Chris Hammons | May 8, 2025 | Personal Injury
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating. Riders have less protection than drivers of passenger vehicles and are significantly more likely to suffer serious injuries or death in a crash. In Oklahoma, hundreds of motorcycle accidents occur every year, and many of them are preventable.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Oklahoma
There were over 1,200 motorcycle crashes in Oklahoma in a recent year, resulting in more than 80 fatalities. Many of these accidents occurred on city streets and highways, often due to a combination of driver error and roadway hazards. Oklahoma’s open roads make riding appealing, but they also come with serious risks.
Motorcyclists are nearly 28 times more likely to die in a crash than those in passenger vehicles, according to national data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Now, let’s take a closer look at the 7 most common motorcycle crashes—and how you can avoid them.
1. Left-Turn Accidents
One of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes occurs when a car makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Drivers often misjudge the speed or visibility of the motorcycle, leading to a collision in the intersection.
How to avoid it: Slow down at intersections and anticipate the actions of other drivers. Make eye contact with the driver if possible, and position yourself where you’re most visible. Wearing bright or reflective gear and using your headlight during the day can also help.
2. Lane-Change Collisions
Drivers frequently fail to check their blind spots, especially for motorcycles. If you’re riding alongside a vehicle when the driver decides to change lanes, they might move directly into your path.
How to avoid it: Avoid lingering in a vehicle’s blind spot. Either pass quickly or hang back where the driver can see you in their mirrors. Position yourself toward the center or left of your lane for better visibility.
3. Rear-End Accidents
Getting rear-ended is dangerous for anyone, but for motorcyclists, even a slow-speed impact can be deadly. Drivers may be distracted or not expect a motorcycle to stop quickly.
How to avoid it: Use your brake light early and often to signal when you’re slowing down. Stay to one side of your lane when stopped so you have an escape route if a car doesn’t stop. Tap your brake lever to flash your brake light when approaching slow traffic.
4. Cornering Too Fast
Entering a curve at a high speed can cause a rider to lose control, especially if there is gravel, water, or oil on the road. This is often a single-vehicle accident that can cause serious injuries.
How to avoid it: Slow down before entering a curve. Look through the turn, and lean with the motorcycle. Practice cornering techniques regularly, and don’t assume you know a road—conditions change.
5. Dooring Accidents
“Dooring” happens when a driver or passenger in a parked car opens a door directly into a motorcyclist’s path. These crashes are common in urban areas.
How to avoid it: Keep a safe distance from parked vehicles when riding alongside them. Scan for movement inside cars or brake lights, which may indicate someone is about to exit.
6. Group Riding Errors
Riding in a group is fun and social, but it also requires coordination. Riders who follow too closely or make sudden lane changes can cause multi-bike pileups.
How to avoid it: Maintain a staggered formation, leave space between bikes, and use clear hand signals or Bluetooth communication. Never assume other riders can read your intentions without signaling.
7. Impaired or Distracted Driving (Yours or Theirs)
Alcohol, drugs, and even fatigue dramatically increase the risk of motorcycle crashes. Distracted drivers may not even see you until it’s too late. Likewise, if you’re riding while impaired, your reaction time and judgment are compromised.
How to avoid it: Stay sober, alert, and well-rested while riding. Assume other drivers are distracted and ride defensively. Never text or use a phone while operating your motorcycle.
Oklahoma Motorcycle Laws and Legal Rights
Motorcyclists in Oklahoma have the same legal rights as other motorists, but they’re also held to specific responsibilities. According to Oklahoma Statutes Title 47 § 12-609, motorcyclists and passengers under age 18 are required by law to wear helmets. However, all riders—regardless of age—should consider wearing a helmet to reduce the risk of head injury.
In the event of a crash caused by a negligent driver, you have the right to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Long-term disability
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault—as long as you are less than 51% responsible for the crash. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Common Motorcycle Injuries After a Crash
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of physical protection.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Road rash and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, seek medical attention immediately—even if your injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask pain, and internal injuries aren’t always visible.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Oklahoma
Take these steps to protect your rights:
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Seek immediate medical care, even if injuries appear minor.
- Document the scene with photos or video.
- Exchange insurance and contact info with all parties involved.
- Avoid making statements about fault to insurance adjusters.
- Contact an experienced Oklahoma motorcycle accident lawyer.
An attorney can help you investigate the crash, collect evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a lawsuit if necessary. Time is critical—Oklahoma has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
Stay Smart, Stay Safe
Riding a motorcycle in Oklahoma offers freedom, speed, and adventure—but it also comes with increased risk. By understanding the most common types of motorcycle accidents and taking active steps to avoid them, you can reduce your chances of becoming a statistic.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Our law firm is here to guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you recover physically and financially.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers at Laird Hammons Laird Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. Our law office is located in Oklahoma City.
We proudly serve Oklahoma County, OK and its surrounding areas:
Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers – OKC
1332 SW 89th St,
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
(405) 703-4567
