Motorcycle helmets save lives, and that’s why the State of Texas has motorcycle helmet laws in place. When you ride in League City, safety should be your primary concern, and the best practice is to make it a habit to always wear a helmet. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another motorist’s negligence, consulting with an experienced League City attorney is your best course of action..
Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Motorcycle helmet laws in Texas apply across the state, including League City. The basics include that anyone who is under the age of 21 who operates a motorcycle or who is a passenger on a motorcycle is required to wear a motorcycle helmet. If you have reached the age of 21, you’re not required to wear a helmet as long as at least one of the following applies:
It’s important to point out that, while you’re not legally required to wear a motorcycle helmet if you meet at least one of these requirements, it is always in your best interest to do so.
The Right Helmets
For your motorcycle helmet to meet state requirements, it must comply with federal safety standards, with certification by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Basic requirements include having a heavy-duty chin strap. It should also have an inner liner that is at least one-inch thick. Generally, quality helmets weigh about three pounds, and they should not have any decorative protrusions such as spikes that can ultimately cause more serious injuries.
Your helmet must also be in good shape and be free of defects. Finally, the helmet that you wear should fit you well, being both snug and comfortable.
Eye Protection
While on the topic of helmets, it’s important to also touch on the matter of eye protection. Both motorcyclists and their passengers are required to wear protective goggles or glasses every time they ride. A face shield on your helmet or a windshield on your bike also meets this requirement.
Head Injuries
The guiding force behind motorcycle helmet laws is protecting riders from head injuries. While nothing can offer complete protection from the immense impact of a motorcycle accident, wearing a helmet that checks all the required safety boxes could save your life and may lessen the impact of a head injury.
Head injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most serious and challenging injuries that accident victims can endure. Because they affect the brain, TBIs are closely associated with profound emotional consequences that can be life-altering. That can also lead to major financial losses.
Assessing Your Losses in a Motorcycle Accident
If another driver leaves you injured in a motorcycle accident, it is critical to bring a solid claim that highlights the physical, financial, and emotional losses you’ve experienced as a result of the other driver’s negligence. To accomplish this, you will look to your personal injury lawyer, and you can count on them to categorize your legal damages in each of the following primary categories:
- Your medical expenses, which may stretch far into your future
- Your lost income, which could include a derailed career
- Your physical and emotional pain and suffering, which can easily exceed your other losses combined if you’ve suffered a serious injury like a TBI
Reach out for the skilled legal guidance of a reputable attorney as early in the legal process as you possibly can.
Talk with a League City Attorney About How Motorcycle Helmet Laws Affect Your Claim
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence and you were not wearing a helmet at the time, you are not barred from seeking the compensation you deserve. The well-respected attorneys at Schechter Shaffer & Harris, LLP, dedicate our practice to fiercely advocating for the legal rights and the rightful compensation of valued clients like you. Learn more about what we can do to help by reaching out and contacting us online or calling us today. Consultations are free.
