Austin Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyers
Texas Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Wearing a helmet is one of the best safety measures you can take while riding a motorcycle. It protects your head in the case of an accident or a fall, as well as protects your eyes and face from bad weather or debris. Though not everyone in Texas is required to wear a helmet, Ray King, an Austin motorcycle accident attorney and experienced motorcycle rider, considers it a good habit, especially when a rider's safety can be jeopardized by negligent drivers and other factors out of their control.
Who Has to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in Texas?
State helmet laws are in place for the protection of motorcyclists, but every state has different rules regarding who is or is not required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. Texas motorcycle helmet laws are as follows:
- Riders 20-years-old and younger are required to wear a motorcycle helmet, including those riding low-power cycles except motor assisted scooters with an engine displacement under 40cc.
- Riders 21-years-old and older are exempt from the motorcycle helmet requirement if they can show proof of having a medical insurance policy or show proof of having successfully completed a motorcycle operator safety and training course.
As an aside, a police officer may not stop a motorcycle operator or passenger without a helmet just to obtain the above proof. If you are pulled over for another reason, such as a traffic violation, then the police officer may ask for it.
Importance of Wearing a Helmet
Regardless of the helmet laws in Texas, a motorcycle helmet provides an extra level of safety. Many injuries that cause facial scarring or disfigurement may be caused by not wearing a helmet. In addition, you may be much more likely to sustain a brain injury after a fall or crash if you do not wear a helmet. There are many inherent risks with riding a motorcycle. Anything you can do to help ensure your health and safety should be done, whether the law requires it or not.
After an Injury Accident
While a motorcycle helmet can provide you with some protection from injury, it cannot protect you from all injuries. The negligent actions of other drivers often cause devastating collisions that result in serious, if not, fatal injuries. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Texas, you may be entitled to take legal action against the at-fault party. To find out more about your legal rights and options, contact King Law Firm today at (512) 637-1000. You can also fill out an online contact form.