Michigan Motorcycle Accident Deaths Increase Since No-Helmet Law

According to a recent story in the Detroit Free Press, “since Michigan repealed its motorcycle helmet law in 2012, there has been roughly two dozen more deaths, scores of additional serious motorcycle accident injuries (estimate of 71 according to a report done by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute), and a huge increase in average medical expenses.”

Since 2012 when the helmet law was repealed, motorcyclists riding in Michigan now have the freedom to choose whether or not they want to wear a helmet, with a few restrictions. The restrictions include that the rider must be of 21 years of age, have at least two years of riding experience, passed the motorcycle Safety Course and carry $20,000 of medical insurance.

Many motorcyclists were thrilled to now have the choice, with one in four motorcycle riders choosing to not wear a helmet when they ride.

However, since the no-helmet law has passed more deaths and serious injuries have resulted from Michigan motorcycle accidents. In fact, according to the Michigan State Police, out of the one-fourth of motorcyclists who now ride without a helmet, helmet-less riders accounted for nearly one-half of motorcycle deaths in 2013, 59 of 128 deaths.

In addition, a hospital study done by Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, revealed that out of the 192 injured motorcyclists that they treated, medical expenses for the injured helmetless riders averaged $32,700, compared with $21,300 for those who wore helmets.

At the law firm of Goodman Acker, P.C. our Michigan motorcycle accident attorneys believe it is everyone’s right and individual liberty to choose if they want to wear a helmet or not. In fact, helmet or not, riders involved in a motorcycle accident can sustain a number of serious injuries. However, no matter what choice you make there is no denying that injuries are usually more severe when the rider is not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Closed Head/traumatic brain injury
• Spinal Cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Fractures
• Back and neck injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Burn injuries

In addition, depending on how the motorcycle accident occurred and the injuries that resulted, if you or someone you care about wanted to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver for your personal injuries, not wearing a helmet could make a difference in the amount of compensation that you receive. You will still be able to file a lawsuit, however if it can be proven that not wearing a helmet was a partial cause (or aggravating factor) to your injuries, your settlement amount could be decreased.