Motorcycle Accident Claims in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma helmet law, whether lane splitting is legal, how fault is shared after a motorcycle crash, and the deadline to sue.
Short answer: Riders under 18 may not operate or ride on a motorcycle unless properly wearing a crash helmet meeting federal standards (49 C.F.R. 571.218). Riders 18 and older are not required to wear a helmet. 47 Okla. Stat. § 12-609
| Motorcycle helmet law | Riders under 18 may not operate or ride on a motorcycle unless properly wearing a crash helmet meeting federal standards (49 C.F.R. 571.218). Riders 18 and older are not required to wear a helmet. Motorcycles must have a windshield, or the operator must wear protective eyewear or a face shield. The equipment statute does not address whether not wearing a helmet affects damages. Read in the Oklahoma Legislature's official complete-title PDF (oklegislature.gov). Source: 47 Okla. Stat. § 12-609 |
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| Lane splitting | Banned. No driver of a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle or electric-assisted bicycle may pass other vehicles between lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction (authorized emergency vehicles excepted). Read in the Oklahoma Legislature's official complete-title PDF (oklegislature.gov). Source: 47 Okla. Stat. § 11-1103(D) |
| Fault rule (comparative negligence) | Modified comparative negligence (51% bar). An injured person's own negligence does not bar recovery unless it is of greater degree than the negligence of the person causing the harm, or greater than the combined negligence of all persons causing it. The statute covers personal injury, wrongful death and property damage claims. Source: 23 Okla. Stat. § 13 |
| Minimum car insurance | Every owner must keep liability security on a registered vehicle. A motor vehicle liability policy must provide at least $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Source: 47 Okla. Stat. §§ 7-601, 7-324 |
| Deadline to sue for an injury | Two years for an action for injury to the rights of another not arising from a contract, which covers most negligence-based injury claims. Assault, battery, libel, slander, malicious prosecution and false imprisonment have a one-year deadline. |
More Oklahoma personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Oklahoma
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Oklahoma
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Oklahoma
- Car Accident Claims in Oklahoma
- Dog Bite Liability in Oklahoma
- Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries in Oklahoma
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Oklahoma
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Oklahoma
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Oklahoma
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Oklahoma
- Construction Site Injuries in Oklahoma
- All Oklahoma personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Oklahoma?
Riders under 18 may not operate or ride on a motorcycle unless properly wearing a crash helmet meeting federal standards (49 C.F.R. 571.218). Riders 18 and older are not required to wear a helmet. Motorcycles must have a windshield, or the operator must wear protective eyewear or a face shield. The equipment statute does not address whether not wearing a helmet affects damages.
Is lane splitting legal in Oklahoma?
Banned. No driver of a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle or electric-assisted bicycle may pass other vehicles between lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction (authorized emergency vehicles excepted).
Can you recover damages if you were partly at fault in Oklahoma?
Modified comparative negligence (51% bar). An injured person's own negligence does not bar recovery unless it is of greater degree than the negligence of the person causing the harm, or greater than the combined negligence of all persons causing it. The statute covers personal injury, wrongful death and property damage claims.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Oklahoma?
Every owner must keep liability security on a registered vehicle. A motor vehicle liability policy must provide at least $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Oklahoma?
Two years for an action for injury to the rights of another not arising from a contract, which covers most negligence-based injury claims. Assault, battery, libel, slander, malicious prosecution and false imprisonment have a one-year deadline.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.