It used to be a law on the roadways of Pennsylvania that every motorcycle operator had to wear a helmet. It is no longer the law for those over 21 years of age or older. It reminds me of a case I had years ago in Parkesburg. My client was a 21 year old woman who was riding on the back of her boyfriend’s motorcycle. The boyfriend was wearing a helmet, however, my client was not. The boyfriend lost control of his motorcycle and crashed, causing both him and my client to be thrown from the motorcycle onto the pavement.
Motorcycle Accidents – Helmet Safety
My client, who was not wearing a helmet, survived the crash and sustained a fractured shoulder and other assorted cuts and abrasions. The boyfriend, who was wearing a helmet, died from the crash. Does this mean that it doesn’t matter whether or not you wear a helmet? Of course not, but it does mean that death can occur on a motorcycle even if you are wearing the proper gear.
Motorcycles are dangerous. Approximately 5,000 motorcyclists are killed each year on the roads. Head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. A motorcyclist who does not wear a helmet is 40% more likely to die of a head injury than one who wears a helmet. When you’re driving a motorcycle – be careful – wear a helmet – drive safely.
Steve Karp
