With the end of winter and arrival of better weather, many motorcycle riders will be eager to hit the open road. Most experienced riders are aware of the need to wear proper gear, including a helmet, protective pants and jackets. Helmets can help protect against serious head injuries, and protective clothing can help guard against road rash and other injuries.
Many people are not aware that failing to wear proper gear while riding a motorcycle can impact the potential value of a lawsuit, even if the accident is not the fault of the rider. At law, individuals that have suffered an injury can be held to be “contributorily negligent” if they failed to take proper care for their own safety. For motorcycle riders, this includes failing to wear a helmet and other protective gear. The doctrine also applies to occupants of automobiles who fail to wear a seatbelt. If a person is found contributorily negligent, the overall value of their case can be reduced by the percentage that the Court finds they are at fault for failing to take proper care. In the case of failure to wear a seatbelt, a person’s compensation can be reduced by up to 25%.
If you, a family member or a friend are injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury law firm as soon as possible to help you navigate through the legal system. We have a proven track record of success in personal injury cases in the London community for over 20 years. Contact us today to book a free consultation with one of our lawyers at 519-673-4994
