Fort Worth Motorcycle Helmet Laws

One of the primary ways to protect yourself on a motorcycle is by wearing a proper helmet. Although many motorcyclists prefer not to wear them for aesthetic purposes, at the end of the day, wearing head protection could be the difference between life and death.

If you were injured, a skilled motorbike crash attorney could help you understand the importance of Fort Worth motorcycle helmet laws. Entrust your case to a caring attorney now.

Helmet Requirements in Fort Worth

Motorcyclists are not required to wear head protection in the state if they are over 21 years old. If they are under 21 years of age and they get into a wreck without wearing a helmet, they could be partly held responsible for their injuries. This is because if they suffered head or neck trauma, the defense could claim that the plaintiff’s injuries were worse because they did not wear proper protection.

People under 21 years old are not the only ones who could be considered partly responsible for their injuries if they are not wearing a helmet. However, they are more likely to be since they are legally required to wear one. Anyone with questions about Fort Worth helmet laws should contact a diligent attorney right away.

Local Law Recommends all Motorcyclists Wear Helmets

Helmets that meet Federal Motor Carrier Safety Standard (FMCSS) 218 are highly recommended for anyone who rides a motorbike or motor scooter. This being the case, state law prohibits officers from stopping a motorcyclist solely because they are not wearing head protection. Even though there is little chance that a motorcyclist will be pulled over because they are not wearing a helmet, the fact remains that wearing one can save someone’s life in the event of a crash.

What Type of Helmet is Safe for a Motorbike?

Wearing a head protection is a small price to pay to protect someone from catastrophic injuries or death. Not only is it important to have a helmet, but it is important to have a safe helmet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides some tips on what to look for when purchasing a helmet.

Foam Liners

Helmets meeting the minimum federal safety standards typically have a firm foam liner about one inch thick. If it has a soft bone padding or bare plastic shell with no padding at all, it is not safe. Anyone with questions regarding safety gear should talk to a Fort Worth attorney familiar with helmet laws as soon as possible.

Sturdiness and Weight

Having sturdy chinstraps and rivets to keep the helmet securely in place on the wearer’s head is essential to safety. If a helmet does not stay on the wearer’s head in the event of a crash, it serves little protection. Something that may not be as obvious when looking for a proper helmet is the weight of it. Helmets meeting the federal safety standards usually weigh about three pounds.

Proper Certification Labels

All proper helmets must have a Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker. Helmets meeting the federal safety standards are required to have a sticker on the outside back with the letters “DOT.” This certifies that it meets the standards outlined in FMVSS 218. They also might have a Snell or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sticker. Helmets meeting safety requirements may additionally be certified by private nonprofit organizations like Snell or ANSI, in which case it would have a sticker indicating such certification.

Correct Manufacturing Label

The last thing to look for is the manufacturing label. The FMCSS 218 requires manufacturers to place a label inside the helmet, stating the manufacturer’s name, model, size, month and year it was made. This is in addition to construction materials and owner’s information. If a helmet does not have this label, it should be considered unsafe.

Call an Attorney about Fort Worth Motorcycle Helmet Laws Now

Getting into a motorcycle crash could result in lifelong injuries or even death. Not wearing the correct head protection could alter the course of your physical and financial recovery. To ensure you are familiar with all Fort Worth motorcycle helmet laws, talk to our diligent team today.