You may not like wearing a helmet, but it can make the difference between life and death if you are in an accident on your motorcycle.
There are few things more enjoyable to motorcycle enthusiasts than the thrill of the open road. Winding roads, idyllic weather, the wind in your hair….it all sounds fantastic, except for that last part. If you are riding a motorcycle without a helmet, you are putting yourself in danger, including from traumatic brain injuries or even death.
Motorcycles simply do not provide its riders with the same level of protection that cars do in the event of an accident. A biker in an accident is far more likely to suffer serious injury or death in an accident. The risk only increases if the rider is not wearing proper protective equipment — especially a helmet.
The brain is uniquely vulnerable to trauma. As motorcycle accident attorneys, we have seen far too many clients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries and other significant injuries to their heads and necks because they were not wearing a helmet. While perhaps it is not as exciting to ride a bike without a helmet, having a properly-fitted helmet can decrease your risk of serious injuries and increase your chances of survival in the event of a major accident.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), lives are saved when motorcyclists wear helmets. In 2012 alone, the NHTSA estimates that approximately 1,700 lives were saved because of helmets. Out of 14,283 fatal motorcycle accidents between 2008 and 2010, nearly half (42 percent) of those who died were not wearing helmets. The numbers are clear: going without a helmet puts you in real danger.
Even if you survive a motorcycle accident without a helmet, you may suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI) — which can lead to lifelong consequences. A TBI can happen whenever there is a blow to the head — even when a rider is traveling at low speeds. It can result in memory loss, anxiety, depression, confusion, loss of consciousness and permanent incapacitation. Brain trauma can also result in spinal cord injuries and permanent disability. These injuries can require extended care and treatment. The damaged parts of a brain may never recover from an accident, which will impact you for the rest of your life. It will also effect your loved ones, who may be required to quit their jobs or undertake debt to care for you after a TBI.
Because the risk of TBI or death is so high, it is incredibly important that anyone who rides a motorcycle as a driver or passenger protects themselves by wearing a helmet. Purchase one that fits properly and always wear it. While riding a motorcycle without a helmet can be fun, the risks are too great to justify the benefits.
Of course, even when a rider takes all precautions, drives safely and is fully outfitted in protective gear, accidents can and do still occur. This is particularly true given that many motorists do not respect motorcyclists, and may make unsafe driving choices that lead to accidents. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle crash, you will need a skilled motorcycle accident attorney to help you recover. At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we are passionate about helping motorcyclists obtain compensation for their injuries and losses. We offer free initial consultations and we never charge a fee unless we get money for you. Contact our office today at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
