Motorcycle Accidents

Most motorcycle accidents involve drivers of passenger vehicles who fail to notice or keep an eye out for oncoming motorcycle riders. But frequently, motorcycle riders are held accountable for these collisions. Car drivers obstructing motorcyclists’ right of way are to blame for two-thirds of multi-vehicle accidents involving motorbikes. Most accidents involve reckless driving, which frequently necessitates expensive medical care.

After a motorcycle accident, you should be able to seek swift justice with the aid of a competent motorcycle injury attorney. The negligent person is liable if they injured you or a loved one in a motorbike accident that was their fault. Our experienced injury lawyers’ team is available to offer guidance, assurance, and support, so you concentrate on getting well and recuperating from your injuries.

California Statute of Limitations 

The timetable is one of the most crucial aspects of working with a motorcycle injury attorney. The statute of limitations only gives accident victims two years from the accident date to submit motorcycle injury claims. There are more exclusions to consider, as the statute may occasionally be drastically lowered depending on the situation. Once the statute of limitations expires, you can no longer bring a case; motorcycle injury lawyers will ensure that critical deadlines are met.

What a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Do For You

The best method of obtaining financial compensation is to work with an expert subjective injury lawyer. With a lawyer, it will be easier to negotiate a fair payment with the insurance provider. Many ambiguities come up during the legal process. Answering concerning issues will be easier with a qualified accident attorney’s assistance. Insurance adjusters care about safeguarding the company’s bottom line and are not interested in the recovery of affected people. Thus, we strongly advise declining offers of early settlement. The initial proposals do not cover the entire range of damages, such as potential financial losses or the impact of emotional distress resulting from the accident on mental health. Working with experts, such as doctors and accident reconstruction specialists, establishes the other parties’ responsibility and supports motorcycle injury claims. Financial recovery should be complete following a thriving settlement which is possible with skill and promptness by an attorney.

Why Hire Our Firm as Your Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

As a well-respected motorcycle accident law firm with a proven track record, we have developed an effective method for assisting victims who have suffered damages due to another party’s carelessness. Our injury law office knows how insurance companies run. An insurance adjuster aims to provide victims with as little or no compensation as possible to escape liability. Yet, a knowledgeable attorney in our firm combats these chaotic strategies.

No Win. No Fee. Guaranteed.

Victims experience financial hardships while enduring the stress and trauma ignited by injury accidents. Hence, our motorcycle accident law firm provides services on a contingency basis, implying that clients will never have to pay upfront legal expenses. 

What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident

After your accident, make sure you get the medical attention you need to begin the healing process and find out what you need to do to completely regain your health. As soon as you do that, contact a motorcycle accident attorney and start the process to a full recovery of all damages. If you are able to speak after an accident, it doesn’t mean you should. Your statements can be used against you in a Court. Don’t talk to the police or the insurance company. Don’t discuss details about your accident with the medical staff attending to your injuries. Talk only to a good personal injury attorney. Even better, one that specializes in motorcycle accident cases.

Wrongful Death Cases

Accidents involving motorcycles can sometimes be catastrophic and result in fatal injuries to the rider. The loss of a loved one is extremely devastating to a family. Surviving family members are eligible to be compensated for their loss in the event of the wrongful death of a loved one. Loss of income, funeral expenses, and medical bills are just a few of the damages you and your family can recover in an injury lawsuit. But don’t try to do it yourself. Insurance companies will try to pay as little as possible to a victim’s family. By enlisting an aggressive attorney, who is knowledgeable and experienced in motorcycle injury cases, you can recover the full financial damages that you deserve. 

Short-Term Damages vs Long-Term Damages

In addition to the short-term damages resulting from a motorcycle accident, such as bike repairs and immediate medical bills, many long-term damages must be considered when calculating the fair and full compensation of a motorcycle accident victim. Quick settlements are not in your best interests. When we handle a motorcycle injury claim, we consider the following long-term damages to make sure our clients get the full reimbursement they are due.

• Current medical expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Loss of future earnings
• Loss of wages while recovering from injuries
• Mental suffering and depression as a result of the accident
• Physical pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Wrongful death of a family member

Comparative Negligence: Who Is At Fault?

