Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Tucson

Not all motorcyclists in Tucson are required to wear protective headgear, although it is recommended. Severe head trauma is one of the most common motorcycle accident injuries. In the event of a crash, all riders can benefit from wearing a helmet.

If you are interested in how the motorcycle helmet laws in Tucson can impact your accident claim, speak with one of our knowledgeable attorneys today. At Zanes Law, our team can help you stay informed about the legal statutes that may be relevant to your case.

Laws Regarding Helmets and Other Safety Gear

Under Arizona Revised Statute § 28-964, motorcyclists and passengers between the ages of 16 and 18 must wear helmets. Additionally, all riders, regardless of age, are required to wear eye protection. This can include glasses, goggles, or a face shield. Motorcycles over the age of 18 are not obligated to wear helmets.

Federal Standards for Protective Headgear

The United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) set motorcycle helmet standards. If a manufacturer wants their helmet to be endorsed by the NHTSA, it must meet the qualifications detailed in 49 Code of Federal Regulations § 517.218. This law only refers to headgear manufactured for on-road use.

Motorcyclists should note that the NHTSA does not test helmets against these federal standards before certifying them as safe for use. Manufacturers are only required to self-report that their helmets meet the guidelines.

After a manufacturer’s product has been certified, the NHTSA will conduct several tests on randomly selected helmets. These tests address the headgear’s resistance to impact and penetration. The agency also examines the strength of the straps and buckles.

For every helmet that fails the NHTSA’s tests, the manufacturer will have to pay a $5,000 fine. A seasoned accident attorney could provide motorcyclists with more information about the legal standards for helmets.

For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle helmet laws lawyer serving Tucson, call 866-499-8989

Benefits of Wearing Head Protection when Riding a Motorcycle

Though it is not mandated by law, the attorneys at Zanes Law urge all motorcyclists to wear helmets, regardless of age. In any motorbike wreck, the rider will likely hit their head on the ground, the other vehicle, or another object.

Given the speed at which many motorcycle accidents happen, the rider’s probability of sustaining a traumatic brain injury is high. Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the likelihood of suffering severe head trauma in a collision.

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How Can Lack of a Helmet Negatively Impact an Accident Claim in Tucson?

The courts in Tucson use comparative negligence to determine how much compensation the accident victim will receive. This means if the at-fault party successfully argues that the injured motorcyclist is partially responsible for their damages, they may receive a reduced amount of compensation.

If the accident victim was not wearing a helmet during the wreck, the negligent driver might argue that they are not liable for the plaintiff’s head injuries. Common injuries that negligent motorists attempt to deny responsibility for include:

Bone fractures in the nose
Damage to the jawbone
Lacerations on the scalp
Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries

An injured motorcyclist should not lose hope in their case solely because they were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. A skilled attorney could argue that the accident victim did not commit a traffic violation, as wearing protective headgear is not mandated by law in Tucson.

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How Do Other Traffic Laws Apply to Motorcycles?

Besides the helmet requirement for minors, traffic laws for motorcycles are the exact same as those for other vehicles. Since motorcyclists are on the road with cars and trucks, they have to abide by the same rules and regulations. There are no laws that apply only to cars that motorcyclists do not have to follow. It is also in a motorcyclist’s best interest to follow all of the traffic laws and practice every safety measure possible to avoid an accident.

Motorcycle crashes are among the most unforgiving accidents that a person can experience because of the lack of protection afforded by the vehicle. Motorcyclists in Tucson should pay close attention to the speed limit of the road, adhere to stop signs and traffic lights, and watch out for potential hazards each time they ride.

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Speak with a Lawyer about Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Tucson

The motorcycle helmet laws in Tucson can be complicated if you are not familiar with the federal statutes governing safety protection. If you were not wearing protective headgear when the accident took place, you should contact an attorney right away.

The opposing party will likely argue that you are partially responsible for your damages, even if they are entirely at fault for the collision. Contact Zanes Law today to schedule a case consultation and discuss how we could handle your claim.

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