Young Man Not Wearing Helmet Killed in Motorbike Accident

Terrence Hannah was enjoying a ride on his dirt bike in Florence County, South Carolina (SC) when, suddenly, a 2003 Dodge pick-up truck turned a corner and Terrence slammed into the passenger side door. Terrence was just 20 years old.

My deepest condolences go out to his friends and family. It's always so tragic when a young person is taken from us too soon.

One of the primary factors leading to Terrence's death was the fact he didn't wear a helmet. As an injury lawyer who regularly represents people seriously hurt in accidents involving motor bikes, I cannot overstress the importance of wearing a helmet.

South Carolina (SC) law requires the use of a helmet if you're under the age of 21. Even if you're over the age of 21, you should wear a helmet. A helmet is the best protective gear you can wear while riding a motorbike, according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. When you pick up the key to your bike, pick up the helmet. They go together. Helmet use is not a "cure-all" for motorcycle safety, but in a crash, a helmet is the best piece of protective material available.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that helmets reduce the likelihood of crash fatality by 37 percent. In addition, Norvell and Cummings found a 39 percent reduction in the risk of death when using a helmet.

Terrence Hannah's death was terrible, but we should this tragedy as a reminder that using a helmet when operating a motorbike is extremely important.

 About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have experience handling motorcycle accident cases. Check out this case result involving a motorcycle and a pick-up truck. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now-we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube .  In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

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