Just wear a helmet. If you’re going to ride a motorcycle, don’t ride without basic protection. Helmet use significantly reduces the number of deaths and personal injuries suffered by motorcyclists.

Just wear a helmet. When an accident happens, unhelmeted motorcyclists are three times more likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury than helmet-wearers. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) reports that helmet use reduces the chances of dying in a crash by 37%. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety concludes that helmet usage reduces the risk of severe head injury by 69%. It’s just common sense – helmet use by motorcyclists reduces deaths and injuries.

Several other statistics dramatically underline the imperative for helmets. For example, in 2000, Florida revised its helmet law by exempting riders over 21 with $10,000 or more of medical insurance coverage. In the first year after the revision to Florida’s helmet law, the fatality rate among that state’s motorcyclists jumped by 25%. So … just wear a helmet.

From 2008–2010, 14,283 motorcyclists were killed in crashes; of these, 6,057, or 42 percent, were unhelmeted. But in the 27 states with only partial helmet laws, 4,814 motorcyclists (64 percent) of the fatally-injured motorcyclists were unhelmeted, and in the three states with no helmet laws, 504, or 79% percent of the fatally-injured motorcyclists were unhelmeted.

If you ride a motorcycle, you’re already aware that you’re more likely than other motorists to be involved in an accident. Taking a safety course and riding defensively are always good ideas. And always, always wear a helmet.

If you are involved in a motorcycle crash, protect your rights. Don’t admit to any fault or sign any insurance papers before speaking to an experienced personal injury attorney. If possible, take photos of any personal injuries and any damage to your motorcycle. Make and keep several copies of any police reports, medical, and insurance paperwork generated by the crash. Most importantly – contact a good personal injury lawyer as quickly as possible. In any crash, protecting your health and your legal rights must be your top priorities. In the San Diego area, if you or a family member has suffered a personal injury in a motorcycle mishap, please contact attorney Gary Sernaker to discuss your rights and options under California Law.