In the state of Florida, motorcyclists who are over the age of 21 are not required to wear a helmet when they hit the road. Even though older motorcyclists have the choice of wearing a helmet, any rider who chooses not to is making an incredibly dangerous decision. Riding a motorcycle with a helmet is a risky activity on its own, riding without a helmet is a sure way to succumb to catastrophic if not fatal injuries should you get into a crash.
Helmets are the most important piece of protective gear a motorcyclist can utilize. The most common injury motorcyclists face when they are involved in accidents are those to the head. Helmets can reduce the risk of brain injury when in a crash. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III) motorcycle crashes in 2016 resulted in 5,286 deaths. Helmets not only protect against brain damage but they increase the chances that a motorcyclist will not perish in an accident. Some organizations provide information regarding motorcycle safety and offer resources for certified helmets. A Snell certified helmet is one of the organizations that utilize the best and most current technology to make their protective headgear.
Traffic Accidents And Motorcyclists In Florida
It is incredibly important for motorcycle riders to utilize all protective gear every time they hit the road. However, because these highly vulnerable drivers don’t have anywhere near the protection that a passenger vehicle, truck, bus, or semi has when they are involved in a crash it isn’t uncommon that the result is a catastrophic injury. In Florida, because of our high rate of motorcyclists, catastrophic injuries for this population happens all too often.
A catastrophic injury is used to define the outcome of an accident where the victim has sustained injuries that are permanent and disabling. For motorcyclists, the leading catastrophic injuries include:
- Open and closed head brain injuries
- Severe Burns
- Road rash
- Disfigurement
- Spinal cord injuries
It is not only painful to have to endure one of these injuries it is also mentally taxing trying to heal and recover. When your outlook appears that you will be permanently disabled and unable to return to the life you lived before the injury occurred emotional trauma often ensues.
How To Obtain Compensation In Florida After A Motorcycle Accident
Because motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles, they can be difficult to see on the roads for other drivers. Motorcyclists are more prone to being hit than a larger vehicle that has much more visibility. When a collision occurs, the damages that result are often not favorable for the motorcyclist.
If you are a motorcyclist who was hit by a reckless or negligent driver in Florida you need effective legal representation. When you have an Orlando motorcycle accident injury lawyer, you are giving your case the best possible chances for obtaining a fair verdict and settlement.
The Orlando personal injury attorneys at the Vaughan Law Group offer three decades of fighting on behalf of victims in the state of Florida. After you are injured in a motorcycle accident, call the Vaughan Law Group’s team of Orlando serious injury attorneys at (407) 648-1426 to speak with a legal professional during a free consultation.
