Over the years, many states have enacted safety laws for motorcyclists. One commonly adopted regulation requires riders to wear helmets while on the road. Proper head protection can make the difference between life and death in a collision.
If you enjoy riding on public roadways, it is crucial to know the rules and regulations to help prevent accidents and keep yourself and others safe. To learn more about Alpharetta motorcycle helmet laws, get in touch with our knowledgeable attorneys today.
Consequences of Violating Helmet Regulations for Alpharetta Motorcyclists
In Alpharetta, motorcyclists must wear a helmet while riding, as provided under § 40-6-315(a) of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.). If a motorcyclist elects not to wear a helmet while riding and is subsequently involved in a traffic collision, it could impact their ability to recover monetary damages.
Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33(a), if a motorcyclist contributes to their injuries in any way, their recoverable damages will be reduced accordingly to reflect their percentage of fault. However, if the court finds that they are 50 percent or more at fault for their injuries, they may be barred from recovering any compensation at all.
A defendant could argue that a biker’s failure to wear a helmet and adhere to safety regulations creates liability for their own accident. As such, any injured motorcyclist should speak to a skilled local attorney to better understand the helmet laws and how they may affect their claim for damages.
Benefits of Wearing a Helmet while Riding
Although motorcycle helmet laws may seem restrictive to some, they have several proven benefits. Proper safety gear can:
- Reduce the risk of severe head injuries to motorcyclists
- Contain communication devices for safer riding (for modern helmets)
- Significantly reduce the risk of motorcycle accident fatalities
Despite the restrictive nature of helmet requirements for motorcyclists, saving lives and preventing injuries is a far more significant benefit. Besides the many safety benefits of motorcycle helmet regulations, it is wise to follow these laws to avoid the punitive measures that accompany violations.
Additionally, wearing a helmet makes a motorcyclist less likely to face liability for their own injuries in the event of a collision. A knowledgeable attorney at our Alpharetta office could further explain the motorcycle helmet requirements and how they may impact liability in a particular traffic accident case.
Reach Out for More Information on Alpharetta Motorcycle Helmet Laws
In addition to keeping bikers safe, motorcycle regulations help protect other motorists and pedestrians as well. Although helmets cannot prevent every accident, they significantly decrease your risk of severe injury if a collision does occur.
If you were recently injured in a motorcycle accident and are seeking to recover compensation for your losses, ask a seasoned attorney how safety regulations may factor into your case. Our dedicated lawyers could help you understand Alpharetta motorcycle helmet laws and their impact on civil liability. Give us a call today to learn your legal rights and discuss safe riding practices with a skilled member of our team.