The first full-face helmet for motorcyclists, released by Bell Helmets in 1963, was named the Bell Star. It was constructed using the same materials as NASA used for astronaut helmets. Today, most safety experts credit motorcycle helmets with saving countless lives.
Helmets are restrictive, though, and they can be uncomfortable in the summer heat. For motorcycle enthusiasts who want to feel the wind in their hair, Inverness motorcycle helmet laws are among the most lenient. A motorcycle accident attorney could help you seek compensation after an accident, whether or not you were wearing a helmet.
State Motorcycle Helmet Laws
According to Florida Statute § 316.211, you must wear a helmet that passes the Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard 218 if you are younger than 21 years old or a passenger of someone younger than 21. Drivers 21 and older can forego helmets, whether they are residents or visitors, if they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance. This protects motorcyclists because Florida is a no-fault state for vehicular insurance; drivers look to their personal policies if they are hurt in an accident.
Motorcyclists in Inverness who choose to forego wearing helmets must wear protective eyewear approved by the Florida Department of Transportation. Inclement weather, bugs, and airborne debris that would ordinarily smack into a motorcycle helmet face shield can hit a motorcyclist in the face and eyes if they are not wearing a helmet. Eyewear is a helpful safety measure.
The Consequences of Not Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet
Motorcycle wrecks are often catastrophic. Head injuries are common, and motorcyclists routinely suffer traumatic brain injuries, broken necks leading to paralysis, and concussions. Additionally, broken bones and road rash are typical. All these injuries require long-term medical care, which hurts an injured motorcyclist physically, emotionally, and financially.
Motorists who cause accidents should be held responsible for compensating the person harmed, even if the adult motorcyclist in Inverness is not wearing a helmet. The attorneys at Largey Law Firm are compassionate advocates. We offer tenacious and experienced representation but also empathy and devoted attention.
Modified Comparative Negligence
The state follows a modified comparative negligence standard under Fl. Stat. § 768.81. A motorcyclist who is more than 50 percent liable for their injuries in a motorcycle accident cannot collect a damages award.
This gives incentive to defendants’ insurers or attorneys to argue that a person in Inverness not wearing a helmet contributed to their injuries, which would not have been as severe if they had been wearing helmets. They will try to convince a jury that the lack of a helmet and perhaps other negligent actions by the motorcyclist amounted to more than 50 percent of the accident’s cause.
Our Attorneys Understand Inverness Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Motorcycle accidents are catastrophic. Protective gear is helpful, but it is not required if you are 21 or older and have appropriate personal injury insurance.
We understand the lure of the open road and can fight for compensation if a motorist crashes into you, even if you are not wearing a helmet. We understand how insurers and defendants’ attorneys will try to use that against you, but we refuse to let them. You deserve compensation from a negligent motorist after complying with Inverness motorcycle helmet laws. Call our team to discuss your case.
