I haven't argued on this thread, but given my experience with a claims process, where my shoulder took main impact, but also my head....(with skid lid)......
OK - I wear a helmet on/off road, but not when pootling with the kids...... I ride hard, and use a helmet as an air conditioning system for my head - I sweat buckets, so getting a good lid with a skull cap, keeps all stinging sweat out of my eyes.....
I don't have a problem with anyone wearing or not wearing one, but the helmet/skull cap works best for me in temp. control....
My knock off in December would have been massively complicated had I not had a lid on, and I could show the damage - it was very minor to the Giro Pneumo, but it didn't sound like that scraping along the road.....
It was also the first time in 23 years that my head has ever hit the ground in a crash, but factor in the physics of a car hitting you side on at 30 MPH...then.......physics take over.......rag doll effect.....
The doctor/specialist etc. have all asked - I'd said "yep good helmet worn, head hit the ground, was sore for about a week, but I was OK, no loss of consiousness..." (repeat..repeat)........ you soon get their outlook..........
MRI scan later this week on shoulder/neck and then nerve tests in a couple of weeks........
For your own sakes, especially if commuting....don't complicate it further if not wearing a helmet, as you WILL be knocked off..... every 3 years is my average......
Only advice..do what you feel...........
This is just why I wear one.... and a good looking/performing lid - not one of these crappy hot 'potty' things....., oh and the fact I ride flat out everywhere......what's this 'pottering about' looking at scenery.......
Here endeth my lecture..........