The number of motorcycle deaths more than doubled between 1997 and 2016, and more than 5,000 motorcycle drivers have died each year since 2015. While alcohol is still the biggest factor in motorcycle-related fatalities, two other significant causes are other drivers and malfunctioning motorcycle components. Additionally, wrecks involving motorcycles may result in serious injuries such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, necessitating extensive rehabilitation.
Most states require a separate endorsement on one’s driver’s license in order to legally operate a motorcycle. Many motorcyclists are unaware of this requirement, however, and illegally drive motorcycles everyday. When they are in an accident, these riders are often cited as being at least partially at fault, even if the accident was entirely caused by another driver, because they are operating the motorcycle without a proper license.
Most states have mandatory motorcycle safety courses for those hoping to obtain their endorsement. These courses are designed to teach proper riding techniques, raise awareness about safety, and educate the riders on laws affecting the operation of a motorcycle.
Specific laws have been enacted in various states addressing motorcycles and driving requirements including what liability may occur in the event of a motorcycle accident. It is important, following a serious injury from a motorcycle accident, that you speak with attorneys who understand the complexities of these types of cases. The Spinal Cord Injury Law Firm knows how to navigate this process while ensuring the injured receives as much recovery as possible. Call us at 1-877-SCI-FIRM to discuss the details of your case.
Many states now include helmet laws for individuals who drive and ride on a motorcycle, requiring helmets to be worn at all times while on the road. This is because motorcycle helmets save lives. To help protect the lives of motorcycle riders, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all motorcycle helmets sold in the United States meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. This standard defines minimum levels of performance that helmets must meet to protect the head and brain in the event of a crash. Each year, DOT conducts compliance testing of a variety of motorcycle helmets to determine whether helmets being sold in the United States meet the Federal safety standard. Motorcycle helmets are supposed to protect an individual from brain trauma and harm when involved in a wreck while on a motorcycle. If the helmet fails during a collision, a person may have a claim directly against the helmet manufacturer for the injuries sustained from a defective helmet. If you or a loved one have sustained a brain injury or other serious injury as a result of a defective helmet, call The Spinal Cord Injury Law Firm today for a free consultation.
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