New York has had motorcycle safety laws for years, and helmet rules have always been important in keeping riders safe. In 2025, the state is making changes to its helmet law, and these updates could affect both rider safety and how accident claims are handled.
This new law won’t just impact motorcyclists–it could also change how insurance companies and courts handle accident cases. That’s why riders, insurers, and lawyers need to understand what these changes mean.
The current law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet federal safety standards, and this rule has been in place since January 1, 1967. Despite discussions about road safety, there have been no official updates that impose additional helmet requirements, increase safety standards, or introduce harsher penalties for non-compliance.
Lawmakers have been working on other bills related to helmets and road safety. Here are some of the most recent legislative efforts:
If a rider is involved in an accident, whether or not they were wearing a helmet could play a major role in determining how much compensation they receive.
If a motorcyclist is injured in a crash and isn’t wearing a helmet, insurance companies and the other party may argue that the rider is partially responsible for their injuries. They could claim that the injuries would have been less severe–or even avoided–if the rider had been following the helmet law.
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means that a rider’s compensation can be reduced based on how much their actions contributed to their injuries. If a court determines that not wearing a helmet made the injuries worse, the compensation amount could be lowered significantly.
For example, if the court finds that a rider was 30% at fault for their injuries due to not wearing a helmet, their settlement or court award could be reduced by that percentage.
Courts and insurance companies will now have to consider whether a lack of helmet use directly impacted the severity of a rider’s injuries. If they decide that wearing a helmet would have prevented serious harm, the rider’s ability to claim full compensation may be affected.
This could lead to more complex legal battles, with attorneys arguing over medical reports, helmet safety data, and the overall impact of helmet use on the rider’s condition.
Just because a rider wasn’t wearing a helmet doesn’t mean they automatically lose their right to compensation. However, their case might be more complicated, and they may have to fight harder to prove their claim.
The key factor is whether the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence. If another motorist was at fault, the injured rider may still be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
However, insurance companies might argue that not wearing a helmet made the injuries worse, which could reduce the amount of compensation the rider receives.
Motorcyclists should act quickly to protect both their health and their legal claim. Here are some important steps to take:
Riding a motorcycle comes with risks, and wearing a helmet is one of the simplest ways to stay safe. While laws may change over time, the most important thing is for riders to protect themselves by following safety guidelines and knowing their rights.
Helmets don’t just help prevent serious injuries–they can also play a role in legal and insurance matters after an accident. Staying informed about the rules and making smart choices on the road can help motorcyclists avoid trouble and ride with more confidence.
