Summary:
- Helmets can protect a motorcycle accident victim from a traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Facial injuries, such as broken jaws, facial lacerations, and nerve damage, can be prevented by wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle
- Visors on helmets can prevent sun glare that can affect a rider’s vision
- Helmets can protect a motorcyclist from impact from road debris
While riding a motorcycle can provide a thrill not easily replicated by other activities, it can be dangerous due to the lack of protection from physical trauma. Motorcyclists can get struck by larger vehicles and sustain severe physical injuries. Wearing a helmet is essential for motorcyclists, as it can help keep them safe from sustaining injuries.
A helmet can protect a motorcyclist from suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and facial injury. The visor on the helmet can also prevent sun glare from affecting a motorcyclist’s eyes and causing a motorcycle accident. The visor can also protect a motorcyclist’s eyes from getting struck by debris during a motorcycle crash.
Wearing a Helmet Can Reduce the Risk of Traumatic Brain Injuries
A motorcycle accident can expose riders to significant blunt-force trauma that can cause many physical injuries. One of the most significant injuries caused by a motorcycle accident is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A direct blow during a motorcycle accident can damage the brain and cause someone to experience memory loss, intense headaches, vision loss, and seizures.
Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle can reduce the risk of suffering a TBI, as it can cushion the head from direct physical trauma. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), wearing a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet can reduce the risk of suffering a TBI by 69%.
Helmets Can Prevent Facial Injuries During Motorcycle Accidents
A helmet can also protect someone from experiencing trauma that can cause a facial injury. Some facial injuries caused by motorcycle accidents can include facial lacerations, a broken nose or jaw, facial bone fractures, cracked teeth, and nerve damage. During a motorcycle accident without a helmet, the victim will have very little to protect them from direct trauma.
Their face can sustain damage from a direct blow from another vehicle or the hard ground. A helmet and its visor can shield a motorcycle accident victim from sustaining blunt-force trauma that can damage and disfigure the face. Facial injuries can cause significant physical pain and psychological suffering from disfigurement.
Visors in Helmets Can Prevent Sun Glare Causing Motorcycle Accidents
While riding a motorcycle in the daytime, cyclists can be affected by sun glare. This harsh sunlight can shine in a motorcyclist’s eyes, making it difficult for them to see correctly. Without adequate vision because of bright sunlight, a motorcyclist might lose control of their vehicle and cause a motorcycle accident.
Helmets have visors that can help protect a motorcyclist from the sun’s harsh rays. The visor can shield a motorcyclist’s eyes from sun glare and help them see properly. Wearing a helmet during a daytime ride can help prevent motorcycle accidents and serious injuries, as it can protect someone from physical trauma and prevent sun glare from affecting their vision.
Helmets Can Prevent Debris Hurting Your Eyes During a Motorcycle Accident
During a motorcycle accident, debris can kick up from the road and injure the motorcycle accident victim. Without facial protection, it can damage the eyes and affect someone’s vision. This debris can also cause facial lacerations and lead to disfigurement.
Wearing a helmet can prevent these motorcycle accident injuries, as the visor can shield a person’s face from impact with debris. The eyes can receive protection from the helmet and visor, preventing debris from striking the eyes and causing severe injuries.
Contact The Russo Firm for Help With Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
The motorcycle accident lawyers at The Russo Firm can use their experience to help you pursue compensation for motorcycle accident damages. These can include economic and non-economic damages like medical bills, lost wages, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact of a motorcycle accident. They can use their experience and expertise to put you in the best position to recover fair compensation by crafting an in-depth legal counsel plan. Contact us for a free case evaluation today at (561) 270-0913 or leave a message on our online contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents
Are Motorcycle Riders Required to Wear a Helmet By Law?
Helmets can help protect motorcycle riders from severe physical impact from a dangerous accident with a car or other motor vehicle. However, not all states require motorcyclists to wear helmets. Most states allow riders over 21 to ride their motorcycles without a helmet. Only 18 states (along with the District of Columbia) require helmets while riding a motorcycle.
Just because states do not require it does not mean riders shouldn’t wear one. A helmet could be the difference between suffering a severe head injury or coming away with only minor injuries. Motorcyclists should take safety into their own hands and wear a DOT-approved helmet to protect themselves from direct physical trauma to the head and face.
What are the Wrongful Death Risks Presented by Not Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet?
Motorcycle accidents can expose victims to wrongful death risks. The impact of a collision can cause enough damage to the body that it can cause death. A motorcycle accident victim can suffer wrongful death due to damage to the brain that can cause a life-threatening TBI.
Wearing a helmet can help reduce the likelihood of suffering a life-threatening brain injury. The CDC has conducted research that suggests wearing a helmet can reduce the chance of death for a motorcyclist by 37%.
Can You File a Motorcycle Accident Claim for Injuries Caused by Not Wearing a Helmet?
Following a motorcycle accident, victims may want to file a motorcycle accident claim to pursue compensation for damages. However, injuries caused by not wearing a helmet could complicate the process. The at-fault party’s insurance company could use you not wearing a helmet as evidence that you did not take your safety seriously.
While this cannot eliminate your chances of recovering fair compensation, it can reduce your eventual payout. It can significantly affect your payment if you suffer an injury that could have been avoided should you have worn a helmet.
At the end of the day, an at-fault party that caused the motorcycle accident can be held liable for their negligence regardless of whether or not you wore a helmet. However, an insurance company will use any information to limit your settlement.
