Is a Motorcycle Helmet Still Safe to Use After An Accident?

When motorcyclists are involved in accidents, the people close to them often ask one important question in the aftermath: were they wearing a helmet? Tennessee law actually requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards (TCA 55-9-302). Even without the law, everyone knows the dangers of riding without proper protective gear. However, not as many think about what happens to that protective gear after it’s been through a collision.

As it turns out, this is an important question to ask. Protective gear can be put under an enormous amount of pressure in a crash, and assuming that it’s safe afterwards can give you a false sense of security. Learn more about what to do with your helmet after an accident, and for more personalized guidance involving your crash, call Wagner Workers’ Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers.

The quick answer: probably not

To start off, there’s a good chance that your helmet is no longer safe after a crash. Their ability to keep you safe is based on their structural integrity, and that integrity is often compromised after an accident. This isn’t based on whether or not a helmet is visibly damaged—the critical structures inside a helmet can suffer in a collision, rendering them useless.

How motorcycle helmets protect you

Understanding how helmets work can make it easier to see why they often need to be replaced after a crash. The outer shell, the most visible part of the helmet, distributes force in a way that protects the head from absorbing it all. Much of the force is absorbed by the EPS cushion that lies just underneath its surface. The part that sits directly next to your head is the inner liner, which absorbs sweat to keep the helmet in place while you ride. Damage to any one of these components can cause the helmet to function less effectively or not at all. The EPS cushioning is compressed during a collision, and even if only one part of it absorbs the force of a crash, it can affect the function of the entire layer. It may sustain microcracks and compression that is invisible to the naked eye but impacts functionality nonetheless.

What makes this so dangerous? You cannot see most of the EPS liner. It is hidden away between the outer shell and the inner liner. After a collision, you can’t see if it’s been compressed or otherwise damaged. This type of item is meant to be single-use. EPS liners do not rebound after compression and are compromised after a collision. Once it has protected your head once in a collision, its job is done and it should be replaced. Look at a helmet as a sacrificial tool—it sacrifices itself to protect your head.

That’s why so many motorcycle safety agencies recommend replacing your helmet after a crash, even if you’re uninjured or the helmet looks unaffected.

Minor accidents or drops

This is a common question among riders who have just learned that they should replace their helmet post-collision. If any type of bad accident warrants a replacement, does that mean I should replace my helmet after every single bump or drop?

In most cases, this isn’t necessary. Helmets are designed to absorb significant force, and falling from your hand or handlebar to the ground doesn’t come close to clearing that bar. You may not even need to replace it after a small bump from another bike or vehicle at very low speeds. If your head hit the ground or another object, though, it’s likely that your helmet should be replaced.

Signs your helmet is due for a replacement

Some riders are suspicious of the idea that they should replace their helmet on a regular basis or after a crash. There are several signs that your helmet should be replaced, even if you haven’t been in an accident. Remember, even without the force of a crash, your helmet will experience normal wear and tear. As the materials age and degrade, they become less effective and eventually provide no benefit at all.

If your helmet has any sort of visible damage, including bent components, cracks, or warping, make it a priority to replace it. It’s likely that the structural components inside are compromised. If the chin strap does not fasten or hold the helmet firmly to your head anymore, even after making adjustments, you’ll likely need a replacement if you want the helmet to stay on your head in an accident. Loose padding, often caused by wear and tear, is another sign that your helmet may not withstand a crash.

Inspections vs. replacements

There are some manufacturers and motorcycle dealers that offer helmet inspections after a crash to determine whether or not they are still safe to use. Many manufacturers will even inspect their own helmets for free.

You can take advantage of these services if you choose, but be aware of potential issues. First, you often have to ship the helmet back to the company in order to have it inspected. You ship it at your own expense, and in the meantime, you are left without a helmet. Second, there’s rarely any sort of warranty that comes with an inspection. They take no responsibility for what happens afterwards. If you take them at their word that a helmet is safe to use and it then fails in an accident, you likely have limited legal remedies.

Ultimately, it comes down to protecting yourself. Even if you have to spend hundreds of dollars replacing a helmet, that is a drop in the bucket compared to the peace of mind that comes with protecting your brain.

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