MD Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Breakdown Maryland Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Understanding Maryland Motorcycle Helmet Laws and Safety Tips

Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience. However, it is important to understand the laws and regulations regarding riding safely in Maryland. Motorcycle accident lawyers have broken down these laws as they relate to helmet use and other safety measures for riders in the state of Maryland. This article will provide readers with an understanding of the legal requirements, along with information on how to stay safe while operating a motorcycle.

Maryland motorcycle helmet laws require all riders, regardless of age, to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle. This law is in place to protect riders from serious injuries that can occur in the event of an accident. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents still occur in Maryland. When they do, it’s important to have experienced motorcycle accident lawyers on your side.

The Blank Kim Injury Law are a team of experienced motorcycle accident lawyers who have been helping clients throughout Maryland for years. They understand how serious the consequences of a motorcycle accident can be and will fight for the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages that result from the accident.

Local hospitals that treat motorcycle accident injuries:

  • UM Bowie Health Center
  • AAMC Pavilion – Bowie
  • Warriors Medical Healthcare Solutions
  • North Oak Medical Associates

Do I Need to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet?

A motorcycle helmet is an essential piece of safety equipment for motorcyclists. It consists of a hard outer shell that covers the head and neck, made from plastic or fiberglass composites. Inside the helmet are several layers of foam padding to provide cushioning in case of impact with another object. The purpose of wearing a motorcycle helmet is to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident by providing protection against impacts, abrasions, and penetration injuries.

Motorcyclists are required by law in Maryland to wear helmets that meet specific standards when riding their motorcycles. The type of helmet must be approved by the Department of Transportation or comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. Additionally, motorcyclists under 21 years old must also wear eye protection suitable for motorcycle operation when riding on public roads. These protective pieces help prevent serious injury or death if a rider were involved in an accident.

In Maryland, all riders must wear helmets when operating a two-wheeled vehicle on public roads and highways. This applies to passengers as well as operators regardless of age. Motorcycle helmets sold in the United States must meet federal standards set out by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Helmets meeting these standards will have a label showing they comply with DOT regulations present inside the chin strap or elsewhere on the exterior surface. Additionally, most states require that any motorcycle helmets sold within their jurisdiction also pass state certification requirements. In Maryland, this means helmets should be labeled with either "Snell" or "ANSI/SHARP" certifications.

The importance of following these laws cannot be overstated; according to statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 40 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents involve someone not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. That number rises significantly when considering only those aged 20 years old and younger - almost 70% were not wearing protective headgear during their crash. Wearing a properly fitted and certified helmet can drastically decrease your chances of suffering serious harm in an accident, making it essential for all motorcyclists to follow applicable state laws regarding its use whenever traveling on public roads and highways throughout Maryland.

Maryland Helmet Laws Overview

In Maryland, motorcycle riders must follow the state's helmet laws. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has specific regulations when it comes to wearing a motorcycle helmet while riding on public roads in Maryland. According to the DOT, all motorcyclists and passengers are required to wear an approved safety helmet that meets United States Department of Transportation standards. Additionally, the helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap securely fastened at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

The law also applies to mopeds and scooters as well as motorcycles. To meet legal requirements for use on public highways, helmets must bear labels indicating compliance with the applicable federal motor vehicle safety standard. It is illegal for anyone under 21 years old to ride without a properly fitting U.S.-approved protective helmet; however, there are some exceptions for medical reasons or religious beliefs.

Failure to comply with Maryland’s Motorcycle Helmet Law can result in fines of up to $500 per offense as well as potential points assessed against your driving record if found guilty by a court of law - penalties which could potentially lead you down the road toward license suspension or revocation depending upon severity of violations and any prior offenses already registered on your permanent driving record. Strict adherence to these rules will help keep everyone safe and ensure an enjoyable experience when out on two wheels in Maryland!

