Rancho Mirage Motorcycle Helmet Laws
In a state like California, motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation. However, it is crucial for riders to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to riding safely. Wearing a helmet, for instance, can save a motorcyclist’s life in the event of an accident. Motorcycle laws vary from state to state, but most parts of the country require the driver and their passenger to wear protective headgear. When riders or their passengers do not have proper headgear, they can suffer catastrophic and even deadly injuries.
When you or a loved one are involved in a crash while riding a motorcycle, consult a local biker injury lawyer to learn more about Rancho Mirage motorcycle helmet laws and determine if you have a valid claim.
California’s Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Those who own motorcycles must wear a proper helmet at all times when riding their vehicle, and they are obligated to provide a helmet for their passenger as well. While some states have enacted partial helmet laws that allow riders of certain ages to forgo their headgear, California is not one of them. In fact, California has a strict driver-passenger helmet law, meaning that every motorcycle operator and passenger must wear proper headgear, no matter their age or experience level.
Despite the strict laws, motorcyclist deaths are on the rise, and many of these tragedies can be traced back to not wearing a helmet. Proper headgear significantly increases a rider or their passenger’s chance of surviving a crash. In addition, motorcyclists in Rancho Mirage can be fined for not wearing a helmet or not providing protective headgear for their passengers.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Wreck
Even when riders wear a proper helmet, they are at a high risk of serious injury if a crash occurs. Knowing what steps to take after a motorcycle accident can help motorcyclists protect their legal rights and preserve their claim against the driver responsible. A motorcycle collision can be an extremely overwhelming time, so be sure to follow these steps after a crash:
- Assess injuries and contact 911
- Seek medical attention
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Obtain contact information of any witnesses
- Document injuries and vehicle damage
- Provide a statement to the police
- Do not admit fault
- Consult an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer
These important measures can protect your rights when you are involved in an accident while riding your motorcycle. Documenting your injuries and gathering evidence to support your case can be critical during negotiation. Speak with a Rancho Mirage lawyer about your right to compensation and how whether you were following state helmet laws might impact your claim.
Contact a Rancho Mirage Attorney About Motorcycle Helmet Laws
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may have a claim against the driver who hit you. It is important to wear a helmet and adhere to Rancho Mirage motorcycle helmet laws for safety reasons, but also to protect your legal rights. Motorcyclists who are injured in a crash and were not wearing a helmet could face hurdles to obtaining compensation. Even if the other driver acted negligently, they could reduce their liability by arguing the rider contributed to their injury by ignoring California’s helmet requirement. As such, wearing a helmet any time you ride your motorcycle is one of the most important decisions you can make.
To discuss your rights and remedies after a motorcycle wreck, contact Walter Clark Legal Group to schedule an initial consultation.