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What is the link between helmet laws and motorcycle accidents?

On Behalf of | Dec 17, 2021 | Blog, Motorcycle Accidents

Many Oklahoma residents enjoy the sense of freedom that riding a motorcycle gives them. However, riding is also dangerous. There is a link between helmet laws and motorcycle accidents.

What are Oklahoma’s helmet laws?

Oklahoma is one of the states that doesn’t have universal helmet laws for riding motorcycles. Only riders younger than 18 are required by law to wear a helmet. For anyone 18 and older, it’s optional to use one.

However, while helmets are not mandatory for adults, motorcycle accidents can be especially deadly for riders who don’t wear helmets.

Why should motorcycle riders wear helmets?

Helmets are the most important equipment a motorcycle rider can wear. They protect the rider’s head from serious impact and injury during motorcycle accidents. An accident involving a motorcycle can result in serious injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries or TBI. Additionally, motorcycle accidents are far more likely to result in death as riders can be thrown upon the impact of a crash. Motorcycles are riskier due to their slim, open design and lack of coverage like on cars and other vehicles.

What happens if you’re in an accident without a helmet?

Many riders who don’t wear helmets can suffer serious injuries from motorcycle crashes. Filing a personal injury lawsuit might mean that the rider could be found partially responsible for the accident due to the state following comparative negligence laws. For example, if a rider suffers injuries after an accident where a driver was speeding but the motorcyclist was lane splitting in an unsafe manner, the rider might be deemed 20% at fault for the accident. If their personal injury claim ended up successful, they would receive 80% of the total amount they were seeking in compensation.

In spite of the limited helmet laws, it’s best to be as careful as possible. If you regularly ride a motorcycle, you should use a helmet to protect yourself from serious injury in the event of an accident.

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