Florida legislators are discussing a new law that would require scooter riders under the age of 21 to wear helmets on Florida roads, expanding a helmet mandate that already applies to young riders of traditional motorcycles. Given the dangers associated with operating a motorcycle or a scooter, this measure may help curb injuries across Florida. Scooters, which typically do not exceed 30 miles per hour, are becoming more and more popular on college campuses, since they are inexpensive and easy to operate. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you should reach out to a skilled Miami motorcycle crash attorney as soon as possible. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we are committed to protecting your rights at every step of the way.
Currently, the helmet requirement only applies to riders and operators who are under the age of 16. With Florida motorcycle deaths increasing by 30 percent since 2015, supporters of the new bill feel this is an important measure that could save lives across the state. In fact, an American Automobile Association study found that motorcycles accounted for 3 percent of registered vehicles, yet they are involved in 20 percent of vehicle fatalities across Florida. On the other hand, motorcyclist groups who oppose the law have launched a campaign to defeat the proposed law.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, you could recover compensation for your harm through a negligence claim. Negligence takes place when a person causes an injury or death by failing to use reasonable care. Reasonable care is defined as how a prudent person would act under the same or similar circumstances. It is important to note that Florida is a comparative fault state, which means that a jury or court can proportionally assign fault to multiple parties in an accident. Consequently, the plaintiff’s compensation will be reduced by his or her percentage of fault for the accident. For example, if a jury determines that you were 20 percent at fault for causing a crash, your compensation will be reduced by 20 percent.
Regardless of how or at which speed a motorcycle accident occurred, not wearing a helmet can significantly increase your chances of suffering a head injury or death, compared to riders who are wearing helmets at the time of an accident. Once liability is established in a particular motorcycle accident case, the plaintiff can recover a variety of damages, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, and any other losses stemming from the accident.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need to contact a seasoned Miami motorcycle accident attorney without delay. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our team will work closely with you to determine who was at fault for the accident and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your harm. For a free consultation, call us at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or contact us online today.
More Blog Posts:
Summary Judgment in Florida Personal Injury Cases, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, November 2, 2017
Crush Injuries Florida, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, November 2, 2017
Preponderance of the Evidence Standard in Florida Civil Cases, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, November 2, 2017