California is an at-fault state. This means that in some cases the plaintiff and the defendant can both be found at fault for causing an accident. In such a case, the court would award the plaintiff damages but only the amount matching the percentage that the defendant is at fault. For example, if the defendant is found to be 75 percent at fault for causing the accident, the plaintiff will be awarded 75 percent of the total claim.

In some cases, the manufacturer of a vehicle that fails to perform up to safety standards due to any kind of defect can be sued by the plaintiff to recover damages. A property owner or municipality can be held liable for any accidents that occur on roads or property that were caused by a failure to reasonably perform upkeep and maintenance. Roads and highways that have a safety design flaw can also be grounds for a municipality or government entity to be found liable in the event of an accident.

How Much Does A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Cost?

It is important that a motorcycle accident victim understand the various kind of fees there are in injury cases, and what each of them means. They also need to understand what type of fee their attorney is charging in their case. 

• Fixed Fee A standard amount set for a certain amount of legal services.
• Hourly Fee A standard amount that is charged per hour that an attorney works on a case. 
• Retainer Fee An agreed-upon amount that puts the attorney “on call” and available whenever the plaintiff needs their services.
• Statutory Fee A fixed fee or percentage that is set by the courts. 
• Contingency Fee An arrangement that will be paid only when your personal injury attorney wins the case. 

Timeline

As soon as we meet and agree to work together, we start working on your case immediately. We investigate what caused the accident and who was at fault. After the investigation, we send a letter to the defendant demanding that they pay the damages owed. If the insurance companies get involved, we will aggressively negotiate for the maximum settlement. If our demands are not met to our liking, then we will gladly take your case to court and win there, but most cases reach a settlement out of court. The power of a good, aggressive attorney works in the victim’s favor. 

After a Motorcycle Accident?

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be an incredibly traumatic experience. It can be difficult to know how best to take action in a stressful situation. You may be feeling overwhelmed and scared, but it’s important to remain calm and take the necessary steps to protect your rights. So don’t panic – if you do find yourself at the scene of a motorcycle accident, we’re here to give you some helpful tips on what to do:

Try to Stay Calm

The first and foremost – stay calm. Panic and frustration can only make the situation worse, so it’s important to remain as calm and composed as possible.

Move to a Safe Location

If you are able, be sure to move to a safe location away from traffic prior to calling 911. This will prevent further accident or injury from occurring before help arrives.

Call 911

If anyone is injured, call 911 right away. Even if it’s a minor accident, it’s important to contact the authorities. Be sure to provide as much information as possible, including the location, number of people involved, and any visible injuries.

Administer Medical Assistance

If you are trained in first aid, you should provide basic care, such as checking for vital signs, covering any wounds, or providing CPR, if necessary. This can help stabilize the injured person until emergency personnel arrive.

Collect Evidence

Once the authorities arrive and medical assistance is provided, it’s important to start collecting evidence. This includes photos of the scene and any damage done to the vehicles. If you have a camera or cellphone, take photos of the motorcycle and the accident scene. These photos may be helpful later in court.

Check for Witnesses

It’s important to get a good understanding of what happened. Speak to any witnesses who may have seen the accident and get their account of events. Get their insurance information and phone number. 

Exchange Contact Information

Make sure you exchange contact information with the other party and any witnesses.

Call Your Insurance Provider

Once you’ve collected all the necessary evidence and information, it’s time to call your insurance provider. They will provide you with guidance on how to proceed and can help you get the right compensation for the damages.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for Advice

Once you’ve talked to your insurance provider, it’s time to contact a personal injury lawyer. If the accident is serious and there are medical bills or other expenses involved, an experienced lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve and ensure that your rights are protected.

Seek Additional Medical Care

If you have been injured in the accident, it’s important to seek medical attention. Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s important to get them checked out to make sure that there are no underlying issues. If you do receive medical attention, be sure to keep your records well-documented for your insurance company and lawyer.

Follow-Up

Finally, it’s important to follow up with the insurance provider and your lawyer. Make sure to keep them updated on any changes in the case and document the progress for your records. Remember, in the case of a motorcycle accident, safety should always come first. Following these steps can not only help you stay safe and provide assistance to any injured parties or witnesses, but ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the compensation you deserve.An experienced personal injury lawyer can help guide you through the process and ensure that you get the best possible outcome.

