The state of Oklahoma is made for motorcycle riding. With sweeping vistas and great weather, it offers the riders of its 120,364 registered motorcycles the chance to enjoy days out on the road. Accidents can occur, however, and bikers often suffer catastrophic injuries.
Many times, wearing a helmet could be enough to prevent the worst of these injuries, but is it required in Oklahoma City, OK? We discuss OKC’s helmet laws below.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. You can discuss your legal rights with an experienced Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyer at (405) 497-0480.
How Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Motorcycle Accident in Oklahoma City, OK
A motorcycle crash can be devastating for the rider because of the lack of protection a bike offers. The chances of dealing with serious injuries are high, and that means a significant number of medical bills. To get compensation to cover these expenses, you should turn to our OKC motorcycle accident lawyers at Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers.
When you choose our team, you can expect us to:
- Assess your claim during a free consultation
- Gather evidence to prove your claim
- Negotiate with insurance companies and other parties
- Litigate your case in court if necessary
We have 95 years of combined experience helping the people of Oklahoma City who have suffered losses because of someone else’s negligence. Our team has helped recover more than $100 million for accident victims. Contact our law firm to speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
What Are the Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Oklahoma City, OK?
Oklahoma is not a universal helmet state. This means that not all motorcyclists or passengers have to wear a helmet. Only those under the age of 18 are required to wear helmets — and that includes motorcycle passengers. Those under 18 have to wear helmets that meet Department of Transportation standards.
Oklahoma law does require you to protect your eyes from debris in some form or other. A windshield works well, as does a helmet with a face shield. You can wear goggles or other eyewear, but they must meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) criteria.
Every motorcycle in Oklahoma must have:
- A horn
- A muffler
- Two rear-view mirrors
- A fender on each wheel
- A working speedometer
The motorcycle must also have at least one red tail light that can be seen from 500 feet away. Your handlebars must not be higher than your eye level.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: The Dangers of Riding Without a Helmet
If road conditions lead you to lose control of your motorcycle, or if another vehicle hits you, it’s very likely you’ll fall off your bike and suffer injuries. Some of the most life-altering injuries, which helmets are meant to prevent, are traumatic brain injuries.
Traumatic brain injuries occur from a forceful blow or jolt to your head or body or from an object that goes through brain tissue. These injuries affect how your brain works, potentially leading to lasting damage.
If you suffered a traumatic brain injury, it means that your brain twisted or bounced around your skull, causing damage to blood vessels and leading to chemical changes that can create all manner of cognitive issues. The mildest form of these injuries is a concussion, which can cause dizziness, confusion, and headaches.
The more severe the injury is, the worse the symptoms will be. Symptoms can be physical as well as emotional, such as having trouble regulating emotions. The worst types of traumatic brain injuries can lead to permanent brain damage.
Damages You Can Claim After a Motorcycle Accident in Oklahoma City, OK
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident and suffered injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, you may have the chance to claim economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that have a clear cost.
Medical expenses are economic damages. You can get coverage for hospital bills, rehabilitation, and much more. If you suffered a traumatic brain injury, you may also need to get coverage for ongoing medical care, so claiming future medical costs is crucial.
It’s likely that the accident totaled your motorcycle. You should be able to receive compensation to help you replace or repair the vehicle.
Another type of economic damage you can claim is lost wages. If you missed work because of your injuries, it’s possible to get compensated for that, as well as any future earning potential you may have lost.
Non-economic damages include losses that are not as easy to quantify. Pain and suffering is one of those, as is loss of enjoyment of life and even loss of companionship.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Experienced Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
You don’t have to struggle through the claims process on your own after a motorcycle accident. By turning to personal injury lawyers with experience handling motorcycle accident cases, you can get the guidance you deserve. Schedule a free case consultation with our Oklahoma City personal injury attorneys.