1. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, car accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, amputation injuries, product liability.
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, defective motorcycle claims, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims.
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Established personal injury law firm in Tulsa with extensive experience handling complex motorcycle accident cases. The firm is recognized for expertise in personal injury law, particularly in truck and motorcycle accidents. Attorneys provide comprehensive investigation services including working with accident reconstruction specialists. Licensed in Oklahoma state and federal courts.
Location: 1 E. 5th Street, Suite 305, Tulsa, OK 74103
Contact: (918) 359-6600 | https://gravesmclain.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery obtained).
2. McGuire Law Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions.
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims, lane splitting accidents.
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Small, family-run law firm that delivers substantial results. Founding attorney Kent R. McGuire has over 30 years of legal experience, with approximately half spent as a defense lawyer for insurance companies. This background provides insight into insurance company tactics and strategies. The firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients. Works with financial specialists, medical experts, and accident reconstruction specialists. Licensed in Oklahoma.
Location: 401 S. Boston Ave., Suite 1200, Tulsa, OK 74103
Contact: (918) 392-0555 | https://www.kentmcguirelaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery obtained).
3. Brewster & De Angelis
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries, amputation injuries, product liability, premises liability.
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims, wrongful death claims.
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, loss of enjoyment of life claims.
Background: Established in 1983, the firm has more than 40 years fighting for the rights of the severely injured and families of those wrongfully killed throughout Oklahoma. The attorneys offer compassionate and highly personalized legal representation backed by a long track record of success. Handles cases involving motorcycle accidents, automobile collisions, and other personal injury matters.
Location: 2250 E. 73rd Street, Suite 630, Tulsa, OK 74136
Contact: (918) 265-1214 | https://www.brewsterlaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery obtained).
4. Aizenman Law Group
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries, road rash injuries, amputation injuries.
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims.
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, loss of earning capacity claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Personal injury law firm providing comprehensive legal services beyond mere representation. Attorney Daniel Aizenman has been named to Rising Stars for two consecutive years and previously worked on behalf of insurance companies, providing insight into defense strategies. The firm conducts thorough investigations to establish liability, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and litigate in court when necessary.
Location: 8801 S. Yale Avenue, Suite 420, Tulsa, OK 74137
Contact: (631) 769-8431 | https://aizenmanlaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery obtained).
5. Lawter & Associates, PLLC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries, amputation injuries.
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, impaired driving accidents, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims.
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims.
Background: Tulsa-based personal injury law firm with over 40 years of experience helping injured motorcyclists seek justice. The firm’s experienced attorneys know how to gather crucial facts to build strong claims. The attorneys understand the biases insurance companies exploit in motorcycle accident claims and are prepared to take cases to trial if insurance companies refuse to negotiate fairly. Licensed in Oklahoma state and federal courts.
Location: 10441 S. Regal Boulevard, Suite 101, Tulsa, OK 74133
Contact: (866) 584-1028 | https://www.lawterlaw.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation available, contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless recovery obtained).
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Oklahoma
Statute of Limitations: Oklahoma imposes a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from motorcycle accidents pursuant to Oklahoma Statutes Title 12, Section 95(A)(3). This deadline begins on the date of the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit before the two-year deadline passes, the court will dismiss your case, and you will lose the right to seek compensation from the at-fault party. In wrongful death cases, the two-year period begins on the date of death.
Fault System: Oklahoma is an at-fault state. The law of negligence governs motor vehicle accidents. The person who is found to be “at fault” for the accident can be held accountable for the injuries and damages sustained in the motorcycle accident. Injured motorcyclists file claims against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance to recover compensation.
Comparative Negligence: Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Oklahoma Statutes Title 23, Section 13. An injured motorcyclist can recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. If the motorcyclist is found to be 51% or more at fault, they are barred from any recovery. Any compensation awarded is reduced by the motorcyclist’s percentage of fault. For example, if damages are $100,000 and the motorcyclist is found 20% at fault, recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: Oklahoma requires motorcyclists to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Motorcyclists must carry proof of insurance while operating their motorcycles.
