Riding a motorcycle gives you a sense of freedom until one wrong move can turn it into a disaster. And if you are in Connecticut, whether you were wearing a helmet during an accident can affect your injury claim. The state has specific helmet laws and understanding them can protect you if you get into an accident.
Who should wear a helmet in Connecticut?
Under Connecticut law, you must wear a helmet approved by the federal safety standards if you are under 18. On the other hand, wearing a helmet is optional if you are 18 or older, but not without any consequences. If you get in an accident and you have no helmet, you risk suffering from severe injury. It can also affect your injury claim later if you sustain head injuries.
How can not wearing a helmet affect your injury claim?
If you suffered a head injury from a motorcycle accident, insurance companies can use it against you when you file a claim. They could argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of your injury. It could reduce the amount of compensation you can receive.
If your injuries do not involve your head, the lack of a helmet does not hold any bearing on your case. However, insurance companies might still use it against you to reduce your payout based on the modified comparative negligence rule.
What is modified comparative negligence?
Connecticut follows the modified comparative negligence law. Also called the 51% bar, modified comparative negligence allows you to recover compensation if you are only up to 50% responsible for your injuries. On the other hand, if you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.
Why does wearing a helmet in CT matter?
Even though Connecticut does not require all riders to wear a helmet, wearing one not only protects you physically but also legally, especially if you get into an accident. Consider consulting a personal injury attorney if you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident. They can help you with the next steps, such as filing a claim and dealing with the insurance company, while protecting your rights.