Since the 1800s, the motorcycle has been a symbol of a free-spirited lifestyle. In the United States, millions of riders have embraced the rush that these two-wheeled vehicles offer. However, part of that excitement is the inherent dangers that come with riding.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, motorcycle accidents are far more likely cause fatalities than wrecks involving passenger vehicles. In 2014, 9.09 in 100,000 passenger cars were involved in deadly accidents compared to a whopping 54.48 in 100,000 registered motorcycles.
Many of these deaths would have been prevented if riders had been wearing the appropriate safety gear. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the most effective piece of motorcycle safety equipment is the helmet. However, not all helmets offer the same level of protection.
Riders should look for helmets that are certified by either the Department of Transportation or the Snell Memorial Foundation. The helmet should fit snugly, and it should offer the latest protection features to minimize your risk of injuries in the event of an accident.
Call a Personal Injury Attorney
Unfortunately, even the best safety gear cannot protect you from all injuries. If you were hurt by a negligent driver in Louisiana, contact Morris Bart, LLC. A Shreveport motorcycle accident lawyer will help you recover the maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages and non-economic damages.
Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Look for These Helmet Safety Features
As previously mentioned, you should never purchase a helmet unless it has been certified by either the Snell Memorial Foundation or the Department of Transportation. This indicates that the helmet meets stringent safety requirements. You should also find a helmet that has these safety features:
- Thick, Impact-Absorbing Liner: If your helmet impacts another vehicle or the pavement, the impact-absorbing liner will deflect the shock away from your head, thus reducing the likelihood of sustaining a brain injury.
- Durable Outer Shell: If the outer shell cracks, then there is a high risk that you will suffer a brain injury. You should never purchase a used helmet because the outer shell may have been damaged in a previous accident.
- Thick Padding: The padding will make your helmet fit snugly and comfortably.
- Chin Strap: You should never wear a helmet without a properly secured chin strap.
Choose the Best Helmet Design for Your Needs
The three most popular helmet designs are:
- Half-Helmet: Also known as a “shorty,” the half-helmet only protects the top of the head.
- Open-Face: Also known as a “three-quarter helmet,” this design covers more of the head than the half-helmet, but it does not have a face shield. If you purchase an open-face helmet, be sure to buy riding goggles to protect your eyes.
- Full-Face: This helmet offers the most protection. It covers the entire head and face of the rider and includes a face shield.
Although wearing a helmet will reduce your risk of suffering brain trauma or dying in an accident, a motorcycle wreck can still cause a serious injury. If you were hurt by a negligent driver in Louisiana, contact a Shreveport motorcycle crash attorney from Morris Bart, LLC. Call 800-537-8185 today to schedule a free consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
