If you were in a motorcycle crash but not wearing a helmet, could you get compensation? Consulting a personal injury lawyer is a crucial step when pursuing your claim in such a situation. The following facts about helmet laws and liability for injuries in the Grand Canyon State may help you understand your rights.

How Personal Injury Lawyers Evaluate Cases Under Arizona’s Motorcycle Helmet Law

Motorcycle Helmet Law

If you’re at least 18 years old, you do not have to wear a motorcycle helmet when operating a motorcycle in Arizona. However, motorcycle helmets that meet the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218 offer you the best protection from head injuries in motorcycle crashes. 

Personal Injury Law

Arizona personal injury law includes the principles of contributory negligence and assumption of risk. If you’re an adult motorcyclist who is injured in a motorcycle crash, a judge or jury will consider whether you assumed the risk of injury or contributed to it by riding without a helmet. Personal injury and car crash lawyers know the law allows you to recover a percentage of damages as long as you are not 100% at fault in causing the injury.

Factors Personal Injury Lawyers Consider  

If you are over age 18, not wearing a helmet, and suffer head or neck injuries, you can claim damages because the law does not require you to wear a helmet. However, in evaluating your claim, personal injury lawyers may consider whether you assumed the risk of injury or contributed to it. Lawyers look at other factors, including how the accident happened and whether there are injuries not related to wearing a helmet, such as a broken arm or leg.    

The only way to know what your motorcycle crash claim is worth is by consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer. The motorcycle and car crash lawyers at Knochel Law Office in Bullhead City, AZ, have served clients throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada for more than 25 years. These dedicated and skilled attorneys present each client’s case in the best light possible. Visit them online now for more about their practice. To schedule an appointment, call (928) 444-1000, and for the latest updates, see their Facebook page.