Benefits Of Wearing A Helmet While Operating a Motorcycle

According to a study conducted by the University of Maryland, wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a fatal motorcycle accident by 37%. The use of helmets while riding a motorcycle is essential in Maryland. Motorcycle riders and passengers must wear protective gear, including a helmet that meets the Department of Transportation standards, at all times when operating or riding on a motorcycle. This requirement applies to all riders regardless of age or experience level.

Wearing a motorcycle helmet can reduce the risk of head injury if involved in an accident. Helmets are designed to absorb some impact energy which helps protect your brain from serious injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), skull fractures, facial lacerations, and severe cuts and bruises. Furthermore, wearing a helmet can also help prevent neck injuries by providing support for the rider’s head during collision impacts.

Helmet usage has been shown to reduce fatalities among motorcyclists by 37%. Wearing a Department of Transportation approved helmet and goggles increases visibility for drivers on the road. Adopting safe driving habits along with utilizing proper safety equipment will ensure motorcycle riders stay safe while enjoying their ride throughout Maryland's scenic roads.

Penalties For Failing To Wear A Helmet in Maryland

Of the 87 fatalities in 2017, only 15 of those individuals were wearing a helmet according to MD DOT. In order to help protect riders and reduce these numbers, many states have adopted laws mandating that motorcycle operators need to wear a helmet while operating their vehicles. Maryland is one such state that requires its motorcyclists must wear a helmet when riding on public roads. Those who fail to comply with this law may face various penalties.

Motorcycle helmet laws in Maryland states that the first penalty for failing to wear a helmet in Maryland is that the rider can be issued a traffic citation by police officers or other authorized personnel. Depending on the jurisdiction where the violation occurs, fines for not wearing a helmet range from $25 - $500 dollars. The second penalty involves insurance companies and relates directly to any claims made after an accident involving a motorcyclist without a helmet. Insurance companies are allowed to deny coverage if it is found out that the claimant was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash; therefore, leaving them financially liable for any damages they caused during the incident.

Finally, individuals who choose not to wear helmets run much greater risks than those who do follow safety protocol; thus potentially leading to serious long-term consequences following an accident due to head trauma or even death in some cases. It is important for motorists to take into consideration all potential repercussions when considering whether or not they should adhere to helmet laws as part of safe and responsible driving practices.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycle accidents are a major cause of injury and death across the United States. In Maryland, motorcycle safety laws require riders to wear helmets when operating their vehicles. This is for good reason; wearing a motorcycle helmet in Maryland helps protect against serious head injuries that can occur in an accident.

Individuals injured in an accident are often left with physical and emotional scars that can last a lifetime. Brain injuries due to not wearing a helmet can be particularly severe, as they may lead to permanent disability or even death. The protection provided by a motorcycle helmet cannot be overstated when it comes to avoiding these kinds of devastating results from an accident.

Maryland law requires all drivers and passengers on motorcycles to wear approved helmets at all times while operating or riding one. Not wearing a helmet puts you at greater risk for serious injury or death if involved in an accident, so everyone should ensure they follow this important law for their own safety.

Personal Injury Claims And Laws in Maryland

The roads of Maryland can be treacherous for motorcycle operators. Accidents on the road occur with alarming frequency, leaving riders injured and sometimes in life-threatening situations. To combat this problem, Maryland has implemented helmet laws that require all motorcycle operators to wear a helmet when riding their bike. This law is designed to reduce the risk of serious injury or death if an accident were to occur.

Maryland's helmet laws stipulate that anyone operating a motorcycle must wear an approved protective headgear while riding on any public roadway within the state. The helmet must meet certain standards established by the Motor Vehicle Administration's Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). Furthermore, even passengers on motorcycles are required to wear a helmet unless they have reached 18 years of age. It is important to note that those under 21 years old who do not comply with these requirements face fines up to $500 as well as points being added onto their driver’s license record.

In regard to personal injury claims related to motorcycle accidents in Maryland, it is essential that victims understand how applicable state laws may impact their case. In many cases, proving negligence can be difficult enough; but failure to abide by safety regulations such as wearing a properly fitting and certified helmet could greatly diminish chances of recovering damages from liable parties involved in the crash. As such, understanding your legal rights and responsibilities regarding helmets is critical for those wishing to pursue personal injury claims resulting from motorcycle accidents in Maryland.

