Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is one of the simplest ways to reduce your risk of serious injuries. Even the most cautious riders cannot account for other drivers’ careless or reckless actions on the road; wearing a helmet is crucial if collisions occur. It’s worth noting that Pennsylvania law does not strictly require all motorcyclists to wear helmets while riding. However, not wearing one could still impact your ability to get civil compensation after a wreck caused by someone else.
If you have questions about Allentown motorcycle helmet laws, call Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers. Our knowledgeable attorneys can explain how these laws may affect a civil claim after a crash. Whether you wore one when your accident occurred, we are here to fight for your rights and support you in the healing process.
State Laws for Motorcycle Helmets
Under Pennsylvania law, every person under the age of 21 who operates or rides on a motorcycle on public state roads must wear a helmet. The helmet must meet the following minimum requirements set by the federal Department of Transportation:
- Total weight of three pounds or more
- At least one inch of polystyrene foam lining the inner layer
- Riveted and strong chin straps
- No external decorations that extend farther than two-tenths of an inch away from the helmet’s outer surface
- A manufacturer label somewhere on the helmet detailing the helmet’s model, size, month and year of manufacture, and material components
Riders over the age of 21 are also technically required to wear helmets meeting these specifications, but there are a few notable exceptions to that law. Specifically, anyone over 21 who has two years or more of riding experience or has completed a state-approved motorcycle safety class is exempt from the helmet requirement.
The helmet law also does not apply to riders and passengers of any age on three-wheeled motorcycles or autocycles or riding within an enclosed cab. Regardless of whether they have an approved helmet, all motorcyclists and passengers must wear protective eyewear while riding. Our Allentown lawyers can further explain the specifics of these motorcycle helmet laws and safety regulations.
Does Wearing a Helmet Affect Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Even if you are exempt from wearing a motorcycle helmet under state law, choosing not to wear one could still impact a potential lawsuit in the event of a crash. Not wearing a helmet can be seen as a negligent act, especially when a helmet likely would have prevented a specific injury.
Any amount of “comparative fault” assigned to you based on your own negligence might be held against you as a reduction in the total compensation you can recover from the at-fault party. Even worse, if you are found primarily at fault for your own injuries, you may be prohibited from getting any civil compensation at all. Working with a skilled attorney at our Allentown office is crucial to navigating motorcycle helmet laws and protecting your right to fair compensation.
Learn More About Motorcycle Helmet Laws from an Allentown Attorney
Regardless of the legal requirements, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for riders of all ages and skill levels. Besides protecting you from severe injuries, wearing a helmet can increase your chances of getting a favorable result from any civil claim you file over a motorcycle wreck.
Our seasoned lawyers can go into more detail about Allentown motorcycle helmet laws and other factors that might impact your civil claim during a free consultation. Call Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to discuss your situation.
