Crash helmet advice and motorbike accident claims

In the event of a motorcycle crash your helmet could well save your life as well as a motorbike accident claim.

New or used?
A safety helmet is designed to absorb impact, much like a crumple zone on a car; it will compress in order to reduce impact on the head, hopefully lessening motorbike injury. It can only work once. Never buy a second-hand helmet, even if it looks in perfect condition you just don't know how safe it will be in a motorcycle accident. It may be shiny on the outside, but the impact absorbing polystyrene lining could be damaged internally.

Fit is foremost
Sizes vary from helmet to helmet and from make to make, so try on all sorts and all sizes.

• There should be no pressure points inside the helmet, especially on your forehead or ears. The helmet's lining and padding will mould to your head rather like trainers on your feet, so don't lend it to a friend as their head shape will be different and when you get it back it may not fit. Slight movement inside the helmet could lead to tragedy in the event of a motorbike accident.
• The helmet is too big if you can pull it off or twist it round your head with the strap done up. Whatever strap system is on your chosen helmet, always do it up properly; riding with the strap unfastened is as inadvisable as riding without a helmet at all.
• Weight is another factor when choosing your helmet. More expensive helmets are usually lighter than most cheap models. Arguably a heavier helmet could increase the forces applied in an impact and may increase the chances of whiplash injury.

Get good advice
Ultimately, if you are buying a crash helmet for the first time, the advice of other motorbike riders and retailers is invaluable. Don't be badgered into a purchase by a pushy sales assistant. This helmet could save your life in a motorbike accident. Buy wisely.
Protect your investment
No matter how much you spend, you need to look after your crash helmet. Read the care instructions that come with your helmet and follow them. But here is some general advice.

• Road dirt, grime and bug residue can be washed off with mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Do it regularly and it won't become ingrained into the paintwork. Never use solvents or other cleaning chemicals, they can harm the integrity of the helmet's surface rendering it useless as protection in an impact. A clean visor will also aid visibility.
• Helmet bags are a good idea to prevent scratches and chipping, but you don't need to spend a lot. An old pillow case will do, or any material wrapped around the helmet to protect it when its not on your head will do the job.
• Modern helmets can withstand small knocks and drops, but if it falls from 1m or over, particularly if it's got weight in it, such as gloves or scarves, it could prove useless in a crash. If in doubt, manufacturers sometimes provide an inspection service, but it's probably safest to replace it after a serious drop impact.

Big NO-NOs regarding helmet care

• Never sit or stand on your helmet. It may seem tough, but you could unknowingly weaken its integral structure.
• Don't hang it from a protruding object, such as handlebars, wing mirrors or pegs, as the impact absorbing lining could be damaged.
• Never rest it on your saddle, as this is probably the most likely place it will fall off.
• Don't paint your helmet or apply stickers as both these elements can harm the outer layer of the helmet.

YouClaim and motorbike accidents
If you have been involved in a motorbike accident or have sustained a motorcycle injury through no fault of your own you may be able to make a no win no fee claim. After calling our helpline on 0800 10 757 95 or filling in an online claim form you will be assigned a personal injury solicitor who will look after your case.

Making a motorbike accident with YouClaim is entirely risk free as we work on a 100% compensation, no win no fee basis. This means, win or lose, you will not have to pay a penny for our services. If you need time to think then we can call you back at a more convenient time, just let us have a few details and we will do the rest.