Florida Motorcycle Helmet Law and Motorcycle Accidents

Florida is one of more than two dozen states with laws that require some — but not all —motorcycle riders to wear helmets. Florida law allows riders ages 21 and older to ride without a helmet if they can show that they have medical insurance coverage. All motorcycle riders age 20 and younger are required to wear a helmet in Florida. Whatever your age, it’s a good idea to strap on a helmet whenever riding a motorcycle. Keep in mind that head injuries are the leading cause of deaths among motorcyclists who don’t wear helmets. Helmets are the primary protection against fatal head injuries.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Florida motorcycle accident caused by another driver, it’s important to talk to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to understand your legal rights.  I am attorney Philip DeBerard. I have more than three decades of experience representing crash victims seriously injured in motorcycle accidents caused by other motorists.  At the law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, we will evaluate your accident free of charge and explain your legal options. We have convenient offices throughout Florida and the Treasure Coast.

Call (877) 536-1911 to speak with a motorcycle accident attorney at the law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, or fill out our online contact form.

Seek Help From a Knowledgeable Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycles are a far more dangerous form of transportation than cars. They are unsteady when braking and offer little protection to riders in a crash. Wearing a motorcycle helmet helps prevent not only head injuries and brain injuries, but also spine injuries which can cause paralysis. A 2011 study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that helmeted motorcycle riders were 22 percent less likely to suffer cervical spine injury than unhelmeted riders. The study analyzed 40,000 motorcycle crashes from 2002 to 2006.

In 2000, Florida’s motorcycle helmet law was revised to exempt riders 21 and older who have at least $10,000 of medical insurance coverage. Helmet use declined from nearly 100 percent use in Florida to roughly 50 percent use after the law changed. At the same time, hospital admissions for head, brain and skull injuries among motorcyclists increased more than 80 percent in the 30 months after it changed. The death rate from motorcycle accidents in Florida also increased sharply. An analysis of motorcycle crashes in Florida by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that fatalities increased 21 percent in Florida compared to 13 percent nationally in the two years after the change of law.

Unfortunately, the change of law also has encouraged many younger riders to disregard helmet laws and ride without head protection. Helmet use among fatally injured motorcyclists younger than 21 declined from 72 percent before the law changed to 55 percent afterward, according to federal data.

The decline in helmet use has contributed to increases in head injuries and deaths among motorcyclists and motorcycle riders. Three quarters of motorcyclists admitted with head, brain and skull injuries were charged more than $12,000 in medical costs. Many of these accidents were avoidable. They occurred because other motorists did not see the motorcycle on the road.

Contact a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a family member has suffered a serious injury in a motorcycle crash caused by another motorist, contact an experienced Florida motorcycle accident attorney. Motorcycle riders who are injured by another motorist can seek compensation for injuries. I am attorney Philip DeBerard. I have focused my legal practice exclusively on representing victims of serious accidents and injuries caused by the negligence of others, including motorcycle crashes. I was one of the first lawyers in Florida to be board-certified as a civil trial lawyer. My legal skill has received the highest AV preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the most recognized national legal directory.

I take pride in leading a team of hard-working attorneys, paralegals and staff who provide caring, one-on-one service to clients across South Florida and the Treasure Coast. At the law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, we represent motorcycle accident victims in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and Vero Beach. We will evaluate your case free of charge and will not charge any attorney fee unless we secure compensation for you.

Call (877) 536-1911 to speak with a motorcycle accident attorney at the law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, or fill out our online contact form.