When Injured Motorcycle Riders Need Legal Representation

Motorcycle crashes are an unfortunate reality. Those who are injured in a motorcycle accident may require legal assistance as they navigate the complexities of filing claims and obtaining compensation for their injuries. In Maryland, it is required that all motorcyclists wear helmets that meet safety standards. The laws governing helmet use vary from state to state, so seeking legal advice after a crash can be beneficial if there is any confusion about what constitutes compliant headgear or not.

When faced with medical bills and other expenses stemming from a motorcycle crash, victims must pursue options for recovering damages through insurance companies or civil court proceedings. This requires an understanding of the law and navigating complex procedures which often necessitate having skilled legal representation on one's side. An experienced attorney will have a comprehensive knowledge of local regulations pertaining to motorcycle accidents and be able to successfully bring forth the necessary evidence needed to support one's case.

Legal counsel can assist with ensuring that rights are protected throughout the process while guiding clients toward viable solutions to their particular situation. Having competent representation when dealing with matters following a motorcycle accident is essential; therefore, researching potential attorneys well before getting involved in such incidents should always be considered.

How An Attorney Can Help After A Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcyclists in Maryland must be aware of the state's helmet law. All riders are required to wear a securely fastened motorcycle safety helmet that meets Department of Transportation standards. Those who fail to comply with this law can receive fines and other penalties. In some cases, the lack of proper protection may worsen an injury caused by an accident or lead to more severe consequences. Following a crash, it is wise for motorcyclists to consult with attorneys specialized in handling these types of matters.

An attorney familiar with motorcycle laws will have knowledge on how helmets help reduce injuries, as well as experience navigating through insurance claims related to accidents involving motorcycles. They can also guide their clients through any civil litigation that might arise due to damage incurred from an accident. Furthermore, lawyers specializing in personal injury cases can advise victims about compensation they may be eligible for if another party was at fault or negligent when the incident occurred.

In addition, prior court awards and settlements reached between parties will provide insight into what kind of damages could potentially be recovered in similar circumstances. An experienced attorney understands the legalities associated with such matters and will use existing case history as references when building a strong argument for their client’s rights and potential recovery options following an accident involving a motorcycle.

Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, sometimes even deadly. Knowing the common causes of these types of accidents is essential for anyone who rides a motorcycle in Maryland.

In Maryland, all motorcycle riders are required to wear an approved helmet while operating their vehicle; this requirement applies regardless of age or experience level. The law states that any person riding a two-wheeled motorized vehicle must have a valid driver’s license and need to wear an approved safety helmet at all times.

A motorcycle helmet is the single most important piece of protective equipment a rider can use when on the road – helmets can reduce head injury by up to 85%. Helmet use has been proved time and again to save lives and prevent serious injuries, but being uncomfortable doesn't make them appealing. Despite this, it's still important for riders to take advantage of wearing one as it could mean the difference between life and death if involved in an accident.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Driver error:

  • Following too closely behind other vehicles
  • Driving too fast for conditions
  • Failing to yield the right-of-way

Vehicle failure:

  • Tire blowouts
  • Brake issues

Environmental factors:

  • Poorly maintained roads
  • Inclement weather such as fog or rain
  • Wildlife on the roadway

Understanding Liability In A Motorcycle Accident Case

In Maryland, there is a helmet law in effect that requires motorcyclists to wear an approved helmet. Failure to do so can result in liability for any injuries sustained by the rider if involved in an accident. It is important for motorcycle riders to understand how the current laws could affect them and their rights if injured in an accident due to another’s negligence or recklessness.

If a motorcycle rider fails to comply with the helmet law and they are injured, it may be difficult for them to receive compensation from those at fault because of their non-compliance with state law. Even though it was not necessarily related directly to the injury suffered, failure to follow these regulations will weaken claims against other liable parties who caused the accident.

