Motorcycle accidents often result in severe and catastrophic injuries due to riders’ lack of bodily protection. Connecticut law does not require motorcyclists over the age of 18 to wear a helmet, but wearing one can significantly reduce the risk of serious head trauma or other life-threatening injuries in the event of a collision. Furthermore, the failure of a motorcyclist to wear a helmet may play a significant role in determining their ability to recover damages after an accident. 

Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that a plaintiff's provable damages may be reduced based on their percentage of fault for the accident. If a plaintiff is found to be 51 percent or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages at all. For a motorcyclist who was not wearing a helmet during an accident, this rule becomes particularly significant.

Although not wearing a helmet likely does not contribute to causing an accident itself, it could affect the extent of the injuries suffered, especially for head or neck injuries. A defendant may argue that the plaintiff's decision not to wear a helmet was negligent and contributed to the severity of their injuries. For example, if a motorcyclist suffers a traumatic brain injury in an accident, the defendant may argue that the rider's failure to wear a helmet exacerbated the injury.

A jury may determine that the motorcyclist was partially responsible for their own injuries due to not wearing a helmet. As a result, the total compensation awarded to the rider may be reduced according to the percentage of fault assigned to them. For instance, if a motorcyclist is found to be 20 percent at fault for their injuries due to not wearing a helmet, and the total damages awarded are $100,000, the motorcyclist would only receive $80,000.

While not wearing a helmet may impact the extent of recoverable damages in some cases, other factors, such as the negligence of other drivers or hazardous road conditions, may also play a crucial role in determining the outcome of a personal injury claim. An experienced motorcycle accidents attorney can analyze your case and assess the viability and value of your damages claim.

Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. in Hamden and East Haven advocates on behalf of clients injured in Connecticut motorcycle accidents. To discuss your case, please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online.