Motorcycle enthusiasts across Oregon already know that the state requires them to wear a helmet. Because cyclists face inherent dangers due to total-body exposure, covering the head may offer a measure of protection against a crash.
What happens, then, when a helmet fails to protect the driver during an accident? There are some common answers to this question. The staff at Harris, Wyatt & Amala, LLC, take extra measures to educate the public on the good and the bad of motorcycle helmets. Discover why a helmet may fail when a cyclist needs it most.
Age
Helmets do not last forever. Experts recommend replacing one within five years. This guarantees that the material meant to protect the head does not wear out. It is this breakdown that leads to failure on impact. Frequent wear and tear, including dropping, may accelerate the process. It is a good idea to replace a helmet frequently if the bike is your primary source of transportation.
Defect
Confusion may set in quickly upon finding out a helmet failed to protect during a crash. If it is relatively new or not worn much, a reason may exist to believe something happened during manufacturing. A helmet with even a small defect may not function as it should. While proving the manufacturer is to blame may prove difficult, it can happen with the proper evidence.
Success
The definition of failure may vary depending on the circumstances. If a rider awakens to a concussion after a crash, the belief may exist that the helmet failed. The factors of the collision may prove the helmet protected the rider from death. When a helmet works, it absorbs most of the force of impact and falls apart. Therefore, a broken helmet at the scene may indicate it did its job.
Motorcycle crashes are some of the deadliest. Learn more about these accidents here.