Helmets can Reduce Head and Facial Injuries for Motorcyclists

Approximately 88,000 motorcyclists 1 sustained a wide variety of injuries in accidents in a single year in the U.S. Often, a motorcyclist will get thrown from their bike with excessive force and may land face-first on the pavement or another object. This is especially common in rear-end motorcycle collisions.

It is not surprising that, under such circumstances, a motorcyclist can sustain severe injuries to both the face and the head, as this is often the part of the body that collides with the ground first. Such injuries can leave victims with a long road to recovery and may even cause permanent disfigurement and scarring. These injuries may include:

• Fractured or shattered jaw
• Cheekbone and other facial fractures
• Dental damage
• Skull fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) 2

Injuries to the face, jaw, and teeth can require extensive treatment, including surgical reconstructive procedures, wiring the jaw shut, dental victims are often left with significant scarring. In addition, victims with disfigurement or disabilities can develop significant emotional issues and can experience pain and suffering.

Wearing a proper motorcycle helmet with a face guard can substantially reduce 3 face and head injuries in a motorcycle crash. Motorcyclists can often avoid fractures, dental damage, and cracked skulls by protecting themselves with a helmet. However, California law does not require every motorcyclist to wear a helmet and, therefore, many riders may be tempted to ride without proper head protection, opening themselves up to potential head and face injuries. Not wearing a helmet does not mean that you lose the right to recover for your injuries from a negligent party, however.

Though motorcyclists have a love for riding, they put themselves at risk of serious head and facial injuries every time they head out on their bikes. These injuries can leave riders with permanent scarring and long-term challenges. Even if you wear a helmet, you still run the risk of sustaining serious injuries and incurring extensive losses. At the Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC, APC, we understand how serious motorcycle accidents can be and will help you fully recover from any responsible parties. Please call our office at 323-944-0993 for a free consultation.

• [1] Traffic Safety Facts 2013
• [2] http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm
• [3] http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811208.pdf