Motorcycle accidents can cause devastating injuries. Because wearing a helmet affects your injury risk, Woodbridge motorcycle helmet laws can affect your case if you file a lawsuit. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash that someone else was responsible for, a talented motorcycle accident attorney could help you decide whether a lawsuit is a good option. Suing can help you cover your medical bills and other expenses while holding the responsible person accountable for their actions.
What Helmet Laws Do Motorcyclists Need to Follow?
New Jersey Public Law 39:3-76.7 requires motorcyclists and their passengers to wear helmets. Approved helmets need to have a chin or neck strap to keep the helmet securely in place. They also need to have reflectors on both sides to make sure the motorcyclist is visible to other vehicles. In addition to helmets, the law requires Woodbridge riders to have some type of face protection. This can be goggles, a face screen attached to a helmet, or a windshield on the motorcycle. While wearing a helmet does not prevent accidents, it does reduce the chances of a serious or life-threatening injury.
How Can Helmet Laws Affect a Motorcycle Accident Case?
There are a few ways helmet laws can affect the legal case after a motorcycle accident in Woodbridge. First, motorcyclists often face bias because they are perceived as irresponsible. Following helmet laws can mitigate some of this bias, while choosing not to wear a helmet can increase the perception that the motorcyclist was careless with their own safety. This can make getting compensation more difficult.
Courts may consider failing to wear a helmet as contributory negligence. To pursue a motorcycle accident lawsuit, the injured party must demonstrate that another person’s negligence caused their injuries. If the injured party shares some responsibility, they could still recover compensation, provided the court considers the other party more at fault. When a serious head injury occurs that a helmet may have prevented or reduced, courts might view the absence of a helmet as a contributing factor. Depending on the circumstances, this could lower the compensation the injured party receives or make recovery more difficult.
For example, if a motorcyclist rides safely and follows traffic laws but does not wear a helmet, and another driver causes a crash by failing to yield at an intersection, both parties may bear some responsibility. The degree of responsibility may also depend on the nature of the injury. If the motorcyclist suffers a broken leg without head trauma, the absence of a helmet may carry little relevance. If the motorcyclist sustains a traumatic brain injury, their failure to wear a helmet could carry greater responsibility for that specific harm.
Discuss How Woodbridge Motorcycle Helmet Regulations Could Affect Your Case
Woodbridge motorcycle helmet laws may influence the outcome of a legal claim after a motorcycle accident. If a rider suffers a head injury and was not wearing a helmet, a court may determine that the rider contributed to the severity of the injury. Wearing a helmet may demonstrate responsible behavior, which could strengthen a claim in the eyes of a court or insurance provider. An attorney with experience in motorcycle accident cases could guide you through the legal process and work to maximize your potential compensation. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your options with Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC today.
