Motorcycle accidents and crashes are common on Atlanta’s dangerous roads. During these risky events, you rely on your safety gear. However, what happens when your helmet does not protect you when you need it the most? It is important to understand what can happen if a helmet fails during a crash and what can affect helmet performance.
One can get seriously injured if a helmet malfunctions during an accident. Many riders think helmets offer complete protection, but that might not always be the case. Your helmet’s design and quality can greatly impact the severity of your injuries. Moreover, there are also legal issues to consider if a helmet fails during a crash.
In Georgia, helmets are required by law. If you are found riding without one, you could face legal consequences. Similarly, you could be looking at a complex situation if you get into an accident due to helmet defects. If you have been in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta where a helmet failure has contributed to your injuries, visit the website lawbike.com to talk to an attorney.
What can cause helmet failure?
Helmet failure can cause severe injuries for motorcycle riders because it can greatly affect safety during an accident. It happens when a helmet does not protect the rider as it should, especially when preventing head injuries. Helmet failure means a helmet does not work as it should during a crash.
Some common examples of helmet failures include:
- Cracking: When the helmet’s shell or padding cracks during an impact, it loses its ability to protect.
- Bad fit: A loose or tight helmet would not be able to protect properly. Loose helmets can shift during a crash, while tight ones can cause impact injuries.
- Impact issues: Helmets are made to absorb energy from a crash. If they cannot handle the force, they won’t protect you properly.
Situations where helmets can fail include a variety of scenarios. For instance, manufacturing defects resulting from poor materials or faulty design can make a helmet unsafe. Weak straps can break easily, and bad padding cannot absorb the impact of an accident.
Helmets also undergo wear and tear, and it is important to replace them. Experts recommend replacing helmets every 3-5 years or sooner if involved in a crash.
What are the consequences of helmet failure during a crash?
A helmet failure during a crash can impact the victim in various ways, including physical, psychological, and financial.
The most common danger in a motorcycle crash where the rider is not wearing the right helmet is a head injury. Approximately 75% of fatal motorcycle accidents involve head and brain injuries. Severe head injuries, such as skull fractures and concussions, are common.
Studies have shown that unhelmeted riders are nearly three times more likely to sustain TBIs when involved in motorcycle accidents. These can cause mild concussions to severe injuries that may lead to long-term injuries and even death.
The psychological impacts of a helmet failure are no less than the physical injuries. Riders involved in severe accidents may develop PTSD that may cause flashbacks, severe anxiety, and recurring nightmares. Many riders also face depression and anxiety symptoms after an accident, such as sadness, withdrawal from social interactions, and difficulty working.
Finally, the financial consequences of a helmet failure during a crash can be devastating. The biggest financial strain is the unending medical bill you will get. These expenses include emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing rehabilitation. You will also need to take time off work, leading to lost wages. Some may even lose their ability to earn at all.
Did a helmet failure leave you broken?
If you are someone who responsibly wears your helmet every time before you get on your motorcycle, it can be unexpected when it fails. Consult with an attorney to know your legal and financial options!
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