Motorcycle Helmet Laws

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Motorcycle helmet laws are meant to protect riders as they share the road with larger vehicles. Seattle, Washington, has strict helmet requirements. Even if you follow helmet laws, however, you can still suffer catastrophic injuries in a crash. After suffering losses, you may not be aware of what your options are for compensation. That’s when you need lawyers to help you.

At Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, our team of Seattle motorcycle accident lawyers can help get the recovery you deserve. These accidents can leave you with significant injuries and property damage, so getting help from legal counsel can provide the compensation you need. Contact us today at (206) 727 4000 for a free consultation.

How Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Seattle, WA

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious losses for the biker because of the lack of protection that the vehicle offers. There are no seat belts or airbags you can rely on, and being tossed from the bike is a common problem. Even your helmet won’t be able to fully protect you in serious accidents. 

At Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, our team of Seattle motorcycle accident attorneys offers comprehensive legal services, including:

• Evaluation of your claim during a free consultation 
• Thorough investigation of the motorcycle accident
• Collection of evidence to prove who was at fault
• Calculation of economic and non-economic damages
• Communications and negotiations with insurance companies
• Litigation, when necessary

For over three decades, we’ve been helping the people of Seattle, WA, fight for their rights. We understand how difficult it is to navigate the claims process while dealing with injuries, so we strive to ease your worries by providing compassionate and dedicated support. Contact our team to schedule a free case assessment if you’ve been hurt. 

Washington Motorcycle Helmet Laws

In Washington, all motorcyclists and their passengers must wear helmets, regardless of their age or experience level. This universal helmet law strives to protect people from brain injuries in accidents. 

The helmet must meet the standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Vitally, the helmet must have a DOT symbol on the outside, which means that it addresses all of the requirements. When you wear the helmet, the chin strap must be fastened. 

Other than the helmet, you must also wear eye protection to keep debris from flying into your eyes. The only exception to this is if your motorcycle has a windshield or similar feature. 

Dangers of Not Wearing a Helmet

Aside from breaking the law, not wearing a helmet puts you at serious risk of suffering traumatic brain injuries. The mildest of these is a concussion, and it can still result in cognitive function issues, mood swings, and a variety of other symptoms. 

Traumatic brain injuries damage the nerves and blood vessels in the brain, resulting in chemical changes that impact how the organ functions. With concussions, you can experience symptoms for a few weeks, but with more serious brain injuries, you can suffer permanent brain damage. 

The most severe injuries, such as diffuse axonal injuries, cause overwhelming damage to the brain. These can lead to coma or death. 

Not Wearing a Helmet During an Accident: Are You Liable for Your Injuries?

If you were in a motorcycle accident while not wearing a helmet and you suffered injuries, you may be concerned about whether you can file a claim to recover your losses. In Washington, you will not be barred from receiving compensation, but your compensation will typically be reduced because you are considered partly responsible. 

How much fault you’re assigned, if any, will depend on many factors, including how much of a difference a helmet would have made to your injuries. For example, if the accident caused you to break a rib and puncture a lung, a helmet wouldn’t have done anything to prevent that, so you might not be found partially liable for your injuries. 

Contact Our Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation 

Suffering injuries in a motorcycle accident can be devastating. If the other party was responsible for the accident, you may have the right to begin a claim against them. Because these processes are never simple and you’ll be dealing with potentially significant injuries, hiring an attorney to fight for your rights can be the best option. 

At Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we provide the compassionate support you need after a collision. Schedule a free consultation with one of our Seattle motorcycle accident attorneys to speak about your claim.