Helmet Laws in Pennsylvania

Helmet Laws in Pennsylvania

If you plan to ride your motorcycle in Pennsylvania, you need to know the state’s motorcycle helmet laws. It is also wise to know what you should do if you are injured in a motorcycle accident

At Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers, our motorcycle accident lawyers have over 80 years of combined legal experience. We are passionate about fighting for the rights of accident victims in Philadelphia, PA. And we tirelessly pursue fair compensation for our injured clients’ damages and losses.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact our law firm for a free consultation with one of our lawyers. You’ll learn more about a personal injury claim and receive trusted advice from an accident attorney

How Our Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After A Motorcycle Crash

At Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers, we diligently represent individuals who have been injured in accidents. Our accident attorneys in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, do not stop fighting until we pursue every legal remedy to get you the money you deserve. That’s why we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients.

When you hire our legal team, we will:

  • Investigate your accident to identify each party who may be liable for your injuries
  • Gather evidence and document your damages 
  • Calculate the maximum value of your personal injury claim based on the facts of your case
  • Aggressively negotiate for the full value of your personal injury claim
  • Monitor deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits and claims
  • Keep you informed of the progress of your case and provide support and guidance when you have questions or issues related to your injury case

Call our law firm today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers for help during this challenging time.

What Are the Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Pennsylvania?

There are over 850,000 licensed motorcyclists in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania has a mandatory helmet law. Under Pennsylvania law, all motorcyclists and passengers must wear protective headgear when riding or operating a motorcycle. However, some individuals may ride a motorcycle without a motorcycle helmet if they meet specific criteria.

To ride without a motorcycle helmet, a rider must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age or older, and
  • Have two years of riding experience or have completed a motorcycle safety course approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or PennDOT

Motorcyclists who are required to wear helmets must choose motorcycle helmets that comply with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation regulations. Motorcycle helmets that meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and the requirements under Pennsylvania law have a “DOT” sticker on the helmet. 

In addition to the helmet law, the law requires all riders to wear eye protection. The eyewear protects a rider from flying objects, bugs, wind, rocks, and other hazards that could impair the rider’s vision while operating the motorcycle. 

Do Motorcycle Helmets Save Lives?

Studies have shown that wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle can reduce your risk of head injury or death during a motorcycle crash. Estimates suggest that helmets reduce the risk of death by 37 percent. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of a head injury by 69 percent.

Injuries and Damages Caused by Motorcycle Accidents

A motorcycle rider does not have the protection that a vehicle offers during a collision. There is no metal frame, seat belt, or airbag to protect the rider from the force of the impact. Therefore, a motorcyclist is at high risk for life-threatening and traumatic injuries.

Common motorcycle injuries include:

  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Road rash and lacerations
  • Disfigurement and scarring
  • Traumatic brain damage
  • Loss of limbs and amputations
  • Paralysis and spinal cord injuries
  • Internal organ damage and failure
  • Neck and back injuries

A rider may sustain a permanent impairment or disability that requires ongoing medical care and personal care. The cost of treatment and care over a person’s lifetime could total millions of dollars. 

Proving Liability for a Motorcycle Crash

The types of damages available in a personal injury case include economic damages and non-economic damages. However, before you can recover money for your claim, you must prove that another party caused your injuries.

Negligence is the basis for most personal injury cases

Proving that another driver was negligent involves proving the following legal elements:

  • Duty of care
  • Breach of the duty of care
  • Causation 
  • Damages

It can be difficult to prove fault for a motorcycle crash if there are no witnesses or video evidence. The insurance company for the other driver may fight the claim to avoid paying a large settlement amount. You could face an uphill battle to recover the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle crash. That’s why it’s crucial to work with an experienced Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer to pursue your claim.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Our personal injury lawyers in Philadelphia have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims. We are not afraid of a tough fight. Our legal team is ready to go to battle to protect your right to fair compensation.

Over the years, we have developed resources and skills that help us investigate accidents and gather evidence proving fault. Let us help you hold the negligent driver who caused your accident liable for your damages.

Contact our office or call (215) 875-7030 to schedule your free consultation with one of our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys.