Chris Hammons | May 26, 2025 | Motorcyle Accidents
Motorcycle laws vary widely by state, and helmet regulations are one of the most important safety rules. In Oklahoma, whether you must wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle depends on your age. If you’re under 18, you’re required by law to wear one. However, if you’re 18 or older, wearing a helmet is optional.
This may sound straightforward, but not wearing a helmet can affect more than just your safety. It might also impact your ability to recover compensation if you’re injured in a motorcycle accident. Below, we explain Oklahoma’s helmet law in more detail and how it can affect injury claims.
Oklahoma’s Motorcycle Helmet Law
Oklahoma law requires motorcycle riders or passengers under 18 to wear helmets. This rule is part of Oklahoma Statutes Title 47, Section 12-609, which covers protective headgear and devices.
If you’re 18 or older, you’re not legally required to wear a helmet while operating or riding on a motorcycle. But while it’s not mandatory, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for safety reasons. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets reduce the risk of death by 37% for riders and 41% for passengers.
Your helmet must also meet federal safety standards, such as those set by the Department of Transportation (DOT). This means novelty helmets or those not tested for impact protection may not qualify under the law.
Can Not Wearing a Helmet Affect My Injury Claim?
Even though Oklahoma doesn’t require adults to wear helmets, choosing not to wear one could still affect your personal injury case after a motorcycle accident, particularly if you suffer a head injury.
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means that if you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
If you suffer a traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle accident and were not wearing a helmet, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were worse because you didn’t take reasonable steps to protect yourself. They could use this to try to lower your compensation, even if the other driver caused the crash.
A helmet might not prevent an accident from happening. However, it can protect you from serious injury, which can potentially impact your case’s value and outcome.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Oklahoma
If you’re involved in a motorcycle crash, what you do next matters.
These steps can help protect your health and your legal rights:
- Call 911 to report the accident and get emergency responders to the scene.
- Exchange information with all drivers and any witnesses.
- Take photos of the crash scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you think your injuries are minor.
- Avoid discussing fault or apologizing at the scene.
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your rights and next steps.
The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better. Evidence can disappear quickly, and insurance companies may try to get you to accept a low settlement. A lawyer can help you gather the right documentation and negotiate for the full compensation you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma, understanding the state’s helmet laws is just one piece of the puzzle. Whether you were wearing a helmet or not, you may still have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries, especially if someone else’s negligence caused the crash.
An experienced Oklahoma motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and fight back against blame-shifting tactics from insurance companies. Call a lawyer today to schedule a free consultation and begin exploring your options.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident 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