If you ride a motorcycle in California, you are probably aware of the dangers. No matter how many times people are warned to “watch for motorcycles,” they often fail to take even the most basic precautions to keep motorcyclists safe on the road. That means it is up to bikers to ensure they aren’t harmed if a negligent driver crashes into them.
One way to do this is by always wearing a helmet when riding. California has strict universal helmet laws that require both drivers and passengers to always wear a compliant helmet when riding a motorcycle. These helmet laws are proven to reduce the risk of serious injury or death. If you are hurt in a motorcycle accident, our Walnut Creek personal injury lawyers can work with you to help you get the compensation that you deserve through a personal injury claim.
At the Appel Law Firm, we know that motorcyclists aren’t always given the respect that they deserve out on the road. This can often lead to crashes, leaving victims with life-changing injuries. We fight for the rights of our clients to recover full compensation for their losses and never charge a fee unless we recover money for you. Reach out to our law offices today to schedule a free consultation with a Walnut Creek motorcycle accident attorney.
What Do California’s Motorcycle Helmet Laws Require?
Under California law, all motorcyclists and riders are required to wear a motorcycle safety helmet when they are riding a motorcycle, motorized bicycle (e-bike), or a motor-driven cycle. These helmets must be certified to comply with the United States Department of Transportation (DOT)’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218.
Generally, a DOT-compliant helmet will include:
- An outer shell that is made of fiberglass or another resin/fiber composite
- A foam lining that is at least one inch thick
- A comfort lining inside the helmet that includes another layer of foam
- A face shield that offers eye and face protection without restricting vision
- A face and chin protector
- Strong rivets to secure the chin strap in place
- A weight of at least 3 pounds
It is critical to choose a motorcycle helmet that will not only comply with California law but that will protect you in the event of an accident. Remember: these safety criteria are designed to reduce the likelihood of a serious injury, such as a traumatic brain injury, during a crash. They are not meant to take away the fun of riding a motorcycle, but to minimize the risk of catastrophic injuries.
You should check for manufacturer-applied DOT lettering (not a stick-on label or anything that is easy to peel off) on the back of the helmet to make sure that it is compliant. You should also make sure that any helmet you buy fits snugly. Check your helmet before each ride to make sure that it doesn’t have any obvious defects and that it is securely fastened on your head.
Does Wearing a Helmet Make a Difference?
Part of the fun of riding a motorcycle is a feeling of freedom, with the wind whipping through your hair and very little between you and the open road. Laws about things like helmet use sometimes feel like an impingement on that freedom. Yet these laws are highly effective – and should be respected.
According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), states with universal helmet laws (including California) had significantly lower rates of fatalities associated with motorcycle accidents. There were 29% fewer motorcycle fatalities in universal helmet states compared to states without these laws. These laws are also associated with fewer injuries.
The NHTSA cited studies that show that motorcycle helmets are highly effective in protecting motorcycle riders’ heads in crashes. Helmets can reduce the incidence of motorcycle rider fatalities by anywhere from 22 to 42%. Helmet use also reduces brain injuries by 41 to 69%.
While riding a motorcycle is fun, it is also dangerous. Too many drivers simply don’t pay attention to motorcyclists. Their careless driving can cause motorcycle crashes, such as by changing lanes without looking and hitting a motorcyclist. Given the difference in size between the average car, truck, or SUV and a motorcycle, many riders experience severe, life-changing injuries in these types of accidents.
Although you can’t always prevent a motorcycle accident, there are steps that you can and should take to lower the risk of being seriously injured if you are in a crash. This includes always wearing a DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet (both as a passenger and as a rider), wearing the right protective clothing like long pants, boots, and long-sleeved shirts, and never operating a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
If you are involved in a motorcycle crash, you might be able to file a lawsuit to recover financial compensation for your injuries. Many motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers. Others may be caused by poorly maintained roads or even defective motorcycle parts. Our Walnut Creek motorcycle accident attorneys will thoroughly evaluate the facts of your case to determine who might be held responsible for your losses…and then fight to get you maximum compensation for your injuries.
Help for California Motorcycle Accident Victims
If you are hurt in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to hold the at-fault party responsible through a personal injury lawsuit. Our law offices will work with you to help you get the money that you deserve for your losses.
Based in Walnut Creek, the Appel Law Firm represents clients throughout Northern California who have been injured in all types of accidents, including car accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accidents, and motorcycle accidents. We offer free initial consultations and never charge a fee unless we recover money for you. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a Walnut Creek motorcycle accident lawyer, give us a call at 925-938-2000 or fill out our online contact form.
