Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
Motorcycle accidents lead to severe injuries at a disproportionately high rate compared to other traffic collisions. Research consistently shows that wearing a helmet significantly lowers the risk of fatal head injuries and reduces the likelihood of intensive medical intervention. A recent study, Injury Patterns and Outcomes in Motorcycle Driver Crash in the United States: The Effect of Helmet Use, reinforces the importance of protective gear.
Despite the undeniable benefits of helmet use, Maryland law does not consider failure to wear a helmet to be contributory negligence in motorcycle accident claims. This distinction is critical because Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule that prevents injured riders from recovering compensation if they are found even slightly at fault for a crash.
Helmet Use and Injury Severity in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists account for a small percentage of registered vehicles in the United States, yet they make up 14% of all traffic fatalities. The study analyzing over 315,000 motorcycle crash patients found that helmeted riders suffered significantly fewer severe head injuries and had lower mortality rates than those who rode without one.
According to the findings, helmet use significantly reduced the likelihood of severe head trauma, with 13.3% of helmeted riders suffering serious head injuries compared to 28.5% of those without helmets. Riders who wore helmets were also less likely to require intensive medical care, as only 30.2% were admitted to the intensive care unit, compared to 38% of non-helmeted riders. The need for mechanical ventilation was also lower among those who wore helmets, with 13% requiring ventilatory support versus 20.1% of unhelmeted riders. Most importantly, overall mortality rates were lower for helmeted riders, with 3.9% losing their lives in crashes compared to 6.2% of those who did not wear helmets.
One common argument against helmet mandates is the belief that helmets increase the risk of cervical spine injuries. However, the study found that helmeted riders experienced slightly fewer cervical spine injuries than those without helmets. This directly contradicts the misconception that helmets create additional risks for motorcyclists.
What Is Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Law?
Maryland’s strict contributory negligence rule means that if an injured motorcyclist is found even one percent at fault for an accident, they may be barred from recovering damages. However, courts in Maryland do not consider failure to wear a helmet as contributory negligence in motorcycle injury claims.
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This legal principle is essential for riders seeking compensation after a crash. Insurance companies often try to argue that a rider’s injuries were worse because they failed to wear protective gear. In states with comparative negligence laws, this could reduce the amount of compensation awarded. Maryland law, however, does not allow an at-fault driver to avoid liability based on whether the injured motorcyclist was wearing a helmet.
The Real Impact of Helmets on Motorcycle Safety
While helmet use does not affect legal claims in Maryland, it remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity of injuries in an accident. The study’s findings align with decades of research showing that helmets save lives. Riders who choose to wear helmets protect themselves from life-altering head injuries and lower their risk of fatal trauma.
Motorcycle crashes are often caused by other drivers failing to yield, misjudging distances, or not seeing motorcyclists. Even the safest riders face unpredictable hazards on the road. Protective gear, including a Department of Transportation-approved helmet, offers a critical safeguard against these dangers.
The growing body of evidence supporting helmet use makes it clear that wearing one is a life-saving decision. While Maryland law does not penalize riders for choosing not to wear a helmet in legal claims, the physical consequences of that choice can be severe. For motorcyclists, the decision to wear a helmet is not just about compliance but survival.
Contact the Dedicated Maryland Injury Lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen to Learn More
If you or a loved one was recently injured due to another’s negligence, it’s important you take a few minutes to learn about your rights and what you can do to hold the at-fault party accountable. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we have decades of combined experience handling all types of personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice lawsuits on behalf of clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 800-654-1949. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.