Motorcycle Helmet Laws in NC

When operating any vehicle, the idea is to operate the vehicle with as much caution as possible to ensure safety. This caution can change though when one is operating a motorcycle. Unlike a car, a motorcycle does not have doors, roof, or any safety harness to protect the rider in case of an accident. Due to the lack of physical protection, as well as no safety restraint system, this increases the chances of serious bodily injury and death.

Statistics on motorcycle accidents in NC

According to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicle, in 2012 there were 4,269 accidents involving a motorcycle, up from the 3,782 reported motorcycle accidents in 2010, however, despite an increase in the number of motorcycle accidents from 2010 to 2012, there has been a decrease in fatal motorcycle accidents, form 172 in 2010, to 161 in 2012.  Further analysis found the months of June and September to have the most fatalities. In terms of accidents that only resulted in injuries, the months from April through October showed to have injuries high in volume. Regardless where you are riding on a motorcycle or what time of year you are riding a on motorcycle, the fact is riding on a motorcycle can be risky. In order to reduce the riskiness while on the motorcycle, most states have laws in place that require the rider and the passengers to wear a helmet. In the states where they do have the law requiring a helmet, some have age restrictions (for example some states require riders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet).

NC requires helmets for motorcycle riders

The best option for a motorcycle rider, regardless of age or if state law requires a helmet, is to wear a helmet. In North Carolina, a motorcycle rider, as well as the passengers, must wear a helmet when the motorcycle is driven on a highway or public vehicular area. The law requires that the helmet be worn and properly secured to the heads of all occupants on the motorcycle. This helmet must also comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. If anyone is found to violate this law, they will be subject to discipline in the form of a penalty of $ 25.00 and other costs associated with the violation.

Call an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you are involved in an accident while riding a motorcycle and you were not wearing a helmet, you are not necessarily barred from bringing a lawsuit for your injuries. So long as you did not contribute to the accident in any way, you would still be allowed to recover damages. As the statistics show, there are a large number of motorcycle accidents that occur and most involve injuries. It is important to wear your helmet while riding a motorcycle because, aside for North Carolina making it a law, it can be the difference between life and death.

The motorcycle accident attorneys at Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers have been successfully representing bikers for over 25 years.  Call now for your free consultation.