At Maison Law, we offer representation to victims of motorcycle accidents throughout Modesto and the state of California. A motorcycle accident can be a life-altering event that leaves you with immense physical injuries and financial turmoil. If you or somebody you love has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you may wonder what options you have. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information on your available legal options.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws in California
Many states throughout the U.S. follow strict laws in regards to motorcyclists wearing helmets. California is one of these states that has adopted its own laws regarding helmets and motorcycle safety.
Under California Vehicle Code 27803, all motorcyclists and their passengers are legally supposed to wear safety helmets that fall under California requirements. In fact, it is strictly against the law for a driver or passenger of a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle to ride one of these vehicles without a safety helmet that meets federal standards. This is due to the fact that helmets save thousands of lives every year throughout California when motorcycle accidents occur.
In California, riding without a motorcycle helmet means that you could be pulled over by police for a traffic violation that leads to fines up to $250. However, the real penalty is the loss of life that occurs in many motorcycle accidents each year when riders do not wear helmets. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Modesto and you were not wearing a helmet, you may wonder if you still have the right to seek financial recovery.
Bringing a Personal Injury Claim After a Modesto Motorcycle Accident Without a Helmet
If you were not wearing a helmet and you were involved in a motorcycle accident in Modesto, are you still permitted to bring a personal injury claim? The answer is “yes.” No matter the circumstances of your accident, if another party is even partially at fault in California, you have the right to seek financial recovery against them.
However, it is important to note that not wearing a helmet can lead to huge risks in your personal injury claim, as it could reduce the amount of compensation that you actually receive. Modesto and the rest of California follow contributory negligence laws, which means that any you contributing to your accident in any way can reduce the damages that you receive. You may not receive the full amount of damages that you expected in your claim due to the lack of helmet, which is why wearing a helmet in California is always so crucial.
How the Insurance Company Views Motorcycle Accidents Without Helmets
One of the biggest trials that you may face after a motorcycle accident is dealing with the insurance company. The insurance company is going to try to pay out as little as possible in the event of a personal injury claim. This means that they will be looking for reasons to deny your claim or offer you as little as possible, such as not wearing a helmet at the time of your motorcycle accident.
The responding police officer at the scene of your accident may not pin the blame on you for your accident. However, the insurance company may claim that your injuries are severe as they are because you were not taking protective measures at the time of your accident. Insurance companies are known to be biased against motorcycle riders, which means that it is not uncommon to see your compensation reduced in the event of a motorcycle accident without a helmet.
Damages Available in a Modesto Motorcycle Accident Claim
When you bring a motorcycle accident claim in Modesto against an at-fault party, you can expect to receive a variety of damages for your accident. These damages vary but can include any of the following:
- Medical expenses you have faced due to your accident
- Medical bills you will expect to incur in the future due to your injuries
- Lost income and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Therapy costs
The damages that you receive in a motorcycle accident claim can help you return to some normalcy in your everyday life. You can maximize the compensation you are expected to receive by seeking legal help and ensuring that your rights are fully protected during this complex process.
Contact us at Maison Law After a Modesto Motorcycle Accident
You want to be treated fairly after you have suffered due to a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent party. Unfortunately, the insurance company does not always have your best interests in mind and you may be concerned that you will not receive the damages necessary to get back on your feet.
At Maison Law, we will stand by your side as you navigate the California legal system after a motorcycle accident. Our Modesto motorcycle accident lawyers will provide you with resources and knowledge during these difficult times, as you deserve the ability to recover physically, emotionally, and financially after an accident. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a completely confidential and free case consultation.