Alejandro Figueroa | May 12, 2022 | Motorcycle Accidents
Riding a motorcycle can be a fun way to zip through traffic or spend a relaxing sunny day on country roads. But in an accident, motorcycles don’t provide as much protection as other vehicles.
This is why, even if state law doesn’t require it, many motorcycle drivers wear a helmet, the single most effective way of lowering your risk of catastrophic or fatal injuries after a motorcycle crash.
How Effective Are Motorcycle Helmets?
While wearing a helmet doesn’t guarantee that a rider won’t have a head injury or even die, a helmet can significantly improve your chances of surviving a crash.
Motorcycle safety standards fall into four categories, and each helmet is evaluated on its performance in each of the four:
- Impact: how well the helmet will protect against a collision with a large, solid object
- Positional stability: whether the helmet remains in place at critical times
- Retention system strength: if the chin strap keeps the helmet in place
- The extent of protection: how well the helmet protects all areas of the head
Helmets that meet USDOT minimum safety standards are labeled with a certification sticker. Some states require that all motorcycle riders and drivers have an approved helmet.
Regardless of the kind of certification your helmet has, there are several critical requirements you should look for to ensure maximum safety performance:
- The size should snugly fit your head (you can use padding to help adjust the fit)
- The chin strap should keep the helmet from shifting in place
- The fit should be low on the forehead, just above the eyebrows
A loose helmet won’t be as effective as one with a proper fit. However, even if a helmet fits properly, a manufacturing or design flaw could fail to protect you. If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash and suspect a faulty helmet led to your injuries, you may want to contact an attorney.
What Are Common Motorcycle Injuries?
Impact injuries are some of the most common injuries in a motorcycle accident, and riders don’t have the same level of protection as drivers of other vehicles.
Motorcyclists are vulnerable to all manner of serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or concussions
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries, including partial or full paralysis
- Road rash, lacerations, abrasions, and dermal damage
- Leg injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Thorax, chest, sternum, or rib injuries
These are just some of the ways that motorcycle drivers and passengers can be injured. Always wear your helmet and ensure you’re driving defensively when riding a motorcycle.
How Can a Helmet Help Protect Me in a Motorcycle Crash?
Helmets are designed to help absorb the impact force that occurs when a person’s head hits the concrete, another vehicle, or a light pole. This protective design may reduce brain damage and head trauma.
Another benefit helmets provide is protection from the general elements when driving. Sun glare, rain, smoke, or road dust can make it harder for drivers to see the conditions and potential hazards on the road, but helmets help them remain safe and in control of their bikes.
Visor helmets may provide additional protection for the face, eyes, jaw, and teeth in the event of an accident. Dental injuries and broken jaws are common after a crash, as is loss of vision.
The bottom line? Even if your state doesn’t require a helmet when driving or riding on a motorcycle, the benefits of a properly-fitting helmet drastically outweigh any aesthetic considerations of not wearing one.
Contact Our Experienced Personal Injury Law Firm in Tampa, FL if You’ve Been Injured in a Motorcycle Crash
Even if you were wearing a helmet, you might have suffered substantial losses if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash. If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa, FL, and need legal help, contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation and discuss your accident.
You may be entitled to compensation to cover your economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. You could also recover non-economic damages, such as those relating to your pain, suffering, and PTSD after the accident.
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers
Bank of America Plaza
101 E Kennedy Blvd #2400
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 222-8656
We also provide legal assistance throughout the Tampa Bay Area including Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Bradenton.
