Are Helmets Mandatory For Motorcyclists In Charlotte?
According to North Carolina law, “all operators and passengers on motorcycles and mopeds must wear a motorcycle safety helmet of a type that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218.”
According to the NCDOT, these helmets must have the following:
- A firm inner liner of polystyrene foam that is about 1-inch thick.
- The symbol DOT is permanently installed by the manufacturer on the back of the helmet. There are some non-compliant helmets that have a separate DOT sticker that is not valid.
- The manufacturer’s label must be permanently attached to the inside of the helmet with the following information:
- Manufacturers name or identification
- Precise model
- Size
- Date of manufacture
- Type of shell and liner construction materials
- Instruction label for cleaning and care of the helmet
How Often Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
There are many motorcyclists in North Carolina, particularly in and around the Charlotte area. We also know that accidents do occur. During the latest reporting year of data from the NC Department of Transportation, we can see that there were 3,722 motorcycle accidents across the state. These incidents led to:
- 145 fatal crashes
- 2,991 injury crashes
Some of the most common injuries our Charlotte motorcycle accident lawyers encounter include:
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
Motorcyclists are vulnerable to serious injuries and fatalities, especially if they are not wearing a helmet. Studies by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) have said that helmets can prevent up to 85% of serious head injuries and up to 73% of fatalities in a motorcycle crash. While a helmet will not prevent all injuries, it can save a life.
We Can Help You After A Crash
We hope this clarifies the helmet laws in Charlotte for you. Helmets save lives, and wearing one is the law. Even if the law is eventually overturned, please know that wearing a helmet may very well save you one day.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, speak to an attorney as soon as possible. At Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC, we will investigate the crash and work to secure the compensation you deserve. This can include:
- Your medical expenses related to the incident
- Lost wages and benefits if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of personal enjoyment damages
When you need a Charlotte motorcycle accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 704-335-1500.
