Should a helmet worn in a accident be returned to use or discarded?

[redcap0006]

My post is about helmets, therefore I hope I'm in the correct part of the forum.  I have searched for the information I seek and didn't see anything which might answer the following;

Last year I had a bike crash.  Thanks to good fortune it was local to my home and therefore the TT SE was not used or involved.  A quite low speed collision using a smaller bike with a car for which the other driver was since prosecuted. I am recovering nicely and the insurance paperwork/costings are ongoing.

My expenses/outlay are in the five figures now as I had to have costly spine surgery etc.  I have explained to my legal eagle that my clothing was cut off me and I have since disposed of the helmet as

a. I don't want a reminder on the garage shelf and
b. I read somewhere a helmet should be discarded after a serious accident.

So, here comes the question as the insurance are kicking up over my out of pocket expenses which includes a replacement decent helmet - can anybody steer me to a site, article, words of wisdom, which encourages the owner of a helmet involved in an road traffic  accident to bin it.  (I actually gave it to a paramedic friend for training purposes) I would like to support my decision with somebody else s wisdom and basically support my actions necessitating a replacement .

Thanks guys   

[ikkieman]

Easy. Always replace the helmet. When dropping from 3ft (1 meter) or more, replace the helmet. Costly, but the contents of your head are worth it.

[atrophy]

Replace the helmet, and when everything is settled, replace your insurance company.

[brenchley]

If the helmet has been involved in an impact while in use, replace it.

https://www.esurance.com/info/motorcycle/when-to-replace-motorcycle-helmets

http://www.eagleleather.com/Helmet-Fact-vs.-Ficion%3A-How-Often-to-Replace%3F-643/

https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/replace-motorcycle-helmet/

There are lots of sources on line.

Hope these few listed help.

 

[redcap0006]

Originally Posted by brenchley

If the helmet has been involved in an impact while in use, replace it.

https://www.esurance.com/info/motorcycle/when-to-replace-motorcycle-helmets

http://www.eagleleather.com/Helmet-Fact-vs.-Ficion%3A-How-Often-to-Replace%3F-643/

https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/replace-motorcycle-helmet/

There are lots of sources on line.

Hope these few listed help.

 

Thanks Brenchley

I purposely did not name the helmet manufacturer.  The helmet did its job, but I don't work for the company.  One of your links refers to the brand I was wearing.  Printed, Highlighter used and cover letter attached for the solicitor in the morning.

Thank You

[karl]

Any brand of helmet is a single crash item. 

[BubbleheadSpook]

A helmet, like the rest of your protective gear, is sacrificial.  It sacrifices itself to protect the more important stuff inside of it.

One and done like everyone else has stated.  And the insurance company will never balk at covering your protective gear.  Just remind them that you have saved them six figures because you had a helmet on.  Or mention a legal representative you have talked with.  That gets their attention...

[AZBob]

Originally Posted by ikkieman

Easy. Always replace the helmet. When dropping from 3ft (1 meter) or more, replace the helmet. Costly, but the contents of your head are worth it.

(fast forward to 6:53 since the embed doesn't respect the time value form the link)

=6m53s