Understanding Liability in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic. As such, understanding liability is an important part of any motorcyclist’s arsenal for staying safe out on the road. In this discussion, we’ll go over liability in motorcycle accidents and offer some tips for reducing your risk of being held liable in the event of an accident.

Liability of Other Vehicle Drivers

In the event of an accident, it is important to determine who was at fault. While it may be tempting to assume that the other vehicle driver caused the crash, this isn’t always the case. In some instances, a motorcyclist may be held liable for an accident even if they weren’t riding recklessly or carelessly. Factors such as weather conditions, road layout, and even the type of motorcycle being ridden can all play a role in determining liability.

Understanding Negligence

Negligence is the legal term for when someone’s careless or reckless behavior causes an accident. In the context of a motorcycle accident, this could be anything from failing to stop at a red light to going over the speed limit. When assessing negligence in an accident, some important questions that need to be answered include:

• Was either party behaving recklessly
• Was either party driving too fast for the conditions?
• Did either driver fail to yield right-of-way?

If it is determined that one of the parties was behaving negligently, they may be held liable for any damages caused by their actions. The amount of liability can vary significantly depending on the situation, so it’s important to understand the details of your particular case.

Liability of the Motorcyclist

In some cases, a motorcyclist can be held liable for an accident even if they were not the one behaving negligently. This is because certain rules of the road exist to protect both motorists and pedestrians. For instance, in some states, motorcycle riders are required to wear helmets when riding. If a rider chooses not to wear a helmet and is injured in an accident, they may be held partially liable for their injuries. Additionally, it’s important to remember that even the safest and most experienced motorcyclists can still make mistakes out on the road. As such, they may be held responsible for any accidents caused by their errors.

Proving fault in motorcycle accidents requires an investigation into the events of the accident and an understanding of the laws that come into play. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to do just that so you can get the justice you deserve.

Who Is at Fault?

Determining who is to blame for an incident begins with ascertaining fault. Negligence, a legal doctrine, helps us in this process: If someone has neglected to exercise appropriate care and the result of that negligence causes another injury or loss, then they are liable. Generally speaking, in a motorcycle accident, the person with the most serious negligence is held responsible for causing the crash. For example, if you had the right of way and were hit by another driver who ran a red light, then that motorist would be deemed negligent and liable for your injuries. Conversely, when both motorists are equally negligent (such as when both drivers are guilty of speeding or unfit to drive), then it is tougher to single out culpability. In such instances, the motorist most likely responsible for causing the accident will be held accountable. This is why it’s so important to have a clear understanding of who did what and the laws in play.

Gathering Evidence

After you’ve identified the responsible party, it’s time to assemble supportive evidence. Such proof may include photos of the accident site and testimonies from bystanders. Additionally, retrieving a copy of the police report is essential as it will provide an in-depth explanation regarding what happened and who was at fault. It’s also wise to keep all medical and repair receipts as potential proof of damages. This can be especially helpful when corresponding with insurance companies since they may require tangible evidence in order to cover the expenses.

How Negligence is Established in Motorcycle Accidents

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that in 2018, 4,985 motorcyclists were involved in fatal accidents with automobiles. While motorcycles can be very dangerous, a collision with a motorcycle can also occur due to the drivers on the road not paying attention to their surroundings. Since motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles on the road, it is common for drivers to fail to see them when changing lanes, merging, or attempting to make a left turn. The car driver may fail to turn on their signal, or they may not check their blind spots for motorcycles while on a busy highway.

Four Steps

Four steps are involved in establishing negligence in an accident involving a motorcycle and an automobile.

1. The driver who is at fault has to uphold a duty of care. The law requires all drivers to operate their vehicles carefully and in a responsible manner to prevent harm to themselves and anyone they share the road with.
2. The driver, found at fault, went against their duty of care. In simpler terms, they didn’t drive as carefully and responsibly as they were supposed to, according to the law.
3. The victim sustained injuries that were a direct result of the at-fault driver’s failure to comply with the duty of care because of their careless or reckless behavior.
4. The accident resulted in the victim becoming injured or killed.

Anytime a motorcycle accident occurs due to another driver’s negligence, the victim of the crash should seek legal compensation for their losses or injuries. A personal injury lawyer can assist the victim with getting the payment they deserve by showing proof that the other driver was at-fault due to negligence. Some examples of drivers being negligent in a motorcycle collision include the following.

