Practice Areas

Blog

News

Library

Protect Your Head in a Motorcycle Accident: Why the California Helmet Law is So Important

If you are a motorcyclist in California, you may not be happy about the helmet laws that are in place. In California, when you ride on a motorcycle, you are required to wear a helmet. This requirement applies if you are the driver or the passenger.

Some people do not like having to follow this helmet law. They feel that a helmet takes away from the overall experience of riding. However, a helmet is an important safety device that could mean the difference between life and death in a Southern California motorcycle accident.

According to the Brain Injury Association of America, “wearing a helmet is the single most important factor in surviving a motorcycle crash.” The Brain Injury Association lists numerous facts about helmets in its report, “Help Motorcyclists Live Better Longer: Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury.” This report cites the following information:

• Brain injury is the number one cause of death in motorcycle accidents.
• Someone not wearing a helmet is 40 percent more likely to suffer a deadly brain injury and 15 percent more likely to sustain a nonfatal brain injury than a helmeted motorcyclist.
• Helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing death.
• Motorcycle helmets are believed to save about 1,500 lives annually.
  

The good news is that more motorcyclists are wearing helmets. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmet use went up to 67 percent in 2009, which is higher than 2008 that had a 63 percent usage.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange County, San Bernardino, Ventura, San Diego or other area in California, you should contact Steinberg & Spencer Injury Lawyers at (800) 350-8888. Our Los Angeles accident attorneys have successfully resolved over 12,000 injury cases and can help you.

A Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney from our office will be able to sit down with you and explain your legal rights. Contact us today for more information.

Free Consultation

Testimonials

FAQ

Contact Us

Other Links