Under Louisiana state law, motorcyclists are required to wear helmets, whether they are the operator or a passenger. The only exceptions are if you are riding in a parade, or if your bike has supports installed that provide at least as much safety as a helmet or roll bar. That being said, not wearing a helmet does not preclude you from recovering damages if the other person in the accident was at fault—it might reflect poorly on you for your case, and it could influence the amount of money you recover, but it will not automatically prevent you from being compensated.
