Are motorcyclists required to wear helmets in Fort Walton Beach, Florida?
While the State of Florida does require motorcycle riders to wear protective headgear that complies with Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard 218, riders can exempt themselves if they meet certain requirements. According to Florida Statute § 316.211, a rider who is over the age of 21 can operate their motorcycle without protective headgear (i.e. a helmet) if they are “covered by an insurance policy providing for at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash.”1
What if a motorcyclist was involved in a collision in Florida and wasn’t wearing a helmet?
If a motorcyclist were to engage in a collision and they weren’t wearing a helmet, the insurance company liable for covering the incident may attempt to use this as a reason to undervalue their claim. The fact is, riding a motorcycle carries many risks. Riders aren’t nearly as protected as the occupants of passenger vehicles and are more likely to suffer a head or brain injury. It is for this reason that they should wear a helmet.
But, if a rider chooses not to wear a helmet and is still in compliance with Florida law, the insurer could blame the severity of their injury on their carelessness. Because helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%, the insurer may reduce the value of the rider’s claim alleging their injury would not have been as bad as it is had they worn a helmet.
When a Rider Chooses Not to Wear a Helmet and is Not in Compliance with Florida Law
In the event a motorcycle rider does not wear a helmet and is not carrying at least $10,000 in insurance coverage for medical benefits, the insurer could accuse them of being negligent and use this as their reasoning for undervaluing their claim.
How does a motorcycle accident victim know when the insurer undervalued their claim?
Because most accident victims don’t know exactly how much it is they are entitled to receive for their injuries and other losses, they won’t know when the insurer is undervaluing their claim. But, if a motorcycle accident victim has any suspicions that their claim isn’t being valued properly, they can always schedule a consultation with a Fort Walton Beach, FL motorcycle accident lawyer who can review the amount and determine if it is fair.
The Lawyers at Browning Law Firm Can Help a Motorcycle Accident Victim Fight for the Compensation They Are Due
Motorcycle accidents often end with riders suffering serious or catastrophic injuries. These injuries are not only costly to treat, but they can also impact a person’s personal and professional life. If a victim is looking to recover the maximum amount of compensation their injuries entitle them to, they can connect with a Fort Walton Beach, FL motorcycle accident lawyer at Browning Law Firm.
Browning Law Firm can be reached at:
418 Racetrack Rd. NE, Ste B
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Phone: 850-344-1736
Website: www.browninglawfirm.com
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