If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, there’s a lot to think about: your injuries, your bike, and yes, your helmet. It might seem like a minor detail, but your helmet plays a major role in keeping you alive. After a crash, you may be wondering, “Can I still use this helmet? It doesn’t look that bad. Maybe it’s fine?”

The short answer is: probably not.

Even if your helmet looks okay on the outside, it may no longer be safe. And if you’re dealing with injuries, damages, or insurance claims, it’s smart to speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Tennessee who understands what’s at stake.

Let’s take a deeper look at why helmet safety matters after a crash, and what Tennessee riders should know.

Why helmets may be unsafe after a crash

Motorcycle helmets are designed for one major impact. That’s it. They’re made to absorb the force of a crash, protecting your brain by slowing down the movement of your head and dispersing energy.

Inside your helmet, there’s a layer of EPS foam (expanded polystyrene). That foam compresses during a collision, and once it’s compressed, it can’t do its job a second time. Even if the outer shell seems untouched, the internal structure may be compromised. And there’s no way to visually confirm that kind of damage.

You might think, “I didn’t hit my head that hard.” But impact forces are deceptive. What feels like a minor bump may still be enough to render the helmet useless in the future. Reusing a damaged helmet could lead to catastrophic injury if another accident occurs.

Signs your helmet might be damaged

Sometimes, helmet damage is obvious. Sometimes, it isn’t. Here are a few signs you helmet might be unsafe to use:

• Cracks or dents in the outer shell.
• Frayed or torn chin straps.
• Interior padding that feels loose, compressed, or shifted.
• The face shield/visor won’t stay in place or closes unevenly.
• Unusual rattling or shifting when you move the helmet.

That said, the absence of visible damage doesn’t mean the helmet is fine. A serious hit can crush the inner foam without leaving a mark on the outside.

If you were wearing your helmet during a crash, even a low-speed one, assume it needs to be replaced.

What the experts say about replacing helmets

The rule of thumb is simple: replace your helmet after any crash. Period.

Helmet manufacturers, motorcycle safety experts, and insurance adjusters generally agree on this point. The Snell Foundation recommends replacing your helmet every five years due to natural wear and tear. Materials degrade, UV exposure weakens plastic, and sweat and moisture break down the lining. Over time, even the best helmets stop offering the protection they were designed to give.

So, after a crash? Don’t gamble. Replace it.

Can you get a helmet inspected professionally?

Some riders ask if there’s a way to test their helmet after an accident. Technically, yes– some manufacturers or motorcycle gear shops offer inspections. But even they will often err on the side of caution and recommend replacement.

The problem is, once that inner liner compresses, it doesn’t spring back. And unless you’re cracking the helmet open or running specialized tests, you might never know for sure.

A replacement helmet costs far less than a hospital stay. Or worse. In Tennessee, your life and your safety shouldn’t be left to chance. Get a new helmet.

After an accident, your helmet might be evidence

Here’s something many riders don’t realize: your helmet can serve as physical evidence after a crash. If you’re planning to pursue a claim for your injuries or damages, don’t throw your helmet out just yet.

Keep it. Store it safely. And show it to your attorney.

In Tennessee, proving the severity of a crash can help support your case. A crushed or cracked helmet can demonstrate how hard you were hit. That can matter when insurance companies try to argue that your injuries weren’t “that serious.”

Your motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to use helmet damage, along with medical records and police reports, to strengthen your claim and help you seek fair compensation.

Why you should talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer

Motorcycle accidents are rarely simple. In Tennessee, laws around fault and liability can be complicated, especially if multiple vehicles are involved.

If you were injured in a crash, don’t go through the claims process alone. Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries, shift blame, or offer a lowball settlement. An experienced motorcycle lawyer can protect your rights and help make sure you’re treated fairly.

Here’s how a lawyer can help:

• Gather evidence (including photos of your damaged helmet)
• Work with accident reconstruction experts
• Handle negotiations with insurers
• File a lawsuit, if necessary, before Tennessee’s one-year statute of limitations expires (C.A. § 28-3-104)

Whether your accident happened on a busy Knoxville highway or a rural country road outside Memphis, you deserve a legal advocate who understands the unique risks motorcycles face, and who can fight for the compensation you need to recover.

Get the help you need after a motorcycle accident

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident in Tennessee, don’t take chances with your safety or your future. Reusing a damaged helmet could put you at serious risk. And if another driver’s negligence caused your crash, you have the right to hold them accountable for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more.

An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.

At Delius & McKenzie, PLLC, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for motorcycle accident victims and their families. We know how devastating these crashes can be. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.

To schedule a free consultation with our Sevierville motorcycle accident lawyers, please call us or contact our office today. We proudly represent injury victims throughout Sevierville, Seymour, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge.

Don’t wait. Your recovery — and your peace of mind — could depend on it.