When most individuals
hear about traffic accident fatalities, they always associate fatal accidents
with automobiles. However, the truth is, a considerable
portion of a Los Angeles fatal traffic accidents actually
involve motorcycles. Based on data
collected from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in
the year 2010 alone, 3,615 individuals lost their lives in the United
States as a result of motorcycle fatalities. As such, it has become evident that bikes pose a significant threat not only to the
motorists themselves but to drivers of other vehicles and pedestrians.
In 2009, NHTSA
reported a total of 383 deaths in California owing to motorcycle-related
collisions, and although the relevant authorities have done their best to
secure road safety, it is almost impossible to stop the crashes from happening altogether.
So far, the state has worked tirelessly to implement regulations aimed at
increasing road safety. One of the many laws
instituted under the California Vehicle Code (VC) Section 27803, contains a
mandatory rule that requires motorcyclists to utilize their helmets at all
times. All cyclists regardless of their age or repute have an obligation to adhere strictly to the regulation.
Various Facts
regarding Motorcycle Helmets
Noteworthy facts
regarding helmet use as outlined by the NHTSA include:
· Injuries to the head are the principal cause
of death of motorcycle accident victims.
· According to most findings, using a
motorcycle helmet is significant in ensuring the survival of motorcycle victims.
· The Federal government-approved
motorcycle helmets diminish the probability of a
terminal crash by 37 percent.
· Studies from The Crash Outcome Data
Evaluation System (CODES) found that helmets are 67 percent efficient in averting
head and brain injuries of motorcycle accident fatalities.
Supportive guidelines
for Motorcycle Accident Victims in California
Although wearing a
helmet improves your chances of surviving drastically, helmets do not entirely
render you accident- proof. To preserve your safety as well as your rights,
here is how motorcycle victims should
react in the event of an accident:
· Seek professional medical assistance
immediately as your priority should be your health and safety.
· Ensure that you file a police report to
have an official documentation of the incident.
· Make certain that you take down the
driver's necessary information including the contact number and address of the
driver, and insurance policy details such as the policy number and the name of
the insurance company.
· Seek the services of a professional and
respected personal injury attorney to ensure that you receive your due
compensations and to make sure that your
legal rights are well represented.