If you do not like to wear a motorcycle helmet, maybe you should think twice. Using a helmet may save your life. Based on data analysis from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), helmet use is 37% effective in preventing fatal motorcycle accidents and 67% effective in preventing brain injuries. Therefore, wearing a helmet is essential. Nonetheless, helmet use is not mandatory in all states.

In South Carolina, riders over twenty-one years old are not obliged to wear a motorcycle helmet. Since there is no federal law regulating the helmet’s use, each state has its own motorcycle helmet rules. Furthermore, there is a constant debate among bikers about these laws. Some bikers believe that these laws protect them, while some others feel they violate their rights.

Motorcycle accident injuries are usually more severe than car crash injuries. The reason is that motorcycles are not as stable as a car. Moreover, motorcycles are not as visible as cars. Since the motorcycle riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, they face a high risk of being seriously injured or killed. A motorcycle helmet can reduce this risk significantly.

If you or someone you love were involved in a motorcycle accident and suffer injuries, you should consult a South Carolina auto accident attorney.

In South Carolina, it is mandated for people under twenty-one years of age to wear a motorcycle helmet, with a chin or neck strap, reflective sides, and approved with the Department of Public Safety sticker. Goggles or a face shield must also be used. People over this age group can decide for themselves whether to protect themselves and wear a helmet or not.

Even if wearing a motorcycle helmet is not mandatory, wearing a helmet could only work in your favor. To protect yourself, even more, you could also wear gloves, boots, and clothes that could prevent severe injuries in the unfortunate case of an accident.

When you ride your motorcycle on the highway, feeling the freedom and the sun and the wind on your skin, the last thing you would want is a helmet on your head. However, all evidence supports that helmets save lives.

The fact that you may not be obligated by the law to wear a motorcycle helmet does not mean that you should not protect yourself.

If you were involved in a motorcycle crash, a vehicle accident attorney would be necessary to assist you with the following:

• Your motorcycle accident attorney will help you communicate with your insurance company about your medical treatment and coverage
• Your lawyer will help with the evaluation of your motorcycle’s damage and the estimation of the repairing costs
• Your lawyer can discuss your legal rights with you and answer any questions you may have
• Your motorcycle accident attorney will handle everything that has to do with the legal procedures, and you will have some time to recover and rest.

Most motorcycle collisions result in head and neck injuries. Fortunately, the helmet plays a crucial role in protecting a rider from sustaining a severe head or neck injury and significantly reduces the chances of a fatal bike accident.

Anyone may get involved in a traffic accident. Even cautious riders may find themselves in a situation like this. Therefore, motorcycle riders and passengers should always protect themselves with a helmet. No matter how inconvenient wearing a helmet may be, the truth is that many people survived an accident because of it.

Motorcycle Injuries

Compared to car drivers, motorcyclists are not that protected. A motorbike is not equipped with airbags and seatbelts. Therefore, even a minor traffic accident may result in severe injuries for the biker. The following injuries may be prevented or less severe by wearing a helmet:

• Traumatic Brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Concussion
• Facial injuries
• Bone fractures
• Skin burns
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Death

The recovery expenses for motorcycle accident injuries are costly, as multiple surgeries are usually necessary, with extended hospital stays and physiotherapies. Moreover, depending on the severity of the injuries, time off from work, and loss of wages, can make it impossible to cover the medical expenses. If the victim manages to prove the other party’s negligence, they will be able to collect compensation for all the accident related costs.

Contact A Greenville Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Call us today at Brumback and Langley law firm for your free consultation. Our team of experienced motorcycle accident attorneys will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.