A motorcyclist or bicycle rider injured in a collision caused by another party could have a claim for damages provided it can be proven that the other party was at fault. The lawyer representing the injured party, referred to as the “plaintiff,” must prove the party at fault, the “defendant,” breached a duty of care owed to the plaintiff and the breach caused the accident. The evidence must also prove the accident caused the plaintiff to suffer an injury and damages. This is because a personal injury claim seeks to recover compensation on behalf of the plaintiff, but there would be no need for compensation unless the plaintiff suffered a monetary loss of some type. Typical damages recoverable in a personal injury claim include lost wages, medical expenses, rehabilitation expenses, and pain and suffering. The failure of a person to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle or bicycle would not prevent them from suing for damages, but it could reduce the amount of compensation awarded by a court. Negligence or fault on the part of the plaintiff that contributed to either causing the accident or to the damages suffered by plaintiff is contributory negligence. Proof of contributory negligence on the part of the plaintiff requires the court hearing the claim to reduce the damages awarded by the degree to which the plaintiff was at fault. As an example, if a motorcycle rider sues for injuries suffered in a collision with a driver who failed to obey a stop sign, a judge might determine that not wearing a motorcycle helmet made the plaintiff 25% at fault in contributing to the severity of the injuries. The amount the court would have awarded to the plaintiff would be reduced by 25%. contributory negligence