At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our Oregon motorcycle accident attorneys know that helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%, according to a Centers for Disease Control study.
In addition, the National Safety Council Injury Facts reported that motorcycle helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to riders and 41% effective for passengers.
All data points to wearing a motorcycle helmet while riding as common sense. It is also the law.
Oregon requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets that must have stickers showing compliance with the federal Department of Transportation requirements.
What are the Consequences of Not Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet in Oregon?
Although we are not traffic lawyers, we know not wearing a motorcycle helmet in Oregon is a Class D traffic violation. The minimum fine for not wearing a helmet is $115, and the maximum penalty is $250.
We also know there is more at stake.
Motorcycle helmets can save lives and reduce the risk of head trauma and brain injuries.
Riders who are not wearing helmets and are involved in a collision — whether it is their fault or someone else’s — may sustain more significant injuries than someone who was wearing a helmet. These injuries can be life-changing and require extended medical care and time away from work to recover.
From a personal injury claim standpoint, they can still recover compensation for their losses if a motorcyclist sustains an injury in an accident caused by another driver’s actions but not wearing a helmet when the incident occurred. However, there are circumstances where the compensation may be reduced due to the non-use of a helmet.
According to Oregon’s modified comparative negligence law, the courts might assign non-helmeted riders at least a percentage of fault for their injuries, which could reduce their compensation award. If not wearing a helmet means they were more than 50% at fault, they will not recover financial compensation during a claim.
Contact Our Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers in Oregon for Help Today
If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by negligence in Oregon, contact our Oregon personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Jon Friedman at (503)-242-1440 or online today to schedule a free consultation and get the help you need to make informed decisions about the direction of your case.