• Drunk driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs
• Becoming distracted while driving
• Driving over the speed limit
• Failure to yield
• Tailgating
• Not obeying traffic stoplights or signs

Each of these actions is considered negligent since they occur due to careless or reckless driving. When an individual gets behind the wheel of a car while drunk, under the influence, or speeding, it is clear that they are not being considerate of the other people they are sharing the road with.

Causes of Motorcycle Collisions

Motorcycle collisions are some of the most common and dangerous types of vehicle accidents that can occur on the road. Motorcycle riders are exposed to many more risks than car drivers. The riders must always use caution since even the slightest complication can result in severe injury or death. In 2020, it was reported that motorcycle accidents are 28 times more likely to end up with fatalities than automobile accidents. And while motorcycles only make up around 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States, they are responsible for 14% of all road fatalities. Motorcycle accidents can occur for various reasons, but some actions are more likely to cause an accident than others. Here are a few examples of the most common causes of motorcycle collisions.

Sudden Stops

It’s hard to avoid sudden stops when driving on the highway. These incidents can cause the same number of collisions to occur for motorcyclists and car drivers. However, the result can be more severe for motorcyclists since they are not equipped with safety features like seat belts. A sudden stop on a motorcycle could also cause the rider to be thrown from their bike, so it is best to keep a safe distance from other vehicles while riding your bike in heavy traffic.

Open Car Doors

Collisions involving motorcycles and car doors happen more often than you may think. These accidents are often unavoidable because the motorcyclist usually doesn’t have time to avoid a crash with a car door that suddenly opens right in front of them.

Alcohol Use

Operating a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous and against the law. When motorcyclists have had too much to drink, they may drive recklessly, exceed the speed limit, or make poor decisions that cause a serious or fatal crash.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Any collision’s severity automatically increases when there is speed involved. Also, the effectiveness of safety devices such as seat belts or airbags in motor vehicles can be compromised during a high-speed crash, leading to severe injuries or casualties for the motorcyclist or the vehicle driver.

Lane Switching

Lane switching is another common reason for motorcycle collisions. Accidents typically occur because it can be difficult for car drivers to see the bikes when they are changing lanes. When drivers make a quick lane change and pay little attention to their surroundings, it can become problematic for motorcyclists. This risk can be avoided if the motorcyclist pays attention and looks for signs that a car driver may be beginning to make a turn based on their speed.

What is Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting is the process of riding a motorcycle in between lanes of slow-moving vehicles on local, state, or federal highways. This practice is often mistaken for ‘filtering’ – which is the process of riding between lanes of vehicles that are at a standstill. However, both practices are combined into the same category – as they are similar and motorcyclists switch between them depending on the road conditions and behavior of vehicular drivers.

Pros of Lane Splitting

There are several advantages to lane splitting for motorcyclists. They include:

• Faster commute time. By weaving through traffic, motorcyclists can reach their destinations in time.
• Better safety outlook. By lane splitting or filtering, the likelihood of being rear-ended by a vehicle at a sudden stop is minimal.
• Improved visibility to drivers. Lane splitting makes it possible for riders and their motorcycles to become visible to drivers, lowering the risk of collisions when they’re not visible.
• Fuel efficiency. Bikers can maintain a steady pace by not being stuck in traffic, lowering emissions and fuel consumption.
• Lowered traffic congestion. By moving through traffic, overall traffic congestion will be drastically reduced.

Cons of Lane Splitting

There are also disadvantages associated with lane splitting. They include:

• Likelihood of accidents. Lane splitting or filtering can be dangerous if the motorcyclist is riding too fast or the drivers aren’t paying attention to their side mirrors.
• Unpredictable circumstance. This practice is very difficult for car drivers to anticipate the actions of motorcyclists on the highway. It can result in confusion, leading to costly mistakes.
• Lack of legality. The practice isn’t completely legal nationwide, which makes it difficult for riders to know if it’s legal to do so.

Where is Lane Splitting Legal in the US?

As a practice, lane splitting isn’t legalized nationwide. While some states have passed the bill to legalize the practice, others have not. California was amongst the first states to legalize the practice. It was declared legal with Assembly Bill No.51.

