If you ride a motorcycle in New York, you must wear a helmet. Failure to wear an approved motorcycle helmet while riding in the Empire state is illegal. Furthermore, wearing a helmet is probably the single most important safety precaution you can take while riding a motorcycle. If you suffer injury in a motorcycle accident, call emergency services. Next, you may want to consult with a personal injury lawyer Bronx about filing a claim for compensation.
Helmet Statistics: why you should always wear a helmet
Regardless of the law, you should always wear a helmet when you ride. When you are on a motorcycle, a collision with a negligent driver, deer, pothole, or road debris can result in death or catastrophic injury. A state approved helmet can reduce injury and even save your life. Consider the following statistics:
- The leading cause of death for motorcycle crashes is head injury.
- It is estimated that motorcycle helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to riders and 42% effective for passengers.
- From 1984 to 2002 helmet use saved approximately $19.5 billion in economic costs.
- 1,772 lives across the country were saved by motorcycle helmets in 2015.
- Helmets are 67% effective in preventing brain injuries in crashes.
- Motorcycle riders who do not wear helmets are three times more likely to suffer a brain injury in an accident than helmeted riders
It is important to remember that “novelty” helmets do not satisfy the legal requirement and do not protect riders from harm. Next time you ride, be sure to don the proper safety equipment.
Violating New York’s helmet law
According to New York’s Traffic Law, Section 381(6): It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he wears a protective helmet of a type which meets the requirements set forth in section 571.218 of the federal motor vehicle safety standards as may from time to time be amended. Failure to abide by the law is punishable by up to $100 in fines, 30 days in jail, or both.
Accidents involving a motorcycle and car or truck generally do not end well for the motorcyclist. If you are injured because the driver of the other vehicle was negligent, distracted, or careless, speak with a New York motorcycle accident attorney about your legal options for bringing an injury lawsuit and recovering damages.
Contact a trusted motorcycle accident attorney in the Bronx
The Law Offices of Evan W. Kohn fights zealously to protect the rights of injured motorcycles throughout New York. Call 718-409-5500 or contact us online to discuss your case with a skilled accident lawyer today.