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Representing Bay Area Clients
In Personal Injury Claims Since 1978

Representing Bay Area Clients
In Personal Injury Claims Since 1978

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Helmet Laws

 

Many states have mandatory helmet laws that require motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear helmets while operating or riding on a motorcycle. These laws generally specify the type of helmets that have been approved for use by a state agency. If you have questions about whether CA has a helmet law or whether your failure to obey that law will affect your ability to recover damages in a motorcycle accident case, contact [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-3″] in Oakland to schedule a consultation with an attorney to discuss your particular situation.

Helmet laws vary by state

Wearing a helmet is an effective way to protect yourself in the event of a motorcycle accident. If a motorcyclist is hit and falls off the bike, a head injury often occurs. A helmet may save the life of a motorcycle driver or passenger by reducing the severity of head injuries. Some states have universal helmet laws for all riders, other states have laws only requiring some riders to wear helmets, and some have no helmet-use laws at all.

How the failure to wear a helmet can affect your case

In a personal injury action brought by an injured motorcyclist, the defendant may argue that the injured party’s own negligence was actually the cause of his or her injuries. Generally, to establish that the injured party was negligent, the defendant must prove that the injured party had a duty of some kind to operate his or her motorcycle in a safe and reasonable manner; that the injured party breached this duty in some way; and that the breach of duty was a proximate cause of the accident. If the defendant can prove all these elements and establish that the injured party was negligent, the injured party’s recovery may be barred or reduced because of his or her contributory negligence.

In states that have enacted mandatory helmet laws, the statutes may provide only for criminal penalties. In addition, some of these statutes are silent as to the effect that a violation of the law has on the determination of whether a motorcyclist was negligent. In these states, it is not necessarily clear what the effect of a motorcyclist’s failure to wear a helmet will have on the determination of his or her negligence.

As mentioned above, many states do not have laws that require motorcyclists to wear helmets at all. Some courts within these states have found the fact that an injured rider was not wearing a helmet is inadmissible in a personal injury suit.

Legal challenges to helmet laws

Generally, mandatory helmet laws require that drivers and passengers of motorcycles wear a protective helmet or other headgear that has been approved by a state agency. Constitutional challenges to helmet laws in a number of states have had mixed results. Some courts have upheld these laws, finding that they are a legitimate use of the state’s police power to promote the general health, safety and welfare of citizens. There is also limited legal authority, which provides that helmet laws are unconstitutional because they do not bear a substantial relationship to protecting the general public. Courts have held that helmet laws are not discriminatory against a particular class of people and do not violate the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause because a helmet requirement is a reasonable means to protect people on highways from the greater hazards caused by the increased risk to motorcyclists. Other courts have upheld helmet laws against arguments that they are unconstitutional burdens on interstate commerce, finding that any burden was incidental.

Individuals wishing to challenge the constitutionality of a mandatory helmet law bear the burden of proving that the law is unconstitutional. This can be a difficult task, particularly because there is a strong presumption of validity of laws that govern public safety issues.

Talk to a personal injury lawyer

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident and you were not wearing a helmet, you may have questions about whether this will affect your chances to recover damages for your injuries from the person who hit you. Contact [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-3″] in Oakland, CA, to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney who can evaluate your situation.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Vehicle Accidents

Q: I have been in a motor vehicle accident. Should I go to a doctor?

A: Yes. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you should see a doctor right away. First, you should see a doctor for your own well-being. You likely will not be able to discern the extent of your injuries yourself. An initially small ache could actually be something significant, but only a doctor can tell you for sure. Furthermore, if you decide to bring a legal claim against the at-fault driver or another party, you will need documentation of your injuries and any treatment you received.

Q: Do I have to go to court if I want to recover monetary damages?

A: It depends. Your case may settle before your attorney even files a formal lawsuit, or it may go all the way to a trial and a jury verdict. The majority of legal actions are settled before they get to trial, but what happens in your case depends on the facts, the law and the parties involved.

Read More

Personal Injury Overview