Seattle helmet laws are primarily designed to protect bicyclists and motorcyclists in Seattle, WA, from sustaining head trauma in crashes. Concussions and traumatic brain injuries are some of the most common complications associated with accidents on the city’s roads, and without the protection a car offers, you can be at particular risk of suffering one of these injuries.
At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, our Seattle personal injury attorneys are dedicated to protecting bicyclists and motorcyclists across the state. While wearing a helmet alone doesn’t eliminate all hazards on the road, it can significantly reduce your risk of sustaining a serious head injury.
Contact us at (253) 777-0798 to schedule a free consultation and learn what you need to know about the city’s helmet laws from a trusted Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer.
How Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Seattle, WA
Experiencing a bike or motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. Fortunately, our Seattle motorcycle accident attorneys can support you every step of the way to seek the compensation you deserve.
In addition to collecting evidence and securing witness testimony, our Seattle personal injury lawyers can help you with the following:
- Explain how your accident occurred and who is to blame for causing it
- Determine the extent of your losses and the compensation you need to address your injuries
- Advise you of your rights and help you make an intelligent and informed decision on how to proceed
- Answer questions, concerns, and demands from insurance companies and others involved in processing your claim
- Advocate for what you need and deserve in court and in settlement negotiations
We have a proven track record of success securing what our clients need to move forward. If you’ve suffered a motorcycle or bicycling accident in Seattle, Washington, contact Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a consultation today.
Who is Required to Wear a Helmet in Washington?
Washington’s helmet laws cover both bicyclists and motorcyclists, but the specific requirements for each group are not identical. Take a closer look at the rules surrounding helmet use in the state:
Understanding Washington Motorcycle Helmet Regulations
All motorcyclists in Washington and their passengers must wear a properly fitted and approved helmet when riding. In addition, the motorcyclist must also wear eye protection like goggles, a visor, or a face shield, unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen. This requirement applies to riders of all ages.
The definition of a motorcycle is broad and has few exclusions. For example, you would need to wear a helmet if you are riding a motorized scooter, a moped, or a motorized bicycle. However, a bike equipped with an electric motor for assistance generally falls outside the definition of a motorcycle, as does a powered wheelchair.
Determining Which Bicyclists Must Wear a Helmet
Washington used to require all bicyclists to wear helmets. However, this requirement recently changed, and bicyclists 16 years of age or older do not have to wear a helmet now. Although Seattle could have enacted a local ordinance that imposed more stringent requirements, it has not yet chosen to do so. Thus, the state law currently applies to bicyclists in Seattle.
It’s important to note that bicyclists and passengers under 16 must continue to wear helmets when riding bikes. This includes individuals who ride electric-assisted devices. This bicycle helmet law does not cover those using small, two-wheeled electric or manual scooters, but it’s still wise to wear a helmet whenever possible on any of these devices.
Violations of Seattle Helmet Laws
Bicyclists and motorcyclists who do not wear an appropriate helmet when legally required can be cited and face a fine.
For example, not wearing a motorcycle helmet when riding can result in a fine of up to $275 for a first offense and higher fines for repeated offenses. Fines for bicycle helmet violations are typically lower.
How to Find the Right Helmet
Helmets are highly effective at reducing the risk of traumatic brain injuries and fatal head injuries for motorcyclists and bicyclists. However, any helmet’s effectiveness depends in part on its quality, construction, and features.
Whether you are riding a motorcycle or bicycle, look for a helmet that meets these qualifications:
- Certified by the Department of Transportation or the Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Fits properly and is neither too tight nor too loose
- Comes with a chin strap that secures the helmet to your head
- Does not obstruct your field of vision
Not wearing a helmet that meets these basic requirements can have serious consequences. Unapproved helmets do not offer adequate protection in the event of a crash with a vehicle, which can lead to more severe injuries.
Improper helmet use can also affect the amount and availability of compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses if you need to file a legal claim.
Contact Our Seattle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Helmet laws in Seattle can be confusing, especially when it comes to understanding how these rules can impact your injury claim. The knowledgeable team at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer can answer all of your questions and help you explore your next steps after an accident.
Contact our Seattle motorcycle accident lawyers to request your complimentary case review today.