Riding a motorcycle in Massachusetts offers freedom and excitement, but it also brings serious risks. The reality is that motorcyclists are far more vulnerable to life-altering injuries than drivers of passenger vehicles. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than those in cars. That’s why Massachusetts enforces strict helmet requirements, not just to improve safety but also to protect riders legally if an accident occurs.
Understanding helmet laws is essential for every motorcyclist and passenger in the Commonwealth. Failing to comply can impact your health, your wallet, and even your ability to collect fair compensation after a crash.
Massachusetts’ Universal Motorcycle Helmet Law
Massachusetts is one of the states with a universal helmet law, meaning every motorcycle operator and passenger must wear a helmet — no exceptions for age or experience. This requirement is laid out in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 7, which mandates that helmets be properly fastened and designed to reduce head injuries.
The law also extends to mopeds and motorized bicycles, reflecting the state’s broader commitment to preventing head trauma across all two-wheeled vehicles.
Required Motorcycle Safety Equipment Beyond Helmets
Massachusetts law doesn’t stop with helmets. Riders must also use:
- Protective eyewear, such as goggles or a face shield, unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen.
- Helmets equipped with a neck or chin strap, ensuring the helmet stays secure in an accident.
These rules aim to minimize the most devastating types of injuries: traumatic brain injuries, facial fractures, and vision loss, which are unfortunately common in motorcycle crashes.
Penalties for Non-Compliance in Massachusetts
Violating helmet laws carries financial penalties, but the consequences don’t end with a ticket. If you’re injured in a motorcycle crash while not wearing a helmet, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were worse because of your noncompliance.
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 231, Section 85, the state follows comparative negligence rules. This means your compensation could be reduced if your actions contributed to your injuries. Even if another driver caused the crash, your recovery could be limited if you weren’t wearing the legally required helmet.
The Role of Helmet Laws in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Statistics show the protective power of helmets. NHTSA reports that helmets reduce the risk of death by 37% and head injuries by 69%. These numbers often come into play in Massachusetts injury claims.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys frequently argue that a rider’s failure to wear a helmet should lower the damages they receive. While Massachusetts courts allow injured riders to pursue compensation even when partially at fault, wearing a helmet strengthens your case and helps avoid disputes about preventable injury severity.
Real-World Scenarios for Massachusetts Riders
To see how helmet compliance affects outcomes, consider these examples:
- Boston commuter crash: A rider on the Massachusetts Turnpike is struck by a distracted driver. Because they wore a DOT-approved helmet, their injuries are less severe, and the insurance company cannot argue comparative negligence to reduce compensation.
- Passenger liability in Worcester: A passenger without a helmet suffers head trauma in a collision. Even though the driver wasn’t at fault, the passenger’s damages may be reduced because they ignored the universal helmet law.
- Springfield litigation case: A motorcyclist sues after being sideswiped. Having followed helmet rules, their attorney can focus entirely on proving the other driver’s negligence without fighting claims of contributory fault.
Massachusetts vs. Neighboring States on Helmet Laws
Massachusetts’ universal helmet requirement sets it apart from some neighbors. For example, New Hampshire famously has no helmet law for adult riders, while Connecticut only requires helmets for riders under 18 or those with a learner’s permit. By contrast, Massachusetts takes a stricter approach, applying the law equally to all riders.
This means Massachusetts motorcyclists crossing state lines need to remember that compliance is not optional at home and it’s an essential safeguard in court.
What Counts as a Legal Motorcycle Helmet in Massachusetts?
Not every helmet sold on the market meets safety standards. A compliant helmet must be certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and display the DOT sticker on the back.
A proper DOT-approved helmet will have:
- A one-inch thick inner liner of polystyrene foam.
- Strong chin straps secured with rivets.
- No protruding spikes, decorations, or features that compromise safety.
Using novelty helmets may seem appealing to some riders, but they not only provide inadequate protection, they also violate Massachusetts law.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Massachusetts
Protecting your health and your legal rights after a crash requires quick action.
- Seek immediate medical treatment to document injuries, even if they seem minor.
- Call law enforcement and obtain a copy of the accident report.
- Preserve evidence, including helmet damage, photos of the scene, and witness contact information.
- Notify your insurance provider, but avoid giving statements that admit fault.
- Consult a Massachusetts motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim.
These steps help ensure you comply with state law while building a strong case for compensation.
Why Legal Guidance Matters for Riders in Massachusetts
Motorcycle accident claims can become complex when insurers try to shift blame onto riders. Even when another driver clearly caused the crash, insurers may argue helmet use, or lack thereof, should reduce damages. A Massachusetts motorcycle accident lawyer can counter these tactics by presenting medical evidence, proving the other driver’s negligence, and ensuring you receive fair compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away
A motorcycle crash can disrupt every part of life; from painful injuries to mounting medical bills and time away from work. Insurance companies may try to reduce what your claim is worth, especially when helmet laws come into play. You need a legal team that understands Massachusetts law and knows how to stand up for injured riders.
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we’ve helped clients rebuild after serious motorcycle accidents by holding negligent drivers accountable and challenging unfair insurance tactics. Our goal is to protect your rights, maximize your recovery, and help you move forward with confidence.