Should you always get a new helmet after a crash?

Ok- so I think I already know the answer, but thought I'd ask to be sure anyway.
Had my first crash today (I'm kinda proud of it, actually- I always wondered when it would happen). Did an organized ride and my tire got caught in a road groove less than 1/10 mile from the finish. I flew off and hit the pavement. I think my head hit hard, but I really don't remember for sure how hard it was. I think I was going about 16 ish mph- so not terribly fast.
No cracks in the shell or the foam, but I'm guessing I should replace it anyway, huh?

Aside from the major road rash on the shoulder and the bruised hip I'm fine. Just embarrassed that I couldn't catch my breath and was a little weepy when a group stopped to help (and thankful that I didn't fall into the line of traffic). Crashes always look kinda cool on TV- but it's not as fun when you can't watch it happen (I'll bet it was cool looking, tho). :D

Is it weird that I'm proud of this like my mtn bike crashes? I want to show off my cuts and scrapes. It's kinda like a badge of honor...

New helmet, huh???

Definitely a new helmet. The one you have, although you can't see it, will be damaged now and may not stand up to another whack. Better safe than sorry.

I know about the badge of honour. I fell off my bike the other day. Hadn't had gravel rash on my knee since I was a youngster. Thought I'd gone past the stage of sticking plasters on my knee 30 odd years ago LOL:D

Yes, new helmet!!

Congrats on bustin' yer cherry and not getting busted up too bad.:D :D I like to make a point of visiting as many cycling buddies and stores as possible after a crash. I don't say anything but I make sure I'm wearing something that allows either the rash itself or my dressings to show....so they'll ask and then I can blather on about it. So I don't think it's weird to be proud. But then again, I'm a little weird.;)

Don't we all take photos?

Yes, 1000X yes

Oh I visit all my cycling buddies AND blather on about it immediately. I'm shameless :o

I'd buy a new helmet.

YES re the new helmet :D

Glad you're ok. You'll definitely have to proudly sport that road rash and win the admiration of all!

Ouch though. You'll have to let us know how you're feeling tomorrow. So, you going helmet shopping?

Technically - yes...

But actually in our house? We don't always. We do a good check of the helmet, and consider the visual assessment in conjunction with the type of impact...

But I would always advise a new helmet...

Road ~do-as-I-say-but-not-as-I-do~ Raven

OK- new helmet it is. I thought I should, but wanted to hear from others (aside from the LBS guy who'd just want to sell me one anyway).
The one I was wearing today was a freebie that I won at Bike to Work Day- so it's not like I'm out any money. :D

Thanks, ladies! Like all the rest of you that have crashed at one time or another- I'm just really thankful that it wasn't bad, and that all my bones are still in tact (and who said big thighs are bad?- all that padding saved my hips from damage ;) ).

Was looking at some helmets myself today at my LBS (don't worry I've already got a helmet) and there are some really nice colours and designs now. Have fun choosing a new one:D

Oooh, I like it! Go new helmet shopping while casually wearing clothes that expose your lovely road rash, then you can tell the crash story.

(I always ask when I see boo-boos on folks at my LBS. So I'm the perfect boo-boo audience.)

Yes a new helmet, and I don't think it's strange at all to be proud of your crash. To bad someone didn't get action shots for you.
I'm glad you are okay and came out basically unscathed.

Make sure you tell the LBS guys it's to replace one from a crash. I bought a new helmet today after my crash Thursday. (See my thread - I immediately shared my crash with other riders here!)

Anyway - at my LBS they do a 10% discount on the ticket price if you've had a crash & are replacing your helmet. I'm impressed with that on their behalf. You might just get the same deal if you mention it.