Traffic accident fatalities are not only associated with vehicle mishaps because a good portion of road accidents do involve motorcycles. Traffic accident fatalities are not only associated with vehicle mishaps because a good portion of road accidents do involve motorcycles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2010, 3,615 people were killed in the United States due to motorcycle accidents.
The said data present that motorcycle riding in the country pose significant risks to motorcyclists and motorists in general.
In 2009, NHTSA recorded 383 deaths in California due to motorcycle-related road collisions. Even though government entities do their fair share to ensure road safety, accidents are still inevitable. The State implements certain laws geared towards the safety of motorcycle accidents, this includes mandatory helmet use law.
Pursuant to California Vehicle Code (VC) Section 27803, motorcycle riders must wear a safety helmet that is up with requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. Furthermore, all motorcycle riders, regardless of age, are required to adhere to this VC.
Miscellaneous Facts about Motorcycle Helmets
There are particular notable facts involved in helmet use as determined by the NHTSA, and these include the following:
• It is estimated that Federal government-approved motorcycle helmets reduce the likelihood of a fatal crash by 37 percent.
• Studies found out that motorcycle helmet use is one of the most significant factors in surviving motorcycle crashes.
• The Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) study concluded that helmets are 67 percent effective in preventing head and brain injuries of motorcycle accident victims.
• Head injury is the leading cause of death of motorcycle accident victims.
Helpful Tips for Motorcycle Accident Victims in California
Wearing helmet when you are riding your motorcycle does not make you accident-proof. In an unfortunate scenario that you get involved in a motorcycle accident in the State of California, there are particular steps you need to accomplish as so to preserve your safety as well as your civil rights.
Motorcycle accidents victims are advised to do the following:
1. Seek medical attention – Your first priority must be your health and safety. Once you get injured in a motorcycle mishap, have your injuries treated immediately.
2. File a police report – It is a must for motorcycle accident victims to file a police report in order to have proper documentation of the incident.
3. Take note of the driver’s information – It is imperative for motorcycle accident victims to get all necessary information of the driver involved. Pieces of information worth taking note of include the driver’s name, address, contact number, insurance policy number, and insurance company.
4. Get legal assistance – Accident victims are also advised to seek legal assistance from a Los Angeles personal injury attorney in order to ensure that proper compensations would be received.
