December 2, 2025 | Oklahoma Law
Did you know that motorcycle accidents result in injuries to the rider nearly 80% of the time? Given the inherent safety risk, it is essential that motorcyclists always wear a helmet. A properly fitted motorcycle helmet offers both physical protection and legal protection. It is important to wear one whenever you ride, even though it is not always required by state law. Here, our Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyer highlights the key things to know about helmets.
A Motorcycle Helmet Provides Physical Protection
Your health and safety must always be the top priority. The reality is that riding a motorcycle can be dangerous. When accidents happen, motorcyclists tend to bear the brunt of the impact. Wearing a helmet is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and even save your life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 37%. Do not take an unnecessary risk: Even in a relatively low-speed collision, an unprotected head can suffer severe damage. Helmets are engineered to absorb and disperse the force of an impact.
A Motorcycle Helmet Provides Legal Protection
Wearing a motorcycle helmet can also provide legal protection. It is an often overlooked benefit. In Oklahoma, the concept of comparative negligence may reduce a rider’s financial recovery if they are found partially at fault for their injuries. For example, if a jury finds that a motorcyclist’s failure to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of their head injury, the damages awarded could be reduced proportionately. If you suffered $100,000 in damages but were assigned 25% blame because you did not wear a helmet, your recovery could be reduced by 25% as well. You might only be able to recover for the remaining 75% ($75,000). By wearing a helmet, you not only protect yourself physically but also help preserve the strength of any legal claim you may need to bring after an accident.
What to Know About Oklahoma’s Motorcycle Helmet Law
Under Oklahoma law (47 OK Stat § 47-12-609), all motorcycle riders and passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet. With that being said, adult riders (age 18 and older) are not legally required to do so. Despite the lack of a universal helmet mandate, choosing not to wear one can still influence the outcome of a personal injury claim. Juries and judges may view helmet use, or lack thereof, as relevant when evaluating liability and damages.
Do Not Risk it: Always wear a motorcycle helmet when riding, even as a passenger.
Schedule Your Free Case Review With Our Oklahoma City Motorcycle Crash Attorney Today
At McGuire Law Firm, our Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyer is a skilled, knowledgeable advocate for justice. If you or your loved one was hurt in a motorcycle accident, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free case review. Whether or not you were wearing a helmet, our firm is here as a legal resource. We handle motorcycle accident cases throughout Oklahoma