I've crashed twice; both times at about 40 mph. The first time I missed a 200 y/o oak tree by inches - the cops said my helmet wouldn't have helped a bit if I had hit it. The second time, I was road rashed down my left side from the top of my boots to the bottom of my full-face. Again, I could have bled to death without assistance.
I learned my lesson: I now wear a $300 Shoei full-face helmet, and full leathers w/ sturdy boots every time I crank up the ride.
learn the hard way, but you still learn the lesson!
My first crash was helmetless, nothing more than a scratched up knee. My second crash, the helmet I bought whacked a curb.
Oh this would be a loooong list if I keep going. Lets just say I rode with little worries early on.
And that (road rash) according to what I read is the worst part of an bike accident...the hardest to recover from (other than the obvious brain damage.) The thought of painful skin grafts is enough to keep me in either my Draggin' Jeans or my Aerostitch...