Las Vegas Motorcycle Helmet Laws

The state requires all motorcyclists to follow its traffic laws, which are meant to keep riders and other road users safe. Helmet laws are an important part of these regulations because riders who wear helmets are more likely to survive an accident than those who do not.

Our team understands all aspects of Las Vegas motorcycle helmet laws. If you have sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident and need to know whether wearing a helmet or not can impact your case, our skilled attorneys at Valiente Mott Injury Attorneys could review your case and provide more information.

Understanding Motorcycle Helmet Laws

As a motorcycle rider, you must follow state helmet laws as outlined in Nevada Revised Statutes § 486.231. Both you and your passenger, regardless of age or experience, must wear a helmet certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) while riding a motorcycle in the state. To ensure your helmet complies with the DOT’s safety standards, it must:

• Comply with FMVSS No. 218 standards and have the DOT imprint or sticker at the back
• Weigh at least three pounds
• Have good chin straps, which you must fasten while riding
• Have at least an inch thick of polystyrene foam in the inner part
• Have full manufacturer information, including materials, make, model, and year of manufacture

Apart from missing out on the protection that a motorcycle helmet offers, if you do not follow the law in Las Vegas, you can incur fines, accumulate points on your license, or have your license suspended.

Motorcycle Helmets and Injury Claims

While wearing a helmet can save your life by absorbing most of the impact to your head, it can also help strengthen your injury claim. When you file your Las Vegas motorcycle accident claim with a liable party’s insurer, the adjuster is likely to check whether or not you had your helmet on, as state regulations require.

The insurer’s goal is to shift as much liability for the crash and subsequent injuries to you as possible, as well as to either deny your claim or minimize the payout. If you sustained head injuries but had your helmet on, the insurer cannot deny your claim or attribute your injuries to a lack of helmet use.

Can Your Claim Be Denied Because You Were Not Wearing a Helmet?

Although state law requires Las Vegas motorcyclists to wear helmets, riding without one does not necessarily prevent you from recovering damages in a claim. While the insurance company can allude to your missing helmet as a contributor to your injuries, other factors also influence the eventual outcome of your claim. For instance, the courts will examine the circumstances leading to the accident, weigh the facts of the case, examine the defendant’s actions for clear proof of negligence, and review the available evidence before awarding compensation.

Contact Us in Las Vegas To Learn About Motorcycle Helmet Regulations

When you and your passenger comply with Las Vegas motorcycle helmet laws, you are giving yourselves a better chance of surviving an accident. However, you may still file a claim and could get a settlement even if you were not wearing a helmet.

Our lawyers at Valiente Mott Injury Attorneys could examine your case to determine its strength and provide legal guidance as you proceed. We have helped many area residents recover compensation after motorcycle crashes, and we could assist you, too. Call our team today to explore your legal options.