Is Not Wearing a Helmet Contributory Negligence in North Carolina?
If you suffered an injury while riding your motorcycle in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you might wonder if it matters that you were not wearing a helmet.
Do you have to wear a helmet in North Carolina? Yes. You and any passenger on your motorcycle must wear a helmet according to state law.
However, doing so does not prevent other drivers from acting negligently and causing a crash. If you were injured in a collision caused by someone else, failure to wear a helmet could result in much more severe injuries than you would have suffered if you’d worn a helmet. Does that impact your ability to obtain compensation for your injuries?
The law says failure to wear a helmet in North Carolina is not contributory negligence, but insurance companies looking to save money might still try to hold it against you. Don’t let them.
What Is Contributory Negligence?
Contributory negligence is a legal principle that states how much if any, compensation a victim can recover if their own negligent actions contributed to the accident. In North Carolina, a victim whose negligent actions partially contributed to the accident that caused their injuries cannot recover any compensation. Even if the victim’s share of fault is only 1 percent, they will still be barred from recovering compensation in North Carolina.
Is Not Wearing a Helmet Contributory Negligence in North Carolina?
No. The North Carolina motorcycle helmet law clearly states that not wearing a helmet cannot be considered contributory negligence. While the at-fault driver or their insurance company may try to block you from recovering compensation, the experienced motorcycle accident lawyers from Ward Black Law won’t let them get away with unfairly shifting the blame.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Not Wearing a Helmet During a Motorcycle Accident?
You may still recover compensation if you were not wearing a helmet during a motorcycle accident in North Carolina. To recover compensation, you must prove that another party’s negligence caused the accident that resulted in your injuries.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to investigate your case and gather all available evidence to prove the other party’s negligence. With our help, you might be eligible to recover compensation for the following accident-related losses:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Talk to Our Experienced Greensboro Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Now
You have the right to pursue compensation if you suffered an injury in a Greensboro motorcycle accident because of someone else’s negligence, regardless of whether you wore a helmet at the time of the crash. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
Ward Black Law is committed to helping injured motorcyclists when the wrongdoing of others has harmed them. Our attorneys have what it takes to help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Ward Black Law today. We stand ready to fight for your rights and interests, no matter what you wear.