Thousands of motorcycle crashes happen every year. If you suffer injuries from a motor vehicle accident, you can recover damages, even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. Speaking with a motorcycle accident attorney will help you determine the best course for legal action while building a robust case.
Does Connecticut Require Motorists to Wear a Helmet?
Connecticut has more comprehensive helmet and related laws than many other states. The state has rules that outline helmet use, lights, reflectors, and even the number of riders per bike. For example, while CGS §§ 14-289g requires that motorists and passengers under 18 and individuals with learner’s permits wear a helmet, CGS §§ 14-289c and 14-289d makes it illegal to ride sidesaddle and require the wearing of vision-protecting devices such as goggles.
State officials strongly encourage motorists over 18 to wear helmets, as well, and federal law requires states to enforce complete motorcycle helmet laws or lose federal funding.
For a free legal consultation, call 203-437-6190
Recovering Compensation in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
Not Wearing a Helmet — No Head or Neck Injuries
You’re in the clear if you don’t suffer injuries from your crash. A motorcycle accident lawyer would say it’s “legally irrelevant” whether you wore a helmet. This classification applies regardless of a state’s helmet laws.
Not Wearing a Helmet — Head or Neck Injuries
You’ll face an uphill battle if you get in an accident and suffer injuries while not wearing a helmet. The fact that you didn’t wear a helmet makes you comparatively negligent by default. It shows that you did not take the proper precautions to protect yourself from potential harm, even if you’re not the negligent party.
Recovering Damages
You can still recover damages from a motorcycle accident lawsuit, helmet or no helmet. A motorcycle accident attorney may choose to focus on other injuries related to the incident. For instance, you may have sustained an arm, leg or back injury. You can recover damages since these injuries happened independent of a helmet. And while it can be challenging to win substantial compensation for head injuries if you were in a motorcycle accident and were not wearing a helmet, it’s not impossible. Your motorcycle accident lawyer would need to prove that you would have suffered the same or very similar head injuries even if you had worn a helmet.
Minimizing Your Risk While Riding
Motorcycles are smaller and lighter than cars. Even a minor accident can have life-altering consequences for a motorcyclist. Reducing your risks while riding can minimize the chances for an accident and your liability in a motorcycle accident case.
Some ways to ride smart include:
- Never drink and ride
- Avoid riding in bad weather
- Be aware of intersections and distracted drivers
- Wear a full-face, Department of Transportation-approved helmet at all times
- Wear bright colors and reflective elements, especially in the evening
- Take motorcycle safety courses
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Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
When Connecticut residents need a motorcycle accident attorney, they contact Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers. Our experienced legal team has handled everything from fender benders to wrongful death cases. We’re confident that we can handle your case, too.
Discover the power of Perkins by calling 800-PERKINS today.