Other states where lane splitting is completely legal include:

• Arizona
• Hawaii
• Connecticut
• Oregon
• Washington DC
• Virginia
• Utah

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

As you already know, riding a motorcycle on the roads is much more dangerous than driving a regular enclosed vehicle, as most people do. You might not know the most common injuries caused by motorcycle accidents. Keep reading to find out. No one is trying to frighten you or scare you into giving up your bike and your exhilarating commutes, but you should know the possibilities of what can occur on a motorcycle and take the necessary safety precautions and protocols to keep yourself as safe as possible. 

Head and Neck Injuries

High speed combined with no surrounding barriers means that a motorcycle rider in an accident will be up against not only the hard pavement and the metal of other vehicles but up against the laws of physics as well. The neck is the most vulnerable part of the human body and centrifugal forces can do a lot of damage in a motorcycle accident. The head is also at risk, but that risk is mitigated when the rider is wearing a good helmet. According to the CDC, head and neck injuries account for 22 percent of all motorcycle accident injuries. 

Road Rash

Road rash is one of the most common injuries that occur in motorcycle accidents. By itself, road rash is usually non-fatal, depending on the circumstances regarding a particular accident. Since most accidents occur on paved roads, it is easy to figure out how road rash can occur in so many cases. The severity of road rash depends on speed, and what kind of clothing the rider was wearing. Heavy leather clothing and other safety gear can mitigate the severity of road rash. Road rash is treatable, but in some cases may require special procedures and can take a long time to heal. 

Spinal Cord Injuries

Being thrown off of a motorcycle at high speed can result in catastrophic injury to your back and spinal cord. We’re surprised that this injury isn’t the most common motorcycle accident injury. The severity of this type of injury depends a lot on your body position at impact and velocity when you hit the ground or slam into another object. This is a difficult injury to prepare for safety-wise, although there is safety equipment available that can help reduce the severity of any back injury.

Arm and Leg Injuries

Leg injuries are the most common injury to riders when they are in a motorcycle accident. They occur in about 30 percent of all motorcycle injuries. The main leg injuries occur in the lower leg region, particularly the tibia and fibula bones. The femur, an upper leg bone, is the next most common. Leg muscles can also be damaged in an accident. Arm injuries also can occur, typically a result of reaching out and trying to brace yourself at the moment of impact. The bones, muscles, and ligaments involving the wrist are usually common denominators when it comes to arm injuries occurring in bike accidents. 

Broken Bones and Muscle Damage

Of course bones, muscles, and other internal parts are at risk of injury during a motorcycle accident. These injuries can occur anywhere in your body that is directly affected by impact or other forces involved. The severity of these types of injuries has a lot to do with the safety equipment you have on at the time of your accident. A good helmet can prevent a lot of serious damage to your skull and what’s inside it, for example. 

Types of Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcyclists in California are required to have insurance by law. It ensures that riders must have liability coverage to take care of property damage and sustained injuries if an accident occurs.

However, riders are also encouraged to purchase additional insurance to ensure that they and their passengers are fully covered. The minimum insurance requirements for riders in California include the following:

• $5,000 for property caused by collision
• $30,000 for bodily injury to two or more passengers
• $15,000 for bodily injury incurred by one person

Loss and Damages In a Motorcycle Accident

Beyond the insurance policies you need to have, it is necessary to note that some of these policies do not cover all types of loss and damage you sustain from a motorcycle accident. Other motorcyclists or drivers may not compensate these losses if they’re at fault – because they may have exceeded their policy limits or their insurer declines to pay in full. In such cases, it would help to contact a professional motorcycle accident attorney or law firm to assist you. The attorney will provide your legal rights and contact your insurer or other party’s insurer on your behalf.

Compensation from a Motorcycle Accident

Some of the financial compensation you’re entitled to in a motorcycle accident includes:

• Medical Bills: Medical bills from a motorcycle accident include ER admission, hospital stays, rehabilitation costs, ambulance costs, pharmacy bills, medical tests, and therapy are examples of the expenses you will incur.
• Lost Wages and Benefits: If you sustain injuries from a motorcycle accident, you will miss work for several days, weeks, or months. You will be compensated for your lost wages and benefits for not working while recuperating. It also includes lost days due to medical appointments to treat injuries sustained.
• Property Damages: Motorcycle accidents will most likely physically damage your motorcycle and any protective equipment. You are also entitled to compensation for making the necessary repairs to your bike.
• Suffering and Pain: This includes the mental, physical, and emotional trauma from the motorcycle accident. This includes all the discomfort and pain from the point of the accident, during recovery, and even into the future. This cannot be quantified by a monetary value, but it will be decided by a jury at trial if it gets to court. You’d need an attorney to have your best interests. Other compensation may include future medical and loss of income benefits.

