Many riders love their motorcycles for the feeling of the wind on their face and the sense of freedom and adventure these vehicles provide. However, statistics show that these can be incredibly dangerous, even with proper protective equipment However, wearing protective equipment can reduce the risk of severe injury. This blog explores the motorcycle helmet laws you should familiarize yourself with in Florida and why you should contact a Broward County motorcycle accident lawyer to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Is Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet Required?
If you ride a motorcycle, it’s important to understand the laws surrounding protective equipment. Florida has partial helmet laws, meaning some riders are required to wear helmets while others are not. In general, only riders under 21 are required by law to wear a helmet that meets the standards set by the Department of Transportation. Additionally, drivers under 21 have a different license plate so the police can easily ensure they are wearing helmets in accordance with the law.
However, if you are over 21 and choose not to wear a helmet when riding, you must carry injury insurance. The minimum coverage of the policy must be $10,000. This is to ensure you can receive necessary medical care in the event of a crash.
It’s critical to emphasize that just because you may not be legally required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle does not mean you shouldn’t. Though wearing a helmet cannot prevent accidents from happening, it can reduce the risk of brain injuries that can impact you for the rest of your life.
In addition, if you do not wear a helmet and you sustain an injury due to the negligence of another party, you may find that your failure to wear headgear can impact the outcome of your claim. This is because of Florida’s comparative negligence laws. Essentially, this means that the negligent party can claim you also contributed to your accident because you did not take property safety measures, thus reducing the value of your claim by your percentage of fault.
What Should I Do if I’ve Been Injured in an Accident?
If you have sustained an injury while riding a motorcycle, understanding the steps you should take to protect yourself and recover the compensation you deserve is critical. Generally, the first thing you’ll want to do is request medical treatment at the scene of the accident. This can not only help ensure your health and well-being, but it can also help establish medical care.
Next, you should connect with an experienced personal injury attorney. Unfortunately, many are unaware of their rights during these matters, which can lead to unfavorable outcomes. As such, it’s imperative to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve when injured because of another person’s negligence. When you’re hurt, the Finizio Law Group can help. Connect with us today to learn how we can fight for you during these times.
