Florida road rules and regulations are in place to ensure your safety and that of fellow drivers. This alone should be enough reason to abide by them. Specifically, the state of Florida upholds a partial helmet law for motorcycle operators and riders. With this, operators and riders under the age of 21 must wear helmets, while those over the age of 21 may opt for appropriate eye protection. However, it may be in your best interest to have on a helmet at all times, no matter the external circumstances. Follow along to find out how a motorcycle helmet can help keep you safe and how a proficient Panama City motorcycle accident attorney at Manuel & Thompson, PA can help you in the event of an accident or injury.
How can a motorcycle helmet keep me physically safe?
Undoubtedly, wearing a helmet may physically protect you from a serious head injury in the event of a motorcycle crash. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a motorcycle helmet may reduce the risk of a serious head injury by 69 percent and the risk of a serious brain injury by 70 percent. More specific examples of such serious head and brain injuries are concussions, skull fractures, brain hemorrhages, and traumatic brain injuries.
What other protective gear can keep me safe on a motorcycle?
In addition to wearing a helmet, you should wear other protective gear when operating or riding a motorcycle. This is regardless of whether Florida imposes road rules and regulations on this gear. Such gear may be deemed pivotal, as the design of a motorcycle does not afford you the same protections as a standard motor vehicle.
For one, you should wear appropriate eye protection. This is so you may be shielded from the wind or debris flying in front of you as you navigate the motorcycle. What’s more, it may protect from the glare during the hours of sunrise and sunset. In addition, you should wear a well-fitted, padded jacket. This is so you may protect your arms and torso from road rash in the event of an accident. This is not to mention well-fitted, leather gloves.
What should I do if I am still injured in a motorcycle crash?
Most unfortunately, even with gearing yourself up with all these protections, you may still get seriously injured in the event of a motorcycle crash. This may be due to the sheer dangerous nature of a motorcycle; and the fact that it stands little to no chance upon colliding with the sheer size and force of a standard motor vehicle. So, especially if you did everything in your power to practice safe driving, you should seek recovery by filing a legal claim against the negligent driver.
The time to act is now. So pick up the phone and call a talented Panama City auto accident attorney at Manuel & Thompson, PA at your earliest possible convenience. We look forward to hearing from you.
