Motorcycle helmet laws in Utah are enforced to protect the many people who enjoy cruising down the state’s roads on their bikes. A helmet is often the only thing standing between you and a brain injury in the event of an accident.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, the Utah motorcycle accident attorneys at McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help. With more than 40 years of combined experience and over $500 million recovered for Utah accident victims, we can get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (385) 462-7630 for a free consultation.
Motorcycle accidents typically result in more severe injuries than those involving other motor vehicles, as these bikes simply do not provide the same protection as cars. To help address the losses you may sustain in a collision, one possibility is to file a claim against the liable party.
At McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers, our Utah motorcycle accident attorneys can help guide you through the legal claims process in the following ways:
For two decades, we’ve been helping the people of Utah fight for their rights after catastrophic accidents. Whether you’re pursuing a claim for yourself or a wrongful death case on behalf of a loved one who died in the crash, we can get you on the right path. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Utah personal injury lawyer.
In Utah, the law about wearing helmets while riding a motorcycle depends mostly on your age. If you are under 21 years old and riding or riding as a passenger, you are required by law to wear a helmet.
You can be fined or face other penalties if you choose not to wear one. However, if you are 21 or older, wearing a helmet is your choice. Even though it’s not required, wearing a helmet is still a very smart and safe decision that can save your life in an accident.
Utah’s helmet law applies to several different types of vehicles, not just standard motorcycles.
These include:
If you are riding any of these, and you’re under 21, you must wear a helmet. No matter your age, if you do wear a helmet, it must meet all standards set by the Utah Department of Transportation. Helmets that don’t meet those safety standards might not give you enough protection during a crash, which puts you at greater risk of injury.
Some states require motorcyclists to wear eye protection like goggles or face shields. But Utah doesn’t. Riders and passengers do not have to wear anything over their eyes by law.
That said, many experienced bikers strongly suggest that you do. Riding at high speeds can make your eyes water, and dust, bugs, or sunlight can block your vision. Wearing eye protection helps you see clearly and ride more safely.
Motorcycle helmets are made to protect your head during an accident. Even if you wear all the right gear, a crash can still cause injury, but wearing a helmet can lower the chances of a serious brain injury.
Helmets have two main parts: a hard outer shell and an inner liner. The outer shell spreads out the force from a hit, and the liner absorbs that energy so it doesn’t reach your skull and brain.
Here’s what a helmet can help protect you from:
These injuries can lead to surgery, long hospital stays, and months of healing. A helmet may not stop every injury, but it can keep them from being life-changing or deadly.
Even though Utah law says people over 21 don’t have to wear a helmet, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Riding a motorcycle always comes with risks. You can’t control what other drivers do or how road conditions change. One second can change your life forever. A helmet gives you a better chance of walking away from a crash without major injuries.
Making a smart choice, like wearing a helmet every time you ride, can protect your brain, your face, and your future.
Even if you follow every recommendation and wear both a helmet and eye protection, along with other safety gear, you can still suffer significant injuries in a motorcycle crash. But if the accident occurred because of someone else’s negligence, and you sustain injuries severe enough to allow you to step outside of Utah’s no-fault laws, consider filing a personal injury claim.
At McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers, our Utah motorcycle accident attorneys can fight to get you the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and physical and emotional distress. Contact us for a free consultation today.
