New Hampshire is one of only three U.S. states that does not require motorcycle riders to wear helmets, regardless of their age or riding skill. However, riders who do wear helmets increase their chances of surviving a serious accident by 37 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Helmets also decrease the severity of many head injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents.
In order to ensure that riders have access to helmets that will help protect them in a crash, the federal government requires helmet makers to meet minimum safety standards. Motorcycle riders who are injured in a crash may be able to seek compensation if the injuries were caused or made worse by a defective motorcycle helmet that does not meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) that apply to motorcycle helmets.
The FMVSS for motorcycle helmets prescribes minimum standards for nearly every aspect of a helmet, including its strength, padding, and how the helmet is fastened to the rider’s head. Helmets must be able to spread the force of impact so that a wide surface area absorbs the shock, preventing it from causing severe damage in one location that can result in a skull fracture, traumatic brain injury, or other serious injuries.
At Tenn And Tenn, P.A., we’re experienced New Hampshire motorcycle accident attorneys who also ride, so we know firsthand the risks that bikers face every time they hit the road. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, we have the legal resources and practical experience to fight for the compensation you deserve. To learn more, please call Tenn And Tenn, P.A. today at (888) 332-5855 for a free and confidential phone consultation.