In the sunny state of Florida, motorcycle accident deaths have been on a steady incline since Governor Jeb Bush repealed the state mandate requiring helmets to all motorcycle riders over five years ago. The two years before the helmet mandate repeal saw only 22 motorcycle accident deaths, while an estimated 250 deaths have been reported for 2004 alone. It has also been noted that when compared to the logged 270 helmetless riders recorded in the 90’s, when it was illegal, the numbers have risen about 67% to 432 helmetless riders in 2004. Add that to an 87% increase in registration of motorcycles since the repeal of motorcycle helmet laws, and the increased fatality doesn’t come as any wonder. The issue has currently resurfaced due to helmet-free advocate and Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s motorcycle accident, which resulted in a broken nose, jaw, and several missing teeth, requiring a seven hour surgical procedure for recovery.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please feel free to contact a personal injury lawyer such as The Bradley Law Firm in St. Louis, Missouri.
