Motorcycle Helmet Law

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Boston Motorcycle Accident Attorneys: The Massachusetts Helmet Law

In recent years, motorcycles have become increasingly popular in Boston and throughout Massachusetts. As more motorcyclists take the road each year, the number of Massachusetts motorcycle accidents has also increased. These accidents can be particularly dangerous for the motorcyclists who lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle. Head injuries are one of the most common injuries after a motorcycle crash. In an effort to protect bikers from serious and potentially fatal head injuries, the Massachusetts motorcycle law now requires that both drivers and passengers wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle in Massachusetts.

The Boston motorcycle accident lawyers at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. have decades of experience handling motorcycle collision cases. Our motorcycle collision attorneys are highly knowledgeable about the Massachusetts’ laws pertaining to motorcycle accidents resulting in personal injury and wrongful death cases. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact Bellotti Law Group, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation.

Motorcycle Safety

With motorcycle ownership at an all time high, efforts to improve motorcycle safety has become a serious public health concern in Boston, Massachusetts, and throughout the nation. Motorcycle safety advocates are lobbying for stricter helmet laws to prevent motorcycle-related deaths, traumatic brain injuries and other serious injuries.

According to a 2015 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”), NHTSA estimated that helmets save 1,630 motorcyclists in 2013 and are 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders

Massachusetts Motorcycle Helmet Law

In Massachusetts, all motorcyclists must wear a helmet. The helmet law was enacted in Massachusetts in 1967 in an effort to decrease the likelihood of serious injuries resulting from motorcycle collisions

The relevant part of M.G.L. c. 90, Section 7 states: “Every person operating a motorcycle or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle or in a sidecar attached to a motorcycle shall wear protective head gear.” The only exception to the helmet law is if the motorcyclist is “participating in a public parade that is properly permitted” and is 18 years of age or older.

The Massachusetts’ helmet law has some of the strictest requirements for wearing a helmet in the United States. Commonly known as a “universal helmet law,” the law requires that anyone operating or riding on a motorcycle in Massachusetts must wear a helmet at all times. This includes both the driver and any passengers on the bike. The motorcycle helmet standards are set by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (“RMV”).

Failure to wear a helmet may require you to pay a fine up to $100, and may significantly increase your risk of serious injury if you are involved in a motorcycle accident. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that universal helmet laws like Massachusetts’ are one of the most effective ways to protect motorcyclists from serious injuries or death.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, the experienced Boston motorcycle collision attorneys at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. will work swiftly to investigate your accident and will engage in skilled negotiations with insurance companies and settlement talks with medical providers to obtain full and fair compensation for your damages. We will fully investigate your case and hold all liable parties accountable. We can be reached locally at 617-225-2100. You can also use our contact form.