What Are the Helmet Laws for Motorcyclists in Decatur?

The helmet law for motorcyclists in Decatur is universal: all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a helmet when riding. 

Our Decatur motorcycle accident lawyers explain what the helmet law means for you.

Georgia’s Helmet Law in More Detail

A rider cannot operate their motorcycle without a helmet. Georgia’s helmet law also requires riders and passengers to wear protective eyewear. 

Your helmet must meet certain criteria “established by the commissioner of public safety.” That criteria can be found here. A DOT-approved helmet will: 

• Cover the rider or passenger’s head
• Not move more than an inch
• Have nothing rigid projecting more than 1/5 of an inch of the outer shell (e.g., no spikes)
• Weigh approximately three pounds
• An inner liner of polystyrene foam that is at least .75 inches thick
• Have “sturdy chin straps with solid rivets”

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Motorcycle Accidents FAQs

Why Should I Wear a Motorcycle Helmet?

There are several reasons why wearing a helmet is important. We will divide them into two categories:

Legal Repercussions

If you are pulled over while unhelmeted, you face a ticket which may come with:

• A $1,000 fine 
• One year in jail

You may also receive community service or points on your license.

Safety Repercussions

The consequences don’t stop with a ticket. If you are in an accident when you aren’t wearing a helmet, you could suffer head injuries, facial or dental injuries, and/or a severe traumatic brain injury. 

A motorcycle helmet and proper eyewear can also stop accidents from occurring. For example, if you are riding down the road when a bug flies in your eye, you may become distracted or even unbalanced. This could cause a serious injury. If you wear a helmet with a visor or a helmet and proper eyewear, this protects you from debris. 

If I’m Injured in an Accident, Can the Other Party Use My Lack of Helmet Use Against Me?

Georgia follows modified comparative negligence laws, which allow injured parties to recover compensation even if they contributed to their accident or injury. However, you must be less than 50 percent responsible for the accident to recover. 

The other party can use you not wearing a helmet as an example of negligence. However, it’s important to note that merely not wearing a helmet will not necessarily apply in your case if it did not contribute to the accident or your injuries.

For example, if the other party caused the accident in which you suffered road rash and crush injuries, your helmet use doesn’t apply. If you suffered a traumatic brain injury or facial injury, the other party will likely claim you caused or contributed to your injuries.

Our team will defend you against accusations of fault. 

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Safety Tips for Motorcyclists Beyond Wearing a Helmet

Motorcycling brings a sense of freedom and excitement that’s hard to match with other forms of transportation. However, it also comes with a higher risk of accidents and injuries, primarily because motorcycle riders are more exposed compared to passengers in a vehicle. To mitigate these risks, motorcyclists must adopt a comprehensive safety approach that extends beyond just wearing a helmet.

• Importance of Additional Protective Gear
  • Jackets: Invest in motorcycling jackets crafted from materials that resist abrasion and are equipped with armor in critical areas such as the back, elbows, and shoulders. These jackets serve as a first line of defense against road rash and impact injuries, while also offering protection against the elements.
  • Gloves: Hand protection is crucial, as hands are often the first point of contact in a fall. Motorcycling gloves should be durable, provide a good grip, and include protection for the knuckles and palms to guard against abrasions and impacts.
  • Boots: Proper footwear is vital for foot and ankle protection. Motorcycling boots with non-slip soles, ankle support, and protection from the heat of the bike can prevent injuries from crashes and burns.
• Safe Riding Practices
  • Defensive Riding: The principle of defensive riding is simple: ride as if you are invisible to others. This means always being aware of your surroundings, anticipating the actions of other drivers, and being ready to react. Use your signals well in advance, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid riding in blind spots.
  • Avoiding Blind Spots: Staying visible is key. Avoid riding in blind spots of cars and trucks, and position yourself where you can be seen in the rearview mirrors of the vehicle in front of you. Always be prepared for the unexpected, like sudden stops or lane changes from vehicles around you.
  • Importance of Rider Training Programs: No matter your experience level, continuous learning and improvement through rider training programs are essential. These programs cover a wide range of skills, from the basics for beginners to advanced maneuvers for seasoned riders, including how to handle your bike in emergency situations effectively.

Adopting these safety measures can dramatically reduce the risk of accidents and the severity of injuries. By wearing the right gear and practicing safe riding habits, you can enjoy the road with greater confidence and security.

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What to Do If You Are Involved in an Motorcycle Crash

There are a few things you should do after an accident to protect yourself:

• Check for injuries; prioritize your safety and others involved.
• Move to a safe location if you’re able, avoiding further risk.
• Call emergency services immediately for medical and police assistance.
• Exchange information with the other party: names, contact details, insurance.
• Document the scene: take photos of damages, the environment, and any injuries.
• Gather witness contact information; their accounts may be crucial later.
• Notify your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident.
• Call our law firm.

Call Our Team After a Motorcycle Accident in Decatur

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, our personal injury lawyers want to help you. We’ll examine your case to determine whether the motorcycle helmet laws will have any affect on your case and your ability to recover compensation. 

Call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with our team. See what our motorcycle accident attorneys can do for you today.

Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form