
Similar to how it is important to wear a seatbelt in a standard motor vehicle, it is important to wear a helmet on a motorcycle. This is a strong recommendation with your safety as a priority. Though you may never want to think about this possibility, you should take every safety precaution necessary in the unfortunate event you enter a crash. Without further ado, continue reading to learn why you should wear a motorcycle helmet at all times and how an experienced Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A. can help you better understand the state’s traffic safety laws.
Why should I wear a motorcycle helmet at all times?
The state of Florida is somewhat more lenient with their motorcycle helmet laws, by only partially requiring them on the roads. That is, it may only be ordered for motorcycle operators and riders under 21 to wear a helmet. Then, operators and riders over 21 need only wear protective eyewear.
But even though helmet-wearing may be voluntary for you, you should still opt for one. This is because, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle helmets are estimated to be 37 effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle operators and 41 percent effective in motorcycle riders. Specifically, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motorcycle helmets are estimated to be 70 effective in preventing severe or fatal brain injuries, 69 percent effective for severe or fatal head injuries, and 50 effective for severe or fatal neck injuries.
What if I get in an accident while wearing a motorcycle helmet?
Yes, your motorcycle helmet may most definitely lessen the degree of your injuries in the event of a crash. However, it sadly may not prevent bodily injuries entirely. For example, say that you collide with a standard motor vehicle. Well, your body alone stands little to no chance against a weighty vehicle’s sheer size and force. So while you may not incur a head, brain, or neck injury, you may still incur broken bones, road rash, or even organ damage upon impact with the vehicle, the pavement, or otherwise.
So, if you still get in an accident while wearing a motorcycle helmet, you may consider a personal injury claim. This may be the best solution for recovering financial compensation for your other bodily injuries, along with holding the negligent driver accountable for them. Of note, wearing a helmet at the time of your accident may support your overall argument: that you were driving with abundant care and thereby the crash was due to no fault of your own.
The time to act is now. So please pick up the phone and call a skilled Tampa auto accident lawyer from Merricks Law Group, P.A. We look forward to hearing from you.