We have many motorcycle riders and enthusiasts in our community. It is a fun, as well as economical, way to get around. I urge all motorcyclists to practice safe and cautious driving, and I especially urge all other motorists on the road to look twice for motorcyclists before changing lanes, turning, backing up, etc. Recently, a helmeted motorcyclist was struck by a pick up truck being driven by a 17 year old attempting a left turn onto County Road 342 in Bell, Florida when his vehicle struck the motorcycle. The impact was so forceful it made the pick up truck rotate clockwise. Although the motorcyclist was reported to be in critical condition, the fact that he was wearing a helmet saved him from a more serious, or possibly even a fatal injury.
Since the safety of our friends and neighbors in the community is one of our biggest concerns, I just wanted to share some information with you regarding Florida’s helmet law. To that end, many motorcycle riders and enthusiasts are familiar with Florida’s helmet law as it stands today. Florida has what is referred to as a “partial” helmet law which requires only riders under the age of 21 to wear helmets, as well as those riders who have less than $10,000 in medical insurance. Florida used to have what is referred to as a “universal” helmet law that required all motorcyclists to wear helmets. The universal law was repealed in 2000, and we now have the “partial” helmet law.
Since the universal helmet law was repealed in 2000, statistics, unfortunately, have shown that the number of deaths have increased for motorcyclists in Florida. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the thirty months following the repeal of the universal helmet law in Florida, deaths of all riders increased 55% and motorcycle crash-related hospitalizations rose more than 40%. Additionally, the cost of treating head injuries from motorcycle crashes more than doubled to $44,000,000. Statistics also show a motorcyclist not wearing a helmet is 40% more likely to die of a head injury than one who wears a helmet.
Most bikers believe that motorcyclists should have the freedom to choose whether or not to wear a helmet. However, this decision really affects many other people in addition to the motorcyclist. Again, the choice of wearing a helmet does not just affect the party involved in the crash. In my years of practice, I have met with numerous families who are dealing with the tragedy of losing a loved one as the result of a head injury suffered in a motorcycle accident. Even though there is a strong argument for the free choice issue, our practice, in dealing with seriously injured motorcycle accident victims, leads us to believe that wearing a helmet is the wise decision So, I encourage all of the motorcyclists to wear a top of the line, DOT approved helmet. These include such name brands as HJC, Scorpion, Nolan, Shoei, Etc. It really could save your life!
My office has assisted many motorcyclists after they have been involved in a crash. If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile or motorcycle accident, please contact my office and let me and my team help you. At Steven Bagen & Associates, we are here to help you. Just call me anytime at 1-800-800-2575 or contact bagenlaw.com. Stay safe!
