There are no protective elements surrounding the body when one is riding a motorcycle. A helmet and heavy gear (leathers or other) are the only standard forms of protection for motorcyclists. In addition, many drivers of motor vehicles may not be adequately aware of the need to look for motorcycles. These factors result in a significant number of motorcycle accidents leading to head injury.

to help prevent head injuries, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the CDC recommend that motorcyclists use helmets, and many states require the use of motorcycle helmets. While head injuries can still occur when one is wearing a helmet, such injuries are typically less severe than if one is not wearing a helmet (1,2). At present the protective potential of helmets is assessed by a variety of rating scales (3,4). All helmets must meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) standard. An additional, voluntary certification known as Snell certification is also included for some helmets. The Snell certification is often sought after because the criteria for certification are more strenuous than the minimal DOT standards and all other standards in the US. Although controversy has arisen regarding the Snell rating system for motorcycle helmets, you should consider the Snell rating when purchasing a motorcycle helmet.

We represent people injured in motorcycle accidents. From a legal standpoint the amount of compensation awarded in a motorcycle accident case may be affected if the injured person was not wearing a helmet. This depends on the state in which the accident took place and the facts of the case. Contact us for a free consultation after a motorcycle accident. We are a national law firm and represent injured people throughout the United States.

Resources:

1. (2007) Accid Anal Prev 39(1):190
2. (2006) Traf. Inj. Prev. 7(1):49-54.
3. www.webbikeworld.com
4. www.motorcyclistonline.com

Labels: head injury, helmet, motorcycle accident, motorcycle accident lawyers, motorcycle safety