Do You Have to Wear a Helmet to Sue after a Motorcycle Accident?
When a motorcyclist is injured because of someone else’s actions, they may be entitled to financial compensation. However, it may first be necessary to prove that they did what they could to prevent injury. Failing to prove that a person took reasonable steps to avoid an accident can significantly reduce the compensation which that person may be awarded. In particular, helmet use can play a major role in proving an attempt to prevent injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident and need financial help for your medical bills and other expenses, you may be able to receive compensation through an injury claim. For more information regarding your rights as an injured rider, contact Jacksonville motorcycle accident attorney Donald Guthrie, P.A., at 904-296-1088.
Motorcycle Laws and Liability Cases
There’s a major difference between Florida’s motorcycle laws and the role of helmet use in an injury claim. In particular, a person can still pursue a claim even if they weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. However, they may take additional blame for their injuries if they violate the specific laws set out for helmet use, which include:
- Riders under 21 should wear a helmet
- Uninsured riders should wear a helmet
- Riders under 16 should wear a helmet if on a moped or similar vehicle
If these laws are broken, the amount of blame placed on the injured rider may be significantly greater than if they were wearing a helmet. However, if the accident was still clearly caused by another person’s mistakes, it may still be possible to pursue an injury claim.
Contact Us
If your injuries in a motorcycle collision were caused by another person or company’s mistakes, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your injuries. To discuss your options in further detail, contact Jacksonville motorcycle accident lawyer Donald Guthrie, P.A., by calling 904-296-1088 today.