A skilled motorcycle attorney or law firm will assess your losses accurately and communicate with your insurance company or the other party’s insurers on your behalf. They can also assist in filing a personal injury, property damage, or any lawsuit. They can also gather conclusive evidence to bring your case to trial and ensure you’re compensated accordingly.

California Helmet Laws

What Are the Different Helmet Laws?

There are separate helmet laws that govern different types of vehicles, such as motorized vs non-motorized vehicles.

California Helmet Law for Motorized Vehicles

In 1991, the California legislature passed a law to make helmets mandatory for all motorcyclists, this law came into effect on January 1, 1992. The law specifies that both the rider and the passenger are required to wear a DOT approved safety helmet at all times. This mandate is codified under California Vehicle Code Division 12, Chapter 5, Article 7, Section 27803, typically referred to as just CVC 27803. Each state can issue different helmet laws, such as a partial or universal law. A partial helmet law only applies to certain groups of people, such as minors or inexperienced drivers. A universal helmet law applies to all bikers and riders with no exception. In California, CVC 27803 is a universal helmet law that applies to all motorcycles, motor-driven cycles and motorized bicycles.

Electric Bicycle Law

In 2017, California passed a new electric bicycle law. This new law, AB 1096, defined the three classes of electric bicycles.

• Type 1 are electric bicycles with a top speed of 20 mph that must be pedaled to operate
• Type 2 are electric bicycles with a top speed of 20 mph that can be operated without pedaling by using handlebar mounted throttle.
• Type 3 are electric bicycles with a top speed of 28 mph that must be pedaled to operate

Any minor under the age of 18 while operating as a rider of a passenger of Type 1 and 2 electric bicycles must wear a helmet. Anyone operating as a rider or passenger of a Type 3 electric bicycle must be at least 16 years of age and must wear a helmet.

Helmet Law for Non-Motorized Vehicles

California law, VEH 21212, which stipulates any minor under the age of 18, while riding as either the operator or the passenger of a bicycle, non-motorized scooter, skateboard, in-line or roller skates must wear a helmet.

Types of Helmets

In the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) sets the minimum safety standards for motorcycle manufacturers and retailers. There are other higher standard ratings, such as the Snell Foundation, which is considered to be the gold standard for helmet safety.

Whichever helmet you choose, ensure it has the applicable safety certification label affixed to demonstrate it has passed the respective safety tests.

At a minimum, the motorcycle helmet should have the following basic qualities:

• Proper size that covers the head comfortably and fits low on the forehead
• Should have a chin strap to ensure the helmet does not shift

For the Type 1-2 electric bicycles, a regular bicycle helmet is sufficient, however for the Type 3 electric bicycle, a moto helmet or any helmet with multi-directional impact protections (MIP) is recommended.

Purpose of Helmet Laws

Most motorcycle collisions occur on trips of five miles or less. Riders are typically going about 30 mph at the time of a crash. At these velocities, a compliant safety helmet can reduce the severity and number of brain injuries by 50 percent. Most fatal motorcycle injuries are brain injuries, and with very few exceptions, head injuries may be prevented by wearing a safety helmet properly.

Basics About Helmet Laws

DOT standard establishes the minimum level of protection a helmet must afford each helmet user. Full-face helmets offer the most protection, protecting the eyes and face with a face shield and protect the chin.

Per CVC §27803, all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a U.S. DOT-compliant safety helmet. The U.S. Department of Transportation developed safety standards for helmets marketed in the USA.

• The motorcycle helmet manufacturer must certify and state that the helmet complies with Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. 
• Helmets must weigh roughly three pounds, have strong riveted chin straps, and at least an inch thick hard polystyrene foam inner liner. 
• Nothing should protrude more than two-tenths of an inch from the helmet’s surface. So, a GoPro will deem the helmet non-compliant.
• Moreover, the helmet’s fit must prevent excessive vertical or lateral movement.
• According to the law, wearing a safety helmet also means having the chin straps firmly connected to the helmet’s shell.
• Verify that the helmet is DOT certified before purchase.