Motorcycle Head Injuries Climb after Repealing Helmet Law

by | Mar 5, 2017 | Personal Injury | 0 comments

While some laws are nationwide, there are others that can vary from state to state. Some state-specific laws dealing with motorcyclists include whether or not motorcyclists need to have insurance or wear certain safety gear. In this case, Michigan exercised this freedom to allow motorcyclists to ride without a helmet. A recent study found that when motorcyclists crashed, they were 24 percent less likely to be wearing a helmet. The study also concluded that these same riders were 14 percent more likely to suffer some sort of head injury when they crashed. As you may assume, the number of mild concussions reported in the emergency room decreased as the number of skull fractures increased. This is the first statewide investigation since the law was loosened in 2012.

This study was conducted by a team at the University of Michigan Injury Center. The study analyzed and compared the rates of helmet use, serious head injuries, and fatalities in the 12-month period before and after the law was repealed.

Helmet Law Details

The law that led to this recent study had particular elements to it that may have been implemented to lower the risk of head injuries. It was either for that reason, or to ensure that the helmetless motorcyclists could cover their injuries. The details are as follows:

  • Riders must have at least $20,000 in first party medical benefits
  • Riders have to be at least 21 years of age
    • These same riders have had to pass a motorcycle safety course or held a motorcycle endorsement on their license for two years

These requirements may have had positive motives but that facts still show that “safe” and insured drivers are suffering massive head injuries and at a higher rate. This is a unique decision for Michigan as many other states have increased their helmet laws.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, our lawyers here at Michigan Legal Center can get you the compensation you deserve. We have experience representing the people of Michigan, and will make sure that your motorcycle accident case is properly addressed. Give us a call at (800)-961-8477 or visit us online for a free case evaluation.

Cadillac, MI – Child Injured in Bicycle Crash at Granite & Laurel St

Cadillac, MI (June 3, 2023) - A 12-year-old boy was hurt while riding a bike in Cadillac on Friday night, June 2.  The fatal accident was reported at the corner of Granite and Laurel Street at around 6:40 p.m. The victim was traveling by bicycle when he was hit by a...

Algonac, MI – Debra Fox Killed in Boating Accident at Algonac Harbor Club

Algonac, MI (June 3, 2023) - A Clarkston woman was killed in a boating accident in Algonac over the weekend on Friday, May 26.  The deadly accident took place at the Algonac Harbor Club on M-29 near State Street. When emergency responders arrived, they found a 23-foot...

Imlay City, MI – Woman Killed, Man Hurt in Can-Am Spyder Motorcycle Crash on M-53

Imlay City, MI (June 3, 2023) - A woman was killed and a man injured following a crash involving two motorcycles in Imlay City on Sunday afternoon, May 28.  The fatal accident was reported on M-53 as the woman was riding a Can-Am Spyder three-wheeled motorcycle and...

Flint Twp, MI – Two Killed, One Hurt in Wrong-Way Crash at I-75 & Beecher Rd

Flint Twp, MI (June 3, 2023) - A head-on crash in Flint Township on Saturday, May 27, left two people dead and another in critical condition.  At around 10:35 p.m., two vehicles collided on Interstate 75 near Beecher Road. It was reported that a 43-year-old man from...

Holly Twp, MI – Burton Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash at Belford & Holly Rd

Holly Twp, MI (June 3, 2023) - On Monday, May 29, a motorcyclist was killed following a collision in Holly Township.  The deadly accident was reported at the intersection of Belford and Holly Roads early that morning. A 53-year-old Burton man was headed northbound on...

Gladwin, MI – Woman Hurt in Three-Vehicle Crash on M-61

Gladwin, MI (June 3, 2023) - A woman was injured after a pileup collision in the Gladwin area on Tuesday, May 23.  The accident was reported on M-61 that afternoon. Three vehicles reportedly collided at the scene. A woman was hurt in the crash, and she was treated at...

Kingsford, MI – Two Hurt after Car Crashes into Healthcare Building on Pyle Dr

Kingsford, MI (June 3, 2023) - Two people were injured after a vehicle crashed into a building on Pyle Drive in Kingsford on Thursday afternoon, June 1.  The accident occurred as a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria was traveling on the roadway and crashed into the Northpointe...

Walker, MI – Driver Seriously Hurt in Two-Car Crash at Elmridge Dr & 3 Mile Rd

Walker, MI (June 3, 2023) - Two people were injured after a two-vehicle collision in Walker on Wednesday, May 31.  The accient was reported at the intersection of Elmrige Drive and 3 Mile Road at around 8 a.m. A driver was making a left turn when they were hit by an...

Frenchtown Twp, MI – Monroe Man Dies in 18-Wheeler Crash at Telegraph & Newport Rd

Frenchtown Twp, MI (June 2, 2023) - On Monday, May 29, a Monroe man was killed after being hit by a semi-truck in Frenchtown Township.  The victim was riding a 1989 Honda Hurricane motorcycle when he was hit by a black 2020 Peterbilt tractor-trailer at the...

Gaines Twp, MI – Britt Bridge Killed in Motorcycle Accident at Morrish & Hill Rd

Gaines Twp, MI (June 2, 2023) - A crash involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle in Gaines Township resulted in the death of a Swartz Creek man on Saturday, May 27.  The deadly crash occurred at the corner of Morrish and Hill Roads at around 11 p.m. that night. It...