehicle accident.
Oklahoma Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Oklahoma has strict motorcycle helmet and safety gear laws in place. According to Title 47 O.S §12-609, all motorcyclists and riders under the age of 18 are legally required to wear a motorcycle helmet that is in compliance with federal laws while traveling on a bike. Failure to follow these regulations could not only cause severe bodily injury or death but result in shared liability allegations, which could destroy your opportunity to recover maximum compensation for your damages.
Motorcycles also have specific requirements. For example, you must have a windshield installed on your motorcycle or wear protective eyewear, have two rearview mirrors, have handlebars that are not higher than the operator’s eye level, and your motorcycle must include a speedometer. Additionally, there must be a fender covering each motorcycle wheel and a noise suppression system or muffler installed.
How Sharing Fault in a Motorcycle Accident Affects Claims
Failure to wear a motorcycle helmet as required by law or ensure your motorcycle is installed with the necessary safety precautions could mean you face allegations of shared liability. If you are accused of being partially responsible for causing the accident, it could have a significant impact on your case. Oklahoma follows modified comparative negligence laws, so you will not necessarily be prohibited from recovery compensation if you share the blame.
However, if your percentage of liability exceeds the state’s threshold, you lose your right to be awarded a settlement. Your payout will also reflect a shared fault deduction. The amount that will be taken from your settlement will correlate with your percentage of liability.
Lane-Splitting
While lane splitting may be legal in California, it is not legal in Oklahoma. Lane splitting involves operating a motorcycle in between lanes of traffic. This dangerous driving practice could result in traffic citations and reduce your settlement, as you will likely be accused of sharing the blame for the injuries you sustained.
The Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims
The statute of limitations for motorcycle accident lawsuits varies in each state. Oklahoma law allows just two years from the date of the accident before this deadline expires. If your claim is not filed before time runs out, you can expect the Oklahoma civil courts to refuse to hear your case.
Recover the Compensation You Deserve and Connect with a Proven Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident Attorney at BDIW Law Today
If your motorcycle accident happened in Oklahoma, these laws will apply. However, if your collision occurred outside of the state, it will be important to discuss those laws so you can prepare accordingly. Oklahoma’s motorcycle accident laws are incredibly victim-friendly, allowing you the opportunity to recover compensation for your damages in full.
Meet with an experienced Oklahoma motorcycle accident lawyer at BDIW Law today. You can request a free, no-obligation consultation by calling our office or completing our quick contact form. When you connect with our legal advocates, you can find out more about which factors will affect your claim, how much you could be awarded, and how to go about demanding justice.
