If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident but weren’t wearing a helmet, you may still be entitled to compensation. Our Jacksonville motorcycle accident attorneys at Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help you determine whether Florida helmet laws stand in the way of your claim.
Deciding whether or not to wear a helmet is a critical decision. Choosing not to wear a helmet dramatically increases the risk of death or serious injuries in a crash. Despite this, not everyone chooses to wear a helmet. If you’re one of those people, you’re probably wondering if that will affect your claim after an accident.
Give us a call at (904) 396-1100 or contact Baggett Law for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and help you understand the helmet laws in Jacksonville, Florida.
How Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Motorcycle Accident in Florida
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida, Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your rights. Don’t let insurance companies or those involved in the accident mislead you regarding your rights simply because you weren’t wearing a helmet.
With over eight decades of combined legal experience, our Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyers at Baggett Law have rightfully earned a reputation for winning cases and providing clients with stellar representation.
Contact our attorneys today for a free consultation in Jacksonville, FL.
Why Are Helmets Important?
Wearing a helmet when operating a motorcycle prevents serious head injuries and death in the event of an accident. Helmets decrease the risk of serious head injury by a staggering 69%.
The foam lining inside a motorcycle helmet expands in the event of a crash impact. This controls and limits the amount of crash force your skull absorbs.
Helmets also protect motorcyclists from roadway debris, including rocks and dust, and against weather ailments, such as rain, hail, and icy wind.
Florida Helmet Laws
Florida helmet laws can get complicated due to the various criteria involved. Understanding the rules, as well as the risks associated with choosing to disregard those rules, can help you make the right choice.
Riders under the age of 21 are strictly required to wear a helmet while on a motorcycle. Exceptions include anyone 16-21 who operates a bike or moped with less than 50cc displacement. Individuals in an enclosed cab are also exempt from helmet laws.
Florida bikers over the age of 21 can choose not to wear a helmet but are legally required to carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection to cover medical costs in the event of a crash.
Do Passengers Have To Wear A Helmet?
Passengers are subject to the same legal requirements as motorcycle drivers. This includes insurance coverage and age regulations.
All motorcycle passengers who are under the age of 21 are legally required to wear a helmet.
Is Eye Protection Required In Florida?
Drivers and passengers of any age are required to wear eye protection on a motorcycle.
How Much Does A Motorcycle Helmet Cost?
The cost of a motorcycle helmet can vary greatly, depending on any custom requests or preferences. Bikers can generally find an affordable, quality helmet for less than $100. Custom helmet jobs could cost upwards of $2000. The most important element when purchasing a helmet is to ensure that it fits snuggly and will protect you in the event of an accident.
Injuries In Motorcycle Crashes
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 5000 people are killed every year in motorcycle accidents. The potential for serious injury and death still exists even in cases when the victim chooses to wear a helmet. Survivors of motorcycle accidents are often left with severe, debilitating, and chronic injuries.
Motorcycle crash injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Serious head trauma
- Traumatic brain damage
- Spinal cord damage/paralysis
- Amputations
- Road rash
Many of these injuries result in the need for ongoing medical care. The financial, physical, and emotional damages from these accidents may result in decreased quality of life, and mental health issues, including depression.
Do I Still Have A Claim If I Wasn’t Wearing A Helmet?
Not wearing a helmet significantly increases the likelihood of serious injuries or death in the event of a crash. As a result, there may be questions of shared liability because you could have mitigated your damages by wearing a helmet.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t recover. After all, the absence of a helmet is not what causes an accident.
Get Help From Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers to Learn More About Florida Helmet Laws
At Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our motorcycle accident attorneys understand the physical, financial, and emotional damages you’re dealing with after a motorcycle accident. We won’t let the insurance companies take advantage of your situation.
Let us represent you in your motorcycle accident case while you focus on healing from your injuries. Contact our personal injury law firm to speak with one of our experienced Jacksonville motorcycle accident attorneys. We’re ready to advocate for you and protect your legal interests.
Give us a call today.
