Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet in Connecticut: The Laws You Must Obey

Connecticut relies on traffic safety laws that require motorcycle helmets for operators and passengers in certain situations. Understanding Connecticut’s motorcycle helmet laws, and speaking with a Hartford motorcycle accident lawyer, may help you understand your legal rights after a motorcycle crash.

Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Connecticut?

The answer to this question is “Yes.” But, only if certain conditions are present. These conditions are as follows:

• You have a motorcycle learner’s permit, instead of an endorsement that allows you to drive a motorcycle.
• You are under the age of 21, regardless of whether you are the driver or passenger.

For example, if you have not yet obtained your motorcycle license or are under 21 and driving without a helmet, this would constitute a violation of Connecticut law.

If legally required to wear one, the helmet you wear must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards – the label should state “DOT, FMVSS No. 218, CERTIFIED.” Helmet violations are enforced as infractions and can carry a scheduled fine under Connecticut law.

What can happen to you if you do not wear a motorcycle helmet?

Not wearing a motorcycle helmet in Connecticut can result in legal consequences. Beyond these legal consequences, not wearing a helmet may also result in medical issues, some of which can be serious. Examples of potential injuries from falling off your motorcycle and hitting your head include:

• A traumatic brain injury, concussion, or some form of brain bleeding.
• Skull injuries.
• Death or an injury that ultimately leads to your death.

Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of severe head injuries in a motorcycle crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that unhelmeted motorcycle drivers are 40% more likely to suffer a fatal head injury in a crash than helmeted motorcycle drivers. And, if you do sustain a head injury, the National Safety Council estimates that helmets are about 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries for operators and 41% for passengers.

How can not wearing a motorcycle helmet prevent you from obtaining motorcycle accident compensation?

If you want to pursue compensation for a motorcycle accident, you need to prove that another party’s negligence led to the accident.

The state of Connecticut relies on a modified comparative negligence system. Your share of fault reduces damages, and recovery is generally barred if your fault is more than 50%.

For example, if you were speeding while driving your motorcycle and this act of speeding can be correlated with a crash, you may be considered 40% at fault for the injuries caused by this crash. This may prevent you from obtaining the compensation you seek. The greater your percentage of fault happens to be, the less money you might receive for the injury.

If you were not wearing a motorcycle helmet at the time of the accident, you may have a harder time obtaining compensation. For instance, if your personal injury lawsuit goes to trial, the jury may judge you for not wearing a helmet. If they conclude that not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of injuries, they could greatly reduce the amount of money you receive for the injuries you sustained.

Can you obtain compensation for a motorcycle injury you sustained while not wearing a helmet?

You may be able to obtain compensation for a motorcycle injury you sustained, even if you were not wearing a helmet when this injury occurred. Consider the following:

• Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer who knows how to navigate these cases.
• Gather evidence of the accident. This may include photos and videos of the hazard that led to the accident, if you’re able to take them.
• Work with your lawyer to argue that wearing a helmet did not cause or exacerbate your injuries. Your lawyer can review all of the contributing factors and use their information to develop a case strategy to support your claims.
• Present evidence that supports your claim, as well as the other damages you sustained.
• Document the damages you sustained, including through medical records, photos of your injuries, and anything else that’s relevant. Use that documentation to support the amount of compensation you are seeking.

Taking these steps may make it easier to pursue compensation, although they do not guarantee any particular outcome. Your lawyer can help you understand what to expect and what legal options you have based on the facts in your case.

Speak with a Hartford motorcycle accident lawyer

If you were in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to some form of compensation. At Barry, Taylor & Levesque, LLC, we are ready to help you pursue that compensation. Contact us today to speak with a Hartford motorcycle accident lawyer.