Current Virginia law requires all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. A universal motorcycle helmet law will continue to be the law in Virginia following a 3-2 vote against a bill that would have changed the law that was under consideration by the Virginia House Transportation Committee. The bill, which was defeated in a 3-2 vote, would have left the choice about whether or not to wear a helmet up to an individual motorcyclist.
Why the Motorcycle Helmet Law Was Being Reconsidered
Some motorcyclists believe that the choice about whether or not to wear a helmet should be made by the individual riders. However, many insurance companies and healthcare professionals believe that wearing a helmet should be the law for all cyclists because the consequences of failing to wear a helmet can be catastrophic.
Virginia motorcycle accidents, injuries, and fatalities continue to be a concern. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles:
- The number of Virginia motorcycle accidents has increased. In 2011, there were 2,288 motorcycle crashes which was the highest number since 2008.
- There were 90 motorcycle accident fatalities in Virginia in 2011. That is the highest number since 2007.
- There were 2,036 Virginia motorcycle accident injuries in 2011. That is the highest number of injuries since 2008.
The universal helmet law may have helped prevent the number of serious injuries and fatalities from being even higher in recent years.
What to Do if You are Hurt in a Virginia Motorcycle Accident
If you have been hurt or if you have lost a loved one in a Virginia bike crash, then we encourage you to contact an experienced Warrenton motorcycle accident lawyer today via this website or by calling 540-341-0007 or 888-907-2631.
We will help you make sure that your rights are protected, and we will fight hard to get you fair and equitable damages for your motorcycle accident injuries.
