Motorcycle Helmet Laws in New York

New Yorkers and Helmet Laws for Motorcyclists

Every state has different regulations and laws about motorcycle helmet gear and how that can affect a settlement against an insurance claim after a motorcycle accident. Some have zero tolerance for motorcyclists who fail to be compliant with helmet laws, while others are more lenient. In New York City, they are very strict about motorcycle helmet laws, and compensation is rare if a helmet wasn’t worn by an injured rider.

Regardless of your helmet situation, the lawyers at Proner & Proner in NYC can help you with your motorcycle accident case. Call or email us now for a free consultation.

New York Law Regarding Helmets and Motorcycle Operation

Under New York state law, “It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he wears a protective helmet of a type which meets the requirements set forth in section 571.218 of the federal motor vehicle safety standards.”

It is important to understand what constitutes proper helmet wear. Make sure to do your research and make sure that your helmet complies with state regulations. You must also be sure that the way you position and wear your helmet aligns with the clear directions set forth by the manufacturers of the helmet for proper use.

Improper use is even addressed in some places of the New York motorcycle laws. For instance, one section states, “Wearing motorcycle helmet ‘cowboy style,’ i.e., sitting on back of head and resting on top of defendant’s shoulders, did not constitute compliance with motorcycle helmet law.” If you were involved in a motorcycle accident in New York City, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, or anywhere else in NY, it is imperative that you speak with a qualified attorney who can explain the relevant motorcycle helmet laws and their impact on your motorcycle accident claim.

Not Wearing a Helmet vs. Wearing a Helmet for Your NYC Motorcycle Accident Claim

Not complying with helmet laws usually results in your motorcycle accident injury claim getting tossed in the trash in New York City. Officials will likely consider you as non-compliant and irresponsible, making you more liable for the injuries you sustained. It is, of course, possible at times to prove that based on the severity of your head or neck injury, there still would have been serious damage even if a helmet was worn. This can result in some compensation, but usually the failure to follow proper safety procedures will adversely affect a settlement offer for an injured motorcyclist. By contrast, if you were wearing your helmet, you can expect a much better settlement offer as long as you were not liable for the accident.

Contact a Professional NY Motorcycle Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation About Your Case

Wearing a helmet can be uncomfortable, and sometimes we simply forget to put on the helmet before hitting the road. But wearing a helmet can also can drastically improve your settlement offer after a motorcycle accident in New York City. Even if you weren’t wearing your helmet, Proner & Proner can sometimes increase your potential compensation by proving that your injuries would have been sustained regardless of helmet wear. Motorcycle accidents can be very traumatic, and not getting compensation because of a small mistake can be devastating. Our experienced legal team will do the best we can as your legal advisors to get you compensated for your NYC motorcycle accident injuries.

We offer free consultations so that you can find out what your case might be worth and learn what your chances of getting a proper settlement might be.

Click here to contact Proner & Proner about your NYC motorcycle accident injury claim!