The History of Helmets and Motorcycles
Historically, head injuries are the leading cause of motorcycle accident fatalities. In fact, the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma estimates that more than 50 percent of motorcycle accident fatalities are the result of a traumatic brain injury sustained in the crash. Sadly, many of these injuries could have been prevented had the rider been wearing a helmet.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wearing a helmet reduces a rider’s risk of head injury by nearly 70 percent. The CDC also states that riders are 40 percent more likely to be killed in a motorcycle accident when not wearing a helmet. In 2008 alone, helmets saved more than 1,800 motorcycle riders' lives; another 800 more lives could have been saved if all riders had been wearing protective helmets.
A state helmet law drastically lowers the number of head injuries and fatalities in motorcycle accidents. According to the CDC, because of its state helmet law, Georgia ranks No. 5 in the nation for lives saved due to helmet usage. Approximately 51 lives are saved for every 100,000 registered motorcycles on Georgia roads when helmets are used.
Contact an Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney
If you or someone you love was injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, you could be eligible for compensation for any damages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Call 1-404-467-0909 to discuss your case with an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney at the S. Burke Law Firm today.
