Is a Motorcycle Helmet Still Safe to Use After an Accident?
Riding a motorcycle comes with risks. We all know helmets are your first line of defense in an accident. But what happens if you’ve been in one? Is your helmet still good? Can it keep you safe after an impact?
As motorcycle accident lawyers, we get asked this all the time. And the short answer? Not really. But let’s break it down. It’s more complicated than it sounds.
Motorcycle helmet construction: more than just a hard shell
Let’s start with the basics. A helmet isn’t just a hard shell that sits on your head. It’s a multi-layer system. There’s the outer shell, which is typically made of things like polycarbonate or fiberglass. This is what you see, and it’s the part that’s going to hit the road first.
Then there’s the foam inside — the stuff that really does the heavy lifting. That’s EPS foam, and its job is to absorb the impact and reduce the force that reaches your skull.
Finally, there’s the padding to keep it comfortable during use.
But here’s the kicker: once the foam compresses, it’s done. It can’t bounce back. It doesn’t magically restore itself.
If you’ve been in an accident, even if your helmet doesn’t look too bad on the outside, trust us, the foam inside probably isn’t working the way it’s supposed to anymore.
How an accident affects helmet safety
A lot of people assume that just because their helmet looks fine on the outside, it’s safe to reuse. Wrong. In a crash, that helmet is taking a beating. You may not see it, but the helmet’s internal structure has likely been compromised. The EPS foam, the key to absorbing impacts, gets compressed. It doesn’t return to its original shape. So, even if there are no visible cracks, the helmet might not offer the protection you need if you’re in another accident.
What should you do after an accident?
If you’ve crashed, don’t wait around thinking your helmet’s still good. If it’s been in an accident, it’s time to replace it. It’s a simple matter of safety. Even a minor crash can significantly reduce the helmet’s effectiveness. After a wreck, your helmet is no longer reliable. Even the slightest impact could lead to catastrophic consequences if it’s not working properly.
Helmets are made to handle one big impact. Not two or three. Once that impact’s absorbed, it’s done.
Signs you need a new helmet
So, how do you know when your helmet is done? Here’s a quick checklist:
- Cracks or dents: Obvious, right? If you see cracks in the outer shell, it’s a sign you need a new helmet.
- Straps are worn: If the straps are frayed or the helmet doesn’t fit snugly anymore, it’s time.
- Compression in the foam: The foam inside the helmet should be firm. If it’s compressed or deformed, your helmet’s not going to protect you the way it should.
Don’t wait for the signs to become too obvious. If your helmet’s been in an accident, replace it, no questions asked.
Your helmet isn’t like a car
When you crash your car, the damage is often obvious. You can see it, touch it, and feel it. But helmets? Not so much. They do their job quietly, and it’s not always obvious when they’ve done it. But just like your car’s airbag, your helmet absorbs all the energy, and that’s it. It’s done.
Helmets are meant to be reused after a major impact. Sure, you might be able to get by for a little while until another accident happens. And that second crash? It could be much worse. The protection just won’t be there.
When it comes to motorcycle gear, your helmet is the real life-saver. According to estimates, it may reduce the risk of death in a crash by 37% for operators and 41% for passengers. Over the period between 2002 and 2017, helmets likely saved over 25,000 lives.
Replace your helmet and speak with a lawyer today
To sum it up, your helmet is your best defense on a motorcycle. If it’s been in an accident, don’t risk it. Replace it. Even if it looks fine on the outside. Even if you don’t see any cracks or dents. It’s about the foam inside and the protective layers that are no longer as effective after absorbing an impact.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident and you’re wondering what comes next, or if you’ve been injured in a crash, it’s time to talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we’ve been helping injury victims in Mississippi for over 40 years. We can fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait — contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you protect your future.
For more than 40 years, Mr. Merkel has personally delivered more than 400 jury presentations in the representation of personal injury victims whose cases involved complex medical and technical injury mechanisms and causation problems. After graduating magna cum laude from the University of Mississippi School of Law in June 1966, Mr. Merkel has received multiple jury awards ranging from $1 million to $20 million, and many more million-dollar settlements. He is active in trial lawyer activities and is a frequent lecturer on trial technique and advocacy, appearing at seminars sponsored by the Mississippi State Bar, Mississippi Association for Justice, American Board of Trial Advocates, and others. Learn more about Charles M. Merkel Jr.