Motorcycle Safety Gear To Keep You Protected in a Crash

A motorcycle crash can expose you to the road and other hard surfaces with little protection. While wearing the right motorcycle safety gear to keep you protected in a crash cannot prevent every injury, good equipment may still reduce the risk of head injuries and road rash.

If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, an attorney could help you understand your options. At Berger and Green, we answer your questions and handle the legal process so you do not miss out on much-needed compensation.

A DOT-Compliant Helmet Protects Your Head

A helmet is a key piece of protective equipment in a motorcycle accident. A helmet that meets federal Department of Transportation standards reduces the risk of serious head and brain injury by absorbing impact and protecting the skull. Look for the DOT label showing that the manufacturer certifies that the helmet meets federal safety standards.

A helmet should fit snugly, and you should replace it after any crash, since deeper damage may not be visible. Even when the law does not require one, wearing a helmet provides important protection.

Jackets and Pants Reduce Road Injuries

Your clothing should create a protective barrier between your skin and the pavement in the event of a motorcycle crash. Abrasion-resistant jackets and pants may reduce road rash. Choose gear with armor at the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees, with material that resists tearing while still allowing you to control the motorcycle. A proper fit helps keep armor over the areas it is meant to protect during a crash.

Does the Law Require Eye Protection?

Crash protection also includes motorcycle safety equipment such as bright or reflective clothing that improves your visibility to other motorists. In addition, eye protection shields your eyes from wind and road debris that could interfere with your vision.

75 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3525 generally requires eye protection but it allows riders who are 21 or older to ride without a helmet once they have carried a motorcycle license for two years or finished an approved safety course. It is legal to avoid wearing this gear, but an insurer may argue that it affected your injuries.

Under 42 Pa. C.S. § 7102, the state applies a modified comparative negligence rule, which means if your share of fault is less than the combined fault of the parties you seek to hold responsible, you can recover damages. However, the courts reduce your recovery by your percentage of fault. Under 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524, you must file most personal injury lawsuits within two years of the incident.

Call Us To Learn How Safety Gear Affects Your Motorcycle Crash Claim

The right motorcycle safety gear to keep you protected in a crash may reduce injuries, but careful riders can still be hurt by another person’s negligence. If you were injured in an accident, we can review the crash and fight for the compensation that you deserve. At Berger and Green, our personal injury lawyers have helped injured people for more than 40 years, and we can help you too when you need guidance.