New Research Shows Motorcycle Helmets Reduce Chances of Spine Injuries

By The Husband and Wife Law Team on February 24, 2011

It is well-known that motorcycle helmets can greatly reduce the risk of head injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries, suffered in Arizona motorcycle accidents. A new study conducted by Johns Hopkins shows that helmets can also reduce the risk of cervical spine injuries.

Previous studies suggested that a helmet could actually cause additional spinal injuries by adding extra torque on the neck during a collision. But, according to a February 9, 2011 article in News-Line, the John Hopkins study reports that helmeted riders “were 22 percent less likely to suffer cervical spine injury than those without helmets.” It is not clear if this new study will have an impact on state laws relating to motorcycle helmet use.

Currently, only 20 states have mandatory helmet laws for all motorcycle riders. In Arizona, helmets are only legally required for riders 18 years of age or younger. This means that adult riders in Arizona are not legally required to have any protection between their skull and the road if they are involved in a serious Tucson motorcycle accident.

Since motorcycles provide virtually no protection to their riders, accident victims often suffer serious injuries – predominantly brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Such catastrophic injuries lead to lifelong disabilities, which turn the lives of the victims upside down. When negligent drivers injure Arizona motorcycle riders, the victim may pursue financial compensation for their losses by filing a personal injury claim.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, please contact the skilled Tucson motorcycle accident attorneys at The Breyer Law Offices, P.C. to obtain more information about how to pursue your legal rights. Call us at 520-624-4228 for a no-cost consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.