
When you are on a motorcycle, you have few protections between you and the road. Because of this, many people choose on their own to wear a helmet that can protect their health and safety. However, many state laws differ, and you may be concerned that you are not compliant with state law, which can hurt you if you are involved in an accident.
If possible, be sure that you know New Jersey’s motorcycle helmet laws before you are ever involved in a motorcycle crash. However, if you have been involved in a crash, Demand Rand. An experienced Pennsylvania and New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer at Rand Spear is here to help you recover and get the compensation you are due whenever possible following a serious motorcycle accident.
Who Is Required to Wear a Helmet in New Jersey?
Many states have helmet laws that vary depending on age and other factors. In some states, motorcycle helmets are only required for certain people. New Jersey, however, is dedicated to helping protect the safety of as many of its residents as possible.
In New Jersey, all residents of the state are required to wear a helmet when riding their motorcycle. That includes riders of all ages, without exceptions for insurance or other permissions. It is important to note that this is not just any helmet, but one that aligns with state standards.
These laws can help protect more people from the dangerous, devastating injuries that can come from a motorcycle accident. While a helmet cannot protect you from every single injury, it can lessen the trauma of your accident, meaning your injuries may not be as devastating and severe when you wear a helmet. Failure to wear this helmet can lead to legal penalties that can hurt you when you are already dealing with a personal injury claim.

Feature Requirements for Motorcycle Helmets
When seeking out the right motorcycle helmet to comply with New Jersey law, keep in mind that there are certain required features you need to keep in mind. Not every helmet is compliant. Failure to wear a compliant helmet can leave you facing legal penalties.
First, your helmet should be a type approved by the federal Department of Transportation, which provides a list of suitable types. This helmet should also be securely fitted, so if you have a child riding with you, you cannot simply use an adult-sized helmet for them. Finally, keep in mind that the helmet must have a chin or neck strap to keep it secure and that the helmet must have reflectors on both sides of the helmet to promote visibility.
Eye Protection
Besides the well-fitted protection for your skull, eye protection is one of the most important safety features you can seek out when on a motorcycle. Your eyes are a vulnerable part of your body, and you do not have the same protections as a car can provide. For example, if a rock is flung from a car tire and strikes you in the eye, there is little protection from a severe injury without eye protection.
When looking for motorcycle eye protection, look for materials that are shatterproof. You want your eyewear to protect your face as well as possible. Also look for eye protection that can provide some UV protection, which can aid with visibility, especially on sunny days.
Other Protective Gear for New Jersey Riders
While not required by law like helmets are, wearing protective gear for the rest of your body can help prevent or minimize serious injury. Clothing built to protect you can prevent injuries from accidents and your bike. For example, wearing sturdy jeans can help prevent your legs from coming in contact with extremely hot parts of your motorcycle when riding.
Likewise, wearing a thick jacket, like a leather jacket, can provide some protection if you are involved in an accident. While these jackets cannot prevent a broken bone or internal organ damage, they can protect you from friction burns, also known as road rash. These severe injuries to your skin can be painful and difficult to treat, easily leading to infection, so protect yourself now with the right gear.
What Happens if I Am Injured and Was Not Wearing a Helmet?
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in New Jersey, and you were not wearing a helmet at the time, your injuries may be more severe. You may have suffered a concussion or a more serious traumatic brain injury, which can impact your cognitive function and overall health for years to come. It can also make it difficult to get your life back on track after your accident.
Worse, a motorcycle accident injury when not wearing a helmet can affect your options for recovery. The insurance company and court will take note that you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. They may claim that your injuries would not have been as severe if you had been wearing the helmet, reducing your settlement offer.
In any of these cases, one of the first things you can do is to Demand Rand. With a motorcycle accident attorney, you have the tools to calculate your settlement’s full value and defend your case from claims that you are not wearing your helmet. Your attorney can gather evidence that helps you maximize the value of your claim, so reach out for help if you are struggling to get compensated and avoid legal penalties involving your helmet and your motorcycle accident.

Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney if You Are Injured
Recovery from a motorcycle accident is already difficult. Facing penalties for failure to wear a helmet can add to the difficulties you face when in recovery from a crash. Fortunately, you do not have to face these cases alone.
At Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer, we are dedicated to helping accident victims get compensated fairly and fully for the suffering they have experienced. We also offer free consultations, so we can discuss the details of your case, including whether you were wearing a helmet, and how we can help you recover. To learn more about our services and connect with a motorcycle accident lawyer in New Jersey, reach out by calling or filling out our online contact form.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form