Come April 2013, it will be a year since Governor Rick Snyder signed a bill into law making helmets optional for Michigan motorcyclists. Although many motorcyclists continue to wear helmets in order to protect themselves in the event of an accident, there are those who have happily chosen to go helmet-free. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), however, accident statistics have shown that those individuals who opt to ride sans helmet are 40 percent more likely to sustain fatal head injuries in a motorcycle accident than those who wear a helmet. In fact, head injuries are the leading cause of death in all reported motorcycle accidents. The legislative director at the Michigan chapter of American Bikers Aiming Toward Education (ABATE) believes that accident prevention and motorcycle safety does not come from helmets, but rather is rooted in the education, awareness and license endorsement of both riders and drivers.
For those who choose to experience their ride without the use of a helmet, they are legally free to do so, providing certain stipulations have been met. In order to be exempt from having to wear a helmet, riders (and their passengers) must be at least 21 years of age, have a minimum of $20,000 insurance for each rider and passenger who wishes to go helmet-free, and either have had a motorcycle endorsement for no less than two years, or pass a motorcycle safety course.
In the unfortunate event you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you will want an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side who is willing and able to fight for your rights. As our attorneys are not only knowledgeable in all aspects of the law pertaining to motorcycle accidents, but we are bikers as well, we are able to put ourselves in your shoes in order to provide you with the high-quality, dedicated representation you deserve.
Contact a skilled Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer at Michigan Bikers Association to schedule your free initial consultation and review of your case.