There are a lot of possible injuries a person can suffer if they ride a motorcycle and are on the receiving end of a collision. At the light end of the spectrum are scuffs and bruises. A bit higher on the scale you are likely to see broken bones. The worst point on the spectrum is a crash in which the motorcyclist suffers a fatal injury. And just below that has got to be brain injury. Within just that category alone is everything from mild concussion to the kind of brain trauma that is life-altering — not just for you, but for everyone who cares about you.
In Texas cases where an accident is caused by another’s negligence, there are legal remedies that may be available for seeking compensation and recovery for the array of damages that might be suffered. Holding the responsible party accountable is something best pursued with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
Of course, ahead of any possible accident experts say there are things motorcycling enthusiasts of any stripe should do to avoid accidents and injuries. Motorcycling has its own defensive driving techniques to learn and practice. And most experts stress the primary importance of having the right gear.
No less than Ralph “Sonny” Barger — Hells Angel and best-selling author — says it’s an issue to take very seriously. He’s been riding nearly 60 years and says he doesn’t even ride to the corner store without dressing in protective wear from his boots to the certified helmet on his head.
But what’s the safest helmet to get? There are two types of certification commonly available; DOT certification from the federal government and Snell certification from the nonprofit Snell Memorial Foundation. A check of the question on Quora yields several responses. There seems to be no consensus about whether one of the two certifications is better than the other. Nor is there any evidence that higher cost helmets mean they are any better than others.
What does seem to be agreed upon is that certification is necessary. But beyond that, the biggest consideration is to find a helmet that fits the Goldilocks standard — not too big; not too small; just right. And that would seem to suggest that going to a local retailer where helmets can be tried on would be wise.
Better safe than sorry.
