Motorcyclists in Florida can go helmet-free as long as they are over 21 and carry $10,000 medical insurance coverage.
Accident lawyer in Florida discusses the state’s helmet laws
Miami, FL- Riding a motorcycle without a helmet is liberating, and Florida is one of the few states that don’t require all riders to wear a helmet. But the freedom to ride without a helmet comes at a cost if there is an accident and could be contributing to the state’s high number of fatal motorcycle crashes. Here we’ll discuss Florida’s motorcycle helmet laws and how victims can recover compensation.
Florida’s motorcycle helmet laws
Not all motorcycle riders in Florida can ride helmet free, but the law is liberal. All individuals under the age of 21 must wear a helmet while riding. If a motorcyclist is over the age of 21, they can helmet-free if they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage. That requirement is largely unenforceable because police are unlikely to pull a motorcyclist over to see if they have the required minimums.
Traumatic brain injuries are common for victims of motorcycle crashes.
Fatal motorcycle crashes
When a motorcyclist is involved in a traffic accident, they are 27 times more likely to die and five times more likely to be injured than a passenger vehicle occupant, according to the Insurance Information Institute reports.
The Governors Highway Safety Association says that 4,486 motorcyclists were killed in 2014. As for the Sunshine State, the Florida Highway Patrol says that 449 bikers were killed in 2014.
One in five people who die in traffic accidents in Florida are riding a motorcycle, but bikers only represent 7 percent of motorists, according to the News-Press. Nationally, one in seven motorcyclists dies in traffic accidents.
Brain injuries common for motorcyclists
Of course, some motorcycle accidents are not survivable regardless of whether a rider is wearing a helmet or not. However, a helmet can mean the difference between a minor injury and a catastrophic one.
A catastrophic injury that is common for a motorcycle rider is a brain injury. Such an injury can drastically change the course of the sufferer’s life, making them unable to return to their normal lives. TBI lead short term or long term memory loss, loss of motor skills and an inability to carry out rudimentary tasks such as walking or talking. Sometimes, a traumatic brain injury can lead to a debilitating mental disorder.
Costs of motorcycle accidents
Motorcycle accident victims can find an outstanding and committed accident attorney at USAttorneys.
Overall, the Government Accountability Office estimates that car and truck accidents in the U.S. cost an average of $16 billion annually in medical care, rehabilitation, property damage, loss of wages, and legal fees. That is a huge price tag for traffic collisions and translates to exorbitant costs for victims.
For an individual, the costs of a brain injury can range from tens of thousands of dollars to several million. Remember, motorcycle riders who choose not to wear a helmet are only required to carry $10,000 in medical insurance, an amount that is well below what they will need if they suffer a brain injury.
Motorcycle accidents can wreak havoc on a victim’s life, burdening them with sky-high medical costs. If you were in a motorcycle accident, let USAttorneys connect you with an accident lawyer near your Florida location to work on your claim.
