Motorcycle Accidents - Mandatory Helmet Laws
September 21, 2010 - Police officials reported that a 52-year-old Santa Rosa man sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle accident last night. The man was riding his 2005 Harley motorcycle on Coffey lane in west Santa Rosa when he lost control on a right-hand curve. According to police, the motorcycle struck a curb and the man was thrown across the sidewalk into a tree. The motorcycle came up right behind him and pinned him against the tree. The injured rider was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment. He had multiple injuries including a broken neck, burns to his legs, fractured ribs and a skull fracture. A traffic sergeant said the man was wearing a "novelty helmet" at the time of the accident and that such helmets do not cover the head as much as a legally approved helmet. It was the opinion of the officer that the man would have had significantly less trauma to his face and head if he was wearing a "full helmet." The man is expected to live. The accident remains under investigation. California Vehicle Code Section 27803 requires that a motorcycle driver and all passengers wear a safety helmet meeting the requirements of Section 27802. In addition, the helmet must be worn on the head, fastened with the helmet straps and must be of a size that fits the person's head securely without excessive lateral or vertical movement. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident and you are not wearing an approved helmet or any helmet at all the defense lawyers may be able to claim that you were comparatively negligent. If the lawyer can argue this successfully you may not recover all of your damages in the case. You might be stuck with unpaid medical bills, lost earnings that are not recovered and you may not receive full compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, please call us for a free consultation. We are based right here in Sonoma County. You'll be connected directly to an attorney who can discuss your case with you and answer your legal questions.