A motorcycle crash without a helmet? It’s a recipe for disaster. We’re talking life-altering injuries, sky-high medical bills, and a legal fight you didn’t ask for. We know Ohio riders are a breed of their own, but ignoring the facts isn’t ‘tough’ – it’s risky. We at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz have seen the aftermath of motorcycle head injuries with no helmet firsthand, right here in our communities. We’re dedicated to assisting Ohioans navigate the complex legal mess that follows a motorcycle accident so you can focus on what matters: getting back on your feet.
Helmets are essential in reducing the severity of head injuries during motorcycle accidents. According to the National Safety Council, helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries for motorcycle riders and 41% for passengers. When riders forgo this crucial protection, the chances of sustaining life-threatening injuries significantly increase.
Helmets help distribute the force of an impact across a larger area, which decreases the likelihood of skull fractures. Without a helmet, the direct force from an accident is absorbed entirely by the skull, increasing the risk of severe fractures and potentially life-threatening head injuries.
Modern helmets are designed with energy-absorbing materials that help reduce the brain’s movement inside the skull. This feature minimizes the risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which are common in high-speed crashes and can result in long-term cognitive impairments or permanent disabilities.
Beyond crash protection, helmets also shield riders from flying debris, harsh weather conditions, and road hazards. By providing this additional layer of defense, helmets help ensure that riders maintain better control and visibility, potentially preventing accidents before they occur.
Motorcycle accidents without helmet use can result in a variety of severe head injuries, including:
Ohio law enforces helmet requirements for certain motorcyclists under specific conditions. As outlined in Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.53, the following groups are required to wear helmets:
Anyone under the age of 18 operating a motorcycle must legally wear a helmet while riding in Ohio.
Motorcyclists who have had their license for less than one year are also required to wear a helmet. This rule ensures that inexperienced riders have additional protection as they gain confidence and skill on the road.
If the motorcycle operator is legally required to wear a helmet, their passengers must also wear one, regardless of the passenger’s age or experience.
Even if you are not required by law to wear a helmet, choosing to ride without one can still influence your legal case if you’re injured in an accident. Ohio follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that your compensation could be reduced if not wearing a helmet is determined to have contributed to the severity of your injuries.
According to Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.33 (codes.ohio.gov), you can still recover damages for your injuries even if you were partly at fault—unless you are found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident. If you are found to share some blame, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced based on how much of the fault is assigned to you, as outlined in Section 2315.34.
The consequences of head injuries sustained without helmet use can last a lifetime. Victims often face:
Insurance companies often scrutinize cases involving helmetless riders to minimize payouts. They may argue that the injuries were worsened by the lack of protective gear, potentially reducing the compensation you are entitled to.
When evaluating claims, insurers will assess various aspects of the accident and rider behavior.
Compliance with Ohio helmet regulations plays a crucial role in how insurance companies assess liability and determine compensation. If the rider was legally required to wear a helmet but failed to do so, this could negatively influence the claim’s outcome.
Insurers also evaluate whether not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of the injuries. Under Ohio’s comparative negligence laws, any fault attributed to the rider for not wearing a helmet could reduce compensation accordingly.
Medical documentation and expert testimony are critical for establishing the extent of the injuries and whether helmet use might have mitigated them. This evidence can heavily influence the insurer’s decision regarding payouts.
Insurance companies will also look into any pre-existing medical conditions that may have worsened the injuries or influenced the recovery process. Conditions such as previous head trauma or neurological issues could play a role in the final compensation amount.
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident without a helmet:
Yes, it can. Under Ohio’s comparative negligence rule, if the court determines that not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of your injuries, your compensation could be reduced accordingly. For example, if you are found 30% at fault, your damages award will be reduced by 30%.
You may face legal consequences if you are under 18 or a novice rider in Ohio, and you increase your risk of severe head injury. Ohio law requires younger and less experienced riders to wear helmets, and violating these laws can result in fines or penalties. Beyond legal issues, the absence of a helmet leaves you vulnerable to serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries or skull fractures. Additionally, if you are involved in an accident, failing to wear a helmet may lead to reduced compensation, as insurance companies and courts could consider your decision as contributing to the severity of your injuries.
Without a helmet’s cushioning and energy-absorbing properties, an impact is transmitted directly to your skull and brain. This can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which typically cause damage to the brain, such as memory loss, cognitive impairment, or permanent disability.
Even minor crashes can do significant damage without a helmet. In some instances, injuries could prove deadly, particularly if emergency medical assistance isn’t promptly sought in the aftermath of the crash.
According to the National Safety Council, approximately 61% of motorcycle fatalities involved riders without helmets. This figure highlights the heightened risk of fatal injury when riding without a helmet. The statistic also reflects the importance of helmet use in minimizing the likelihood of death following a crash. In states with universal helmet laws, the percentage of helmet-related fatalities tends to be lower, further demonstrating the effectiveness of helmets in saving lives. While helmet use is a personal choice in many states, the evidence strongly supports wearing one to reduce the risk of fatal injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered from motorcycle head injuries with no helmet, our team at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz is here to help. We have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims and will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation—let’s protect your rights and help you recover from your injuries.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
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