There is no denying that helmets save lives and prevent major injuries in motorcycle accidents, yet there is no requirement in Dallas that says motorcyclists must wear one. That may change. Texas Representative Victoria Neave (D-Dallas) has introduced a bill that would make helmet wearing a requirement for all motorcycle riders in the state.
In August of 2018, Cannon Brown witnessed a motorcycle accident involving Joe Swim, who was not wearing a helmet. “I was the first person that stopped to help at the accident that took Joe Swim’s life,” said Brown. He said the accident pushed him to call for the helmet law.
At the Law Office of Dorothy Hyde, we know that motorcyclists face significant risks on the roadways. If you or a loved one need help from a Dallas motorcycle accident attorney, you can call us today.
What Are The Numbers?
For the latest reporting year in Texas, there were 3,721 traffic fatalities and 14,299 serious injury crashes. We also know that there were 501 motorcyclist fatalities. Out of those, more than half were not wearing a helmet.
This is a major reason the new legislation is likely to gain some traction. Helmets do save lives in motorcycle accidents. They also prevent major injuries. We spend so much time talking about fatalities that we neglect discussion of those who are severely injured and often permanently disabled due to these crashes.
It is not uncommon for us to encounter the following injuries in motorcycle accident victims:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations
- Road rash
- And more
These injuries can result in major medical bills. If a person is disabled and needs long-term care, they may struggle financially, especially if insurance does not cover all of the expenses.
The Pushback
Any time there are proposed laws that require a person to do something, there will be opposition. That is certainly the case with this proposed helmet law. One motorcycle owner said, “I personally am not in favor of it. Riding motorcycles has always been an expression of freedom.”
A manager at Dream Machines of Texas says that around 30-40 percent of their customers choose not to wear helmets.
There is certainly precedent for requiring helmet use – seatbelts are mandatory and for the same safety reasons. They save lives.
In The Aftermath Of An Accident
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident with injuries, there will be confusion. You may wonder where to turn if someone else’s negligence was responsible for the accident. At the Law Office of Dorothy Hyde, our knowledgeable and experienced team is ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. This can include coverage for:
- Your medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost income and benefits
- Punitive damages
When you need a Dallas motorcycle accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at (214) 883-1700. Let us focus on your case so you can focus on healing.