Helmet Laws: Oklahoma has a partial helmet law. Under Title 47 O.S. Section 12-609, all motorcycle operators and passengers under the age of 18 are legally required to wear a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet that complies with federal safety standards (49 C.F.R., Section 571.218). Riders 18 years and older are not required by law to wear a helmet. Failure to wear a helmet when required may result in citations and can affect compensation in injury claims under the comparative negligence system.
Eye Protection Requirements: Oklahoma law requires motorcyclists to either have a windshield of sufficient quality, size, and thickness to protect the operator from foreign objects, or wear goggles or other protective eyewear.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Lane splitting is illegal in Oklahoma under Oklahoma Statutes Title 47, Section 11-1103. Motorcyclists are prohibited from passing other vehicles between lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. The only exception is for authorized emergency vehicles such as police motorcycles. Violating lane splitting laws may result in citations and can significantly impact the ability to recover compensation if an accident occurs while lane splitting.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Oklahoma requires an “M” endorsement on the driver’s license to legally operate a motorcycle. Applicants must pass a written knowledge test, vision test, and an on-cycle skills test. Completion of a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course allows applicants to skip the driving test. Riders under 17 years of age must complete the MSF course. Drivers must be at least 16 years old to obtain a full motorcycle endorsement.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements: Oklahoma law requires motorcycles to have at least one rearview mirror, working headlights (must remain on at all times), taillights, stoplights, and footrests for operator and passenger. Handlebars must not be higher than eye level of the operator when seated. Motorcycles must have fenders covering each wheel and a noise suppression system or muffler installed.
Passenger Requirements: Motorcyclists under the age of 16 are not allowed to carry passengers. Motorcycles must be specially equipped to carry passengers with wheels at least 12 inches in diameter and either a second seat with footrests or a sidecar.
Two Abreast Riding: Oklahoma law does not specifically prohibit two motorcycles from riding side-by-side in the same lane. However, riders must ensure the road is wide enough to accommodate both motorcycles safely.
Damage Caps: Oklahoma does not impose caps on economic or non-economic damages in most personal injury cases. However, claims against government entities are subject to caps. Generally, the limit is $125,000 for injuries suffered in any single occurrence. For cities or counties with populations of 300,000 or more, that limit is $175,000.
Wrongful Death Claims: Wrongful death claims in Oklahoma must be filed within 2 years from the date of death. Eligible claimants typically include the surviving spouse, children, or other designated relatives of the deceased.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma allows 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is strictly enforced, and if you fail to file before time expires, the court will dismiss your case. For wrongful death claims, the 2-year period begins on the date of death rather than the date of the accident. Acting promptly is advisable because evidence can deteriorate, witnesses may become unavailable, and insurance companies may become less cooperative over time.
How does Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence rule affect my motorcycle accident claim?
Under Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence system, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident, provided your fault does not exceed 50%. Your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 30% at fault, you would receive $70,000. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. Insurance companies frequently attempt to attribute higher percentages of fault to motorcyclists, so documenting the accident thoroughly and consulting an attorney promptly is important.
Does not wearing a helmet affect my ability to recover compensation in Oklahoma?
Since Oklahoma does not require helmets for riders 18 and older, not wearing one when legally permitted cannot be used to establish that you caused the accident. However, under Oklahoma’s comparative negligence system, failure to wear a helmet may be used to argue that you contributed to the severity of your injuries. Insurance adjusters or jurors could allocate some fault to you for head injuries sustained while riding without a helmet, potentially reducing your compensation. While you have the legal right to ride without a helmet as an adult, the decision may affect your claim’s value.
Is lane splitting legal in Oklahoma, and how does it affect accident liability?
Lane splitting is illegal in Oklahoma. Under Oklahoma Statutes Title 47, Section 11-1103, motorcyclists are prohibited from passing other vehicles between lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. The only exception is for authorized emergency vehicles. If you are involved in an accident while lane splitting, you will likely be found at least partially at fault, which can significantly reduce or eliminate your compensation under Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence system. If your percentage of fault exceeds 50%, you cannot recover any compensation.
What compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma allows motorcycle accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability, and disfigurement. Oklahoma does not cap damages in most personal injury cases involving private defendants. However, claims against government entities are subject to statutory caps, with limits ranging from $125,000 to $175,000 depending on the municipality’s population.