No Helmet: Can I Still File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in New Hampshire?
Motorcycle accidents can be very serious, and the resulting injuries may be even more severe for victims who forgot to wear their helmets. Often, the lack of a helmet can have fatal consequences. But does a helmet really make a big difference when a motorcyclist collides with a solid object at a high speed? Can you still file a claim if you were not wearing a helmet? These are questions you might want to ask an experienced personal injury lawyer in New Hampshire.
Rider Without Helmet Dies After Crashing into Utility Pole
In April of 2025, a motorcyclist in Hudson died after crashing into a utility pole. The accident occurred at about 11 PM, and it seemed to be a single-vehicle crash with no one else involved. First responders arrived at the scene and immediately administered first aid, but the injuries were too severe. First responders subsequently declared the driver deceased at the scene.
After an investigation, authorities announced that the rider was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. However, they could not determine the exact cause of the accident, and police urged any witnesses to come forward with more information. This crash could have been caused by some other factor. Perhaps the rider veered to avoid a drunk driver.
Whatever the case may be, this accident illustrates the potential consequences of not wearing a helmet. That being said, some might argue that when a rider crashes into a telephone pole at a certain speed, death is inevitable whether they are wearing a helmet or not. Helmets can only cushion impacts, and they cannot completely negate tremendous physical forces on the head, neck, and spine.
New Hampshire Has No Motorcycle Helmet Requirements
New Hampshire is one of only three states with no motorcycle helmet requirements. As a result, riders are free to operate their motorcycles without a helmet. Police cannot pull riders over for not wearing a helmet, and there is no penalty for this offense in New Hampshire.
This means that in New Hampshire, failing to wear a helmet may be less of a factor when determining “comparative negligence” – a legal concept that represents the contributions a victim makes to their own injuries. That being said, a jury may award a drive not wearing a helmet less than they might award to a driver who was wearing a helmet.
Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in New Hampshire Help Me?
A motorcycle accident lawyer in New Hampshire may be able to help if you are recovering from injuries after a crash. Lawyers can also assist families who have lost loved ones to fatal motorcycle accidents. While the lack of a helmet can pose challenges for victims and their families, this doesn’t necessarily prevent claims. Before giving up hope, it may help to speak with Manning Zimmerman & Oliveira PLLC. Reach out today to continue this discussion.
Sources
nbcboston.com/news/local/motorcyclist-killed-in-late-night-crash-in-hudson-nh/3690542/
citizenscount.org/issues/motorcycle-helmet-law
