The excitement of the open road is one of the few things that all motorcycle aficionados love. Except for that final bit, everything sounds wonderful: winding roads, beautiful weather, the wind in your hair. You are putting yourself in danger if you ride a motorbike without a helmet, since you might suffer catastrophic brain damage or even death.
In the case of an accident, motorcycles just do not give the same amount of protection as automobiles. In an accident, a cyclist is much more likely to suffer serious damage or death. If the rider is not wearing adequate protective equipment, particularly a helmet, the risk increases.
Trauma affects the brain in a unique way. As motorcycle accident lawyers, we’ve encountered far too many clients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries and other serious head and neck injuries due to their failure to wear a helmet. While riding a bike without a helmet may not be as fun, wearing one can reduce your risk of serious injuries and enhance your chances of surviving in the case of a major accident.
The statistics on motorcycle helmets
Motorcyclists who wear helmets, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), save lives. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration believes wearing helmets saved roughly 1,700 lives in 2020. Between 2018 and 2020, 14,283 fatal motorcycle accidents occurred, with over half (42%) of those killed without wearing helmets. The statistics are clear: not wearing a helmet puts you in grave risk.’
Helmets can reduce injuries
Even if you escape a motorbike accident without wearing a helmet, you might have a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can have long-term effects. Even when a rider is riding at modest speeds, a TBI can occur when there is a hit to the head. Memory loss, anxiety, sadness, disorientation, loss of consciousness, and lifelong incapacitation are all possible outcomes. Spinal cord damage and lifelong impairment can also arise from brain trauma. These injuries may need long-term therapy and care.
An accident may cause injured areas of the brain to never recover, affecting you for the rest of your life. It will also have an impact on your loved ones, who may be forced to leave their careers or go into debt to care for you after a TBI.
Because the risk of a TBI or death is so great, it is critical that everyone riding a motorbike as a driver or passenger wears a helmet. Purchase one that fits well and wear it all the time. While riding a motorbike without a helmet is entertaining, the hazards outweigh the advantages.
What to do if you are involved in a motorcycle accident
Accidents may and do happen even when a rider takes all measures, drives carefully, and is fully equipped in protective gear. This is especially true because many motorists disregard motorcycles and may make dangerous driving decisions that result in accidents. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you will need the assistance of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. We are enthusiastic about assisting motorcyclists in obtaining compensation for their injuries and losses at The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker. We provide free first consultations and never charge a fee unless we are successful in obtaining funds for you. To learn more or to arrange an appointment, call 800-333-0000 or email info@larryhparker.com.