Motorcycle Accidents in Florida: Helmet Rules, Bias, and Common Injury Patterns

While it is not the law in Florida that motorcyclists must wear helmets, riding without one carries certain legal risks beyond the health and safety hazards it presents. 

Any motorcyclist aged 21 or older does not need to don a helmet in order to legally ride in Florida. This law pertains to both riders and passengers. 

However, the motorcyclist must meet insurance requirements before being free to shed their helmet. The rider must have an insurance policy that provides at least $10,000 in coverage for medical bills incurred as a result of a motorcycle crash. 

Specifically, not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle can affect an injured rider’s ability to be fully compensated for their damages. It is critical for a motorcyclist to ensure their coverage is appropriate so that denials and enforcement issues do not arise after an accident. 

Bias In Enforcing Florida’s Helmet Laws

A law enforcement officer, either when stopping a motorcyclist or evaluating an accident scene, must make an evaluation regarding the riders and whether their insurance complies with state law. 

First, expect an officer to request the driver’s licenses of all parties involved in an accident. Helmetless riders and passengers must prove that they are over 21 years of age and carry the necessary minimum of $10,000 in medical coverage. Tickets are issued to helmetless riders and passengers alike if they are not at least 21 years old and do not have the required medical protection under their insurance policy. 

The bottom line is that the clearer a motorcyclist’s documentation is, the less likely it is that there will be problems when it comes to officers attempting to enforce Florida’s helmet laws. 

Common Injuries Suffered in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are especially dangerous for riders and their passengers. The lack of any protection offered by these vehicles makes even low-speed accidents potentially life-threatening for a motorcyclist. 

Broken bones as well as neck and back injuries are perhaps the most common of all harms suffered by motorcyclists and their passengers in accident scenarios. Even more serious than these injuries are spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. Given the topic of helmetless riders and passengers, it should be noted that the chance of experiencing these types of injuries increases dramatically when helmets are not worn. Paralysis is not uncommon in severe cases of spinal cord injury.

Finally, injuries associated with burns and “road rash” occur when skin comes into contact with pavement or the road’s surface at high rates of speed. Wearing proper protection when riding a motorcycle is essential for avoiding the worst of these outcomes in the event of an accident.

Contact an Experienced Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Difilippo & Pica, PLLC, takes its responsibility to serve our clients injured in motorcycle accidents seriously. Contact our office today for a free case review. We advocate for injured motorcyclists and their passengers by preparing diligently and advocating passionately.