Burbank Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Motorcycle helmets are critical for rider safety in the event of a collision. Riders who fail to wear any protective equipment are at a substantially higher risk of suffering a catastrophic injury. While many motorcycle accidents are caused by other driver’s negligent conduct, the best thing a rider can do to protect themselves is wear proper headgear.

Every state has different laws when it comes to motorcycle helmets. In California, for example, all motorcyclists are required by law to wear a helmet. If you were injured in a motorbike collision, contact a well-versed motorcycle accident attorney to discuss how Burbank motorcycle helmet laws may impact the outcome of your case.

California Motorcycle Helmet Laws

In California, all motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, vespa, or motor scooter. There is no exception for age or experience level, unlike some other states. California’s strict regulations came in response to the increasing number of fatal and catastrophic injury motorcycle accidents in the state. In addition, a motorcycle helmet must meet certain federal transportation regulations, including:

• Weigh at least three pounds
• A secure chin strap riveted to the outer shell
• An inner liner at least one inch thick made from polystyrene foam
• No protrusions from the shell that are more than two-tenths of an inch.

Riders in Burbank who are not wearing a motorcycle helmet may be fined. The law also prohibits a helmeted passenger from riding with a driver who is not wearing a helmet, and a helmeted driver can still receive a ticket if a passenger is not wearing a helmet.

Risks of Not Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet

The majority of serious motorcycle wrecks where a rider suffers catastrophic injuries were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Motorcycle helmets are essential safety gear for a reason. The risks associated with not wearing a helmet far outweigh any reason a rider may opt to skip it. Some of the dangers of not wearing a motorcycle helmet include:

Scars and Disfigurement

Even a minor accident can cause significant scarring if the rider is not wearing a helmet.

Facial Injuries

Helmets shield a rider’s face during an accident, reducing the likelihood of fractures, lacerations, and serious dental injuries.

Neck Injuries

Likewise, a helmet helps absorb the impact and stabilize a rider’s neck during a crash, reducing the risk of spine injuries.

Severe Head Injury

A motorcycle crash can easily throw the occupant off the bike, and without a helmet, their head is exposed to the impact with the ground or another object. This can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can cause permanent cognitive problems, memory loss, coma, or even death.

Increased Risk of Death

Studies show not wearing a helmet increases the risk of death in a motorcycle accident significantly.

Anyone injured in a motorcycle crash—whether they were wearing a helmet at the time of the accident or not—should consult a Burbank injury lawyer to learn their legal rights and options.

Discuss Motorcycle Helmet Laws With a Burbank Attorney

Helmets do not guarantee safety, but they are an effective way to protect your head in a motorcycle accident. California is one of many states with strict motorcycle helmet laws and penalties for violations. It is crucial to prioritize safety over convenience.

It is also important to follow Burbank motorcycle helmet laws to protect your legal rights in the event of a collision. Learn more by scheduling a consultation with a knowledgeable attorney at our firm.