Every state in the nation has laws and statutes regarding motorcycle helmets. In many cases, these laws will influence the outcome of personal injury claims from motorcycle accidents.
Motorcyclists that are in violation of the New York motorcycle helmet laws may find it more difficult to secure financial compensation after an accident. If you have been injured in a collision, the premier New York motorcycle accident attorneys at Catalano Law can help.
We will build a powerful case to secure the maximum compensation possible, because when it comes to fighting back against biased or uncooperative insurance companies, Catalano wins.
New York Motorcycle Helmet Laws
New York state law requires all motorcycle riders to wear a protective helmet that meets certain standards. Helmet specifications are those that meet the federal motor vehicle safety standards.
All helmets that meet federal standards will feature a US DOT sticker. Novelty helmets and those that do not provide adequate protection do not meet the regulatory requirements.
New York also requires motorcycle riders to wear protective eyewear. The use of eyewear has been shown to reduce the likelihood of fatal injuries from motorcycle accidents.
In order to comply with New York’s motorcycle helmet laws, it is crucial to understand the proper way to wear a helmet. For example, wearing a helmet “cowboy style” does not meet state regulations. This refers to when motorcyclists wear their helmet on the back of their head, resting on their shoulders.
If you are hurt in a motorcycle accident without a helmet, you will have a difficult time getting the compensation that you deserve. This is true even if you are not found to be at fault for the collision. Just as the people around you have a legal obligation to not harm others, you also have a legal obligation to take steps to protect yourself.
Helmet Laws and Personal Injury Compensation
When a motorcyclist fails to comply with helmet regulations, they are usually considered to be irresponsible and non-compliant. This makes it much more likely that the motorcyclist will be held at least partially liable for the injuries that they suffered in the collision.
A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to argue that the victim’s injuries would not have been prevented by wearing a helmet. But even in these cases, failing to comply with traffic statutes is likely to undermine the injured person’s claim.
You should always wear a helmet when you’re riding a motorcycle in New York state. A helmet is a crucial piece of safety equipment that can save lives and lessen the severity of injuries in a crash, but wearing a helmet can also legally protect you.
Effectiveness of Motorcycle Helmets
According to the New York State Department of Health, helmets are 67% effective for preventing traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes. Wearing a helmet also reduces the risk of death for motorcyclists by 42%.
In 2016, 5,286 motorcyclists suffered fatal injuries in crashes. Research suggests that helmets prevented the death of 1,859 more motorcyclists in that same year. Over 800 more lives may have been saved if every biker had been wearing a helmet.
These staggering numbers show just how effective motorcycle helmets are for preventing severe injuries and death. Because motorcycles are inherently dangerous, New York’s motorcycle helmet laws work to keep the roads safe.
The next time you get on your bike, be sure to wear a helmet in accordance with New York motorcycle helmet laws. Helmet laws function to keep you and others safe.
Finding Qualified Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident because of another party’s negligent driving? If so, you have the legal right to seek financial recovery for the damages that you suffered.
Call the accomplished New York motorcycle accident attorneys at Catalano Law for exceptional legal representation. Our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys will exhaust every possible legal option in your case.
You should not bear the financial burdens from injuries that you did not cause. Contact Catalano Law today to schedule a free consultation. At Catalano Law, we will fight hard for you.