Motorcycle helmet rules protect riders in San Diego, CA. These rules reduce the risk of severe injuries and outline riders’ responsibilities. If you have questions or have been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers at (858) 551-2090 for help.
This guide details who is required to wear a helmet, the consequences for non-compliance, and how helmet use can impact personal injury claims. For further information, reach out to Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers to arrange a free consultation with an experienced San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer.
How Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident Injury in San Diego
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in San Diego, CA, Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We work to secure compensation for your injuries by proving liability and showing how helmet use impacts your claim.
Our firm can help by:
- Investigating the accident: We launch a full investigation to make sure that all of the relevant information is collected and available to support your case.
- Gathering hard-to-find evidence: We collect evidence from nearby businesses, police reports, medical records, and even track down witnesses if needed.
- Analyzing damages: We assess the cost of all of the damages to make sure that your compensation claims match the amount of compensation you need.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: We handle negotiations with your insurance company to make sure that they honor their agreements.
- Going to court: We take your case to court if necessary to make sure that you get all of the compensation that you deserve.
Our team handles personal injury cases and understands California’s helmet laws. Our goal is to protect your interests and support your recovery after an accident.
Working with us means gaining a reliable San Diego motorcycle accident attorney focused on your physical and financial well-being.
California Helmet Laws
California law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a DOT-approved helmet. Helmets should:
- Meet U.S. DOT safety standards and have the manufacturer-applied DOT lettering on the back of the helmet. The DOT lettering should not be a stick-on label or easily removed.
- Fit snugly, all the way around.
- Have no obvious defects such as cracks, loose padding, or frayed straps.
- Be securely fastened on your head when you ride.
It is also highly recommended that you wear face and/or eye protection as well as protective apparel.
Common Injuries When Riders Don’t Wear Helmets
Riding without a helmet can significantly increase your risk of serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash: A neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward
- Brain Injuries: Brain injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and affect your ability to talk, walk, or perform other brain functions.
- Face Injuries: Severe injuries to the face can be disfiguring and cause a large amount of blood loss, putting you at risk for other medical emergencies.
- Concussions: A type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull.
There are many other head injuries that a helmet can protect you from. Consider wearing a helmet every time you ride.
Penalties for Not Wearing a Helmet in San Diego
Riders who fail to follow helmet rules in San Diego face fines and citations. Parents or guardians may face consequences as well. Penalties often include increasing fines for repeated violations and points to your driving record, which can lead to higher insurance premiums and other consequences.
How Helmet Use Affects Personal Injury Claims
Helmet use can influence the outcome of personal injury claims. Insurance companies often review whether you wore a helmet. If you did, it’ll show that you took reasonable steps to protect yourself. This supports your claim and strengthens your legal position.
Without a helmet, insurers may argue that you caused or worsened your own injuries. This could reduce the value of your claim. A helmet may reduce the severity of head injuries.
Can You File a Personal Injury Claim if You Weren’t Wearing a Helmet?
Yes, you still hold the right to file a claim. But you may face more questions about your actions. Opposing lawyers or insurance adjusters might argue that your choice not to wear a helmet contributed to your injuries. You may also risk having your compensation reduced by California’s pure comparative fault rule.
To support your claim, collect strong evidence. Gather medical records, photos of the accident scene, and statements from witnesses. Our legal team knows how to present these facts and push back against unfair claims. We help shift the focus to the real cause of the accident instead of placing blame on your helmet choice.
Schedule a Consultation with a San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer
If you experienced a motorcycle accident or just have questions about helmet rules in San Diego, CA, schedule a consultation with Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers. Our team can explain how helmet use affects personal injury cases and guide you through the legal process.
Our San Diego motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to focus on helping you recover physically and financially after an accident.