With mild temperatures year-round, Jacksonville, Florida is an ideal place to enjoy cruising on a motorcycle or moped. However, it is important to comply with laws regarding wearing helmets to protect your self and your legal rights.
In general, motorcyclists over the age of 21 with a minimum of $10,000 in medical coverage are not required to wear a motorcycle helmet. However, there are details of the law you need to understand to protect yourself and your legal rights.
Understanding Florida Motorcycle Helmet and Eye Coverage Requirements
Motorcycle riders in Jacksonville, Florida must abide by the motorcycle helmet laws outlined in Florida statue Title XXIII, Chapter 316. These laws outline who must wear a helmet or eye coverage. Requirements vary based on the age of the driver, the type of vehicle, and whether or not the driver has specific insurance coverage.
Motorcycle Drivers Over the Age of 21
All motorcycle drivers over the age of 21 must wear protective headgear that securely fastens to their head and eye coverage. If the driver carries an additional $10,000 in medical insurance coverage, they are permitted to ride without a helmet.
Additionally, if the driver is riding a vehicle with less than 50 cubic centimeters of displacement (legally considered a moped), they are not required to wear protective headgear.
If the rider is over the age of 21 and riding a motorcycle with a cab or on a vehicle with a displacement of less than 50 cubic centimeters, they are not required to wear eye coverage.
Motorcycle Drivers Under the Age of 21
Motorcycle drivers below the age of 21 are required to wear protective headgear in all cases. The only exception made is if the vehicle is legally considered a moped.
Moped Helmet Laws
By Florida law, a moped is considered a vehicle with less than 50 cubic centimeters of displacement, with less than two brake horsepower, and unable to exceed a speed of 30 miles an hour.
Moped drivers under the age of 16 must wear a helmet while riding on a moped. Persons over the age of 16 are not required to wear a helmet or eye coverage while operating or riding on a moped.
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Jacksonville, Florida, you may be eligible to recover damages from the at-fault party. Contact the team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a free review of your case at 1-800-747-3733.
Motorcycle Fatality Rates
Due to their fast speeds and lack of external protections, accidents involving motorcycles can result in traumatic injuries or even death. Before you decide to ride your motorcycle without a helmet,
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to sustain fatal injuries in a traffic accident than riders of other vehicles.
Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle or moped is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your passengers.
Damages You May Recover in a Motorcycle Accident Case
If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident in Jacksonville, Florida, you may be eligible to recover damages from the at-fault driver.
The most common types of damages recovered in motorcycle accidents include:
- The cost of medical care, including long-term care or rehabilitation treatments
- Repair or replacement of your motorcycle or moped
- The loss of wages you experience as a result of your injuries
- Pain and suffering, including mental anguish and physical pain
- Jacksonville wrongful death damage, if your loved one passes away due to a motorcycle accident they did not cause
If you sustain injuries while riding without a helmet when required by law, you may not be able to recover the full amount of your damages. In addition to being safer, wearing a helmet can also protect your legal right to compensation.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Today for a Free Case Review
Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating and life-long injuries for victims. If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by another party, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a free review of your motorcycle accident case. Our legal team is here to help you through this incredibly difficult time. Reach out today at 1-800-747-3733 to discuss your case.
We Can Help.
