Motorcycles represent a rush of freedom. Nearly every Californian has seen a motorcycle weaving through stopped freeway traffic at one time or another. However, motorcycles come with increased risks.
Motorcycle accidents are 28x more fatal than car accidents. It’s no wonder why California passed the universal helmet law, but some motorcyclists still wonder how helmets prevent serious injuries.
Universal Helmet Law
California requires anyone operating or riding a motorcycle, moped, scooter, or even motorized bicycle to wear a motorcycle helmet. The US Department of Transportation set standards for all motorcycle helmets to ensure they will protect riders during a crash.
Failing to wear a helmet in California could mean getting pulled over and receiving a ticket. It is also illegal to ride with someone who is not wearing a helmet, making both the driver and the passenger liable if either refuses a helmet.
Wearing a helmet can even help in damages claims. Helmets not only reduces damage to your head and face, but they demonstrate reduced liability for the accident. If you don’t wear a helmet, the other driver’s insurance may argue that some of your injuries were preventable and that you violated helmet law, reducing your compensation.
Saving Lives
Helmets save lives. States with universal helmet laws have significantly fewer motorcycle-related fatalities per capita than those without helmet laws. The Governors Highway Safety Association estimates that over 800 motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents could have survived if they had worn helmets.
There’s no doubt wearing a motorcycle helmet reduces fatalities. Studies show that wearing a helmet during a motorcycle crash reduces the risk of death by 42% and risk of head injury (which may result in deformities or brain damage) by an incredible 69%.
There’s no argument or debate here. Wearing a helmet prevents serious injuries and death.
If you or someone you love were injured in a motorcycle accident, you might have a case. If you’d like an experienced Southern California auto injury attorney from McGee, Lerer & Associates to evaluate your motorcycle accident, please give us a call at (310) 231-9717 or send us an email at your earliest convenience.