Riding your motorcycle with the wind blowing through your hair sounds exciting. However, Cordova motorcycle helmet laws require all riders and passengers to wear a helmet when they are on a motorcycle. Wearing a helmet reduces injuries and can also be a key factor in receiving the maximum compensation available if you are in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver.
The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs is made up of experienced attorneys who work tirelessly on behalf of their clients to obtain full compensation after a motorcycle accident. Abiding by local helmet laws is important not only for your safety when riding a motorcycle but also for any potential compensation that may be requested if a wreck occurs due to the carelessness of another driver.
Helmet Requirements
Motorcycle helmet laws in Cordova mandate that riders and passengers wear helmets when cruising on their motorcycles. However, the specific requirements differ depending on the rider’s age:
Riders Under 21
- Must wear a helmet that complies with federal motor vehicle safety standards specified in 49 CFR 571.218 (FMVSS 218)
- No exceptions are allowed for ventilation or design; the helmet must meet all federal requirements
Riders Over 21
Must wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards, but with more flexibility:
- Ventilation airways are permitted through the entire shell of the helmet, as long as no airway exceeds 1.5 inches in diameter
- The protective surface of the helmet does not need to be a continuous contour
- The helmet must include a label indicating compliance with one of the following standards:
- American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM)
- Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
- Southern Impact Research Center (SIRC)
- Snell Foundation
These requirements are outlined in Tennessee Code § 55-9-302.
Because helmets reduce injuries in case of a motorcycle accident, it is important to understand if the helmet is compliant with Cordova motorcycle helmet laws.
Exceptions to the Helmet Laws
Helmets are not needed in certain circumstances in accordance with motorcycle helmet laws in Cordova. A helmet is not required if the person is riding within an enclosed cab or on an autocycle that is fully enclosed. Operating a golf cart does not require a helmet.
If someone over the age of 18 is driving a motorcycle in a parade traveling at a speed that does not exceed 30 miles per hour, a helmet is not required. Finally, for a funeral procession, memorial ride under a police escort, or body escort detail, a helmet is not needed as long as the driver is over the age of 21, the motorcycle is traveling at less than 30 miles per hour, and the ride does not exceed 50 miles.
Necessity of Wearing a Helmet
When the negligence of another driver causes a motorcycle accident, a personal injury claim may need to be filed. If the motorcyclist fails to wear a helmet, the negligent driver’s insurance company may argue that not following the motorcycle helmet laws in Cordova contributed to the severity of the injuries and that compensation should be reduced.
Ensuring that a motorcyclist is always wearing a helmet will potentially reduce the severity of the injuries and will negate any argument from the negligent driver that the biker increased their injuries due to not wearing one.
David and Elissa understand motorcycle laws and advocate for their clients to receive the full compensation they deserve when in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver.
Contact a Cordova Lawyer Familiar With Motorcycle Helmet Laws
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash caused by the negligence of another driver, it is important to work with an experienced lawyer who can protect your legal rights. Reduce your chances of suffering severe injuries and increase your chances of receiving comprehensive compensation by following all of the Cordova motorcycle helmet laws.
At The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs, our attorneys will protect your rights to obtain the financial recovery you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your motorcycle accident.
