Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet: How Important Is It?

Although riding a motorcycle offers a feeling of freedom that’s undeniable, this vehicle offers riders no protection from accidents. Therefore, they must protect their bodies with riding gear. A crucial part of that protection is the helmet. Without one, a rider risks serious injury or death from a motorcycle crash.

Helmets Increase the Chance of Survival

Like several other states, Texas law doesn’t require riders 21 years or older to wear a helmet. As a result, nearly 60% of motorcyclists who became involved in accidents in these states in 2013 do not survive as the result of their injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In states that do require all riders to wear a helmet, the NHTSA stated, 8 percent of riders died as a result of injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents.¹

Helmets Influence Recovery Time and Cost

In addition to causing fewer deaths from accidents, helmets also have a dramatic influence on rider recovery. This is because, without a helmet, injuries can be far more severe, requiring more hospitalization time. In addition, because of the increased severity of injuries among those who don’t wear helmets, a full recovery from an accident may not be possible.

Hand in hand with recovery time are medical bills. Inpatient care, medications, and supportive devices like casts and neck braces will greatly contribute to the cost of recovery for injured motorcyclists who weren’t wearing a helmet at the time an accident occurred.

The cost of these injuries also extends to insurance companies, who often pay for part of the cost of motorcyclist care. Public funding is the source for just over 20 percent of costs associated with medical care for those not wearing helmets.

Helmets Increase Visibility

Because of their small size and profile, motorcycles are notoriously invisible to car and truck drivers on the road. This is where wearing a helmet can help. Today’s brightly colored and eye-catching helmet designs can do much more than impress; they can drastically increase a rider’s visibility, preventing a serious accident.

Legal Repercussions

Although anyone over 21 is exempt from wearing a helmet in the state of Texas, not doing so can remove your rights should you make a personal injury claim against another driver. For example, if you weren’t wearing a helmet when you became involved in an accident, and you sustained head injuries, you may not be able to recover damages for those injuries, even if the other driver was deemed to be the negligent party.

Involved in a Motorcycle Accident? We Can Help

The bottom line for helmets is that it’s better to be safe than sorry. Wearing a helmet can save your life and protect your rights.

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and need compensation for your injuries, call a motorcycle accident lawyer from Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, LLP.  Our combined 100 years of experience can get you the compensation you deserve. See how a motorcycle injury attorney can help you get justice. Claim your free consultation today: 1-713-574-5089.

Source:

1. https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812148