Do Helmets Reduce Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Despite wearing helmets, motorcyclists often suffer serious injuries. If you or a loved one is involved in a serious accident, consult a lawyer protect your rights.

From the standpoint of your own safety as a motorcyclist, statistics show that wearing helmets saves lives. A Governor's Highway Safety Association (GHSA) research report for 2011 indicated that wearing helmets prevented 37 percent of potential motorcycle operator fatal injuries in bike crashes. Also, helmets prevented 41 percent of motorcycle passenger fatal injuries.

Of course, whether riders use helmets or not often depends on the state's law. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), not all states have motorcycle helmet laws for all riders, but 19 states do (including Georgia) ― and so does the District of Columbia. Twenty-eight states require helmets for some motorcyclists and three states have no helmet laws at all. Additionally, although the Department of Transportation (DOT) has design criteria for helmet safety, enforcement is influenced by the state's laws and consequently may be lax. Research found that in states requiring all riders to wear helmets, 84 percent of the helmets met DOT standards. In other states, only 50 percent met DOT standards.

When a court assigns parties fault in a motorcycle accident cause, parties in violation of the law bear some liability. If you ride in Georgia and do not wear a helmet, the court may reduce your ability to collect compensation based on your degree of negligence. Nevertheless, an attorney can investigate your accident, gather evidence and develop an effective case strategy to protect your rights.

Kaine Law works vigorously to defend against biker bias and other challenges involved with motorcycle accident cases. To speak to an experienced lawyer, contact us today by phone at 877-884-8579 or via our online form. Hablamos español.