It is essential that motorcycle riders stay up-to-date on all applicable Maryland motorcycle laws pertaining to helmets and safety gear while operating a bike as this could significantly impact whether they recover damages after being involved in an accident. A good lawyer experienced with handling cases involving motorcycles can help ensure that bikers understand their rights and obligations under state law when filing suit against responsible parties following an incident resulting in significant harm or death.

Damages That You May Be Entitled To After A Motorcycle Accident

The legal obligation of motorcycle riders in Maryland regarding the use of helmets is clear. All motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation while riding on public roads, with exceptions only for those over 21 who have completed a safety course and carry proof that they have done so. Riders under 18 must always wear an approved motorcycle helmet regardless of circumstances. In addition, all passengers aboard motorcycles also need to be equipped with proper protective gear at all times.

In order to ensure rider compliance with these regulations, the state has mandated that any motorcycle helmets sold in Maryland meet certain standards set out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Any helmet not meeting this standard can be refused entry into the state or seized if found being worn illegally.

It is important for anyone considering taking up motorcycle riding to understand their responsibilities as well as potential consequences from failing to follow safety guidelines such as wearing protective gear like a DOT-approved helmet. Those injured due to another person’s negligence may wish to contact experienced Maryland motorcycle accident lawyers for assistance in understanding their rights and receiving just compensation for their injuries. Motorcycle accidents often cause serious injury and it can be beneficial to seek help from professionals familiar with navigating the complex process involved after such incidents take place in order to obtain fair treatment throughout the proceedings.

Special Challenges Of Pursuing A Claim For A Motorcyclist In Maryland

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclist fatalities have increased 5.4 percent from 2017-2018 in Maryland alone. Riding on public roads requires special attention and care for both motorists and motorcycle riders alike; ensuring safety is of particular importance when riding a motorcycle. In this regard, Maryland’s helmet laws are quite strict: all operators and passengers must wear a helmet while operating or riding upon any motorcycle on public roadways today. This law also applies to those who ride mopeds or scooters within the state.

Tips when pursuing a claim involving an accident with a motorcyclist in Maryland:

  • Make sure that both parties involved were wearing their helmets as required by law - failure to do so may result in reduced settlement amounts
  • Be aware that motorcycles are entitled to full use of the roadway just like other vehicles – treat them accordingly
  • Take extra precautions when driving near single lane highways or winding roads where visibility may be limited

It is important for drivers and riders alike to know what rights they have after an accident occurs on the road. An experienced lawyer will be able to help guide you through your case and ensure that justice is served regardless of whether you were on two wheels or four. Reach out today for a free consultation if you find yourself in such a difficult situation.

Lawyers Represent Those Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Maryland

The importance of wearing a motorcycle helmet in Maryland cannot be overstated. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to serious injury and death during an accident, so proper safety precautions should always be taken. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head trauma, as well as other injuries that may result from being involved in an accident. Knowing the state laws regarding the use of helmets is essential for any motorcyclist looking to stay safe on the road.

The motorcycle crash attorneys at Blank Kim Injury Law have experience representing clients in a variety of motorcycle accident cases and can help you navigate the legal process required in Maryland. They understand that the process can be complicated and confusing, and will provide you with the support and guidance you need if injured in an accident.

The Blank Kim Injury Law are dedicated to fighting for the rights of motorcycle accident victims in Maryland. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact the Blank Kim Injury Law today for a free consultation. They will review your case and provide you with the legal advice you need. Don’t wait—contact the Blank Kim Injury Law today and get the compensation you deserve.

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Aaron Blank Esq
Date Published: May 4, 2023
Aaron Blank is a patient safety advocate who holds the healthcare system responsible when it fails. He keeps businesses accountable if they choose profits over the safety of the community, and he ensures car insurance companies pay their fair share for the harm that reckless drivers cause. Aaron and his proficient legal team bring an approach based on dedication, guidance, and compassion through the difficult process of pursuing serious injury claims. He has dedicated his career to fighting for injury victims to recover losses from medical expenses, lost income, loss of enjoyment of life, or the loss of a loved one.
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