Bike Accidents Without Helmets
Bicycling is an eco-friendly and popular form of transportation, as well as a common recreational activity. When a bicyclist does not have a helmet and is involved in an accident, they could experience severe injuries. Learn more about the risks of riding a bicycle without a helmet and why protective gear is essential. If you would like to learn more about bike accidents without helmets, schedule a consultation with the experienced bike accident attorneys at Heiting & Irwin and take advantage of the legal expertise that has won the firm’s clients over $500 million in compensation by calling (951) 682-6400.
Is It Okay To Ride a Bike Without a Helmet?
For years, people have debated whether riding a bicycle without a helmet should be a personal choice or if mandatory helmet laws are vital for everyone’s safety on the road. Safety experts and medical professionals strongly advise wearing a helmet to prevent severe head injuries in case of an accident.
Research studies confirm that helmets reduce or prevent serious injuries during bicycle accidents. They act as protective barriers, absorbing and dispersing direct impact, minimizing brain trauma. Helmets have saved lives and prevented severe head injuries in numerous instances. Failure to wear an appropriate helmet can affect a claim, but may not defeat it. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident and want to know whether not wearing a helmet can affect your claims, contact Heiting & Irwin today.
What Are the Risks of Not Wearing a Bike Helmet?
When someone does not have a helmet, and they are involved in an accident, there is an increased risk of serious head injuries. Since the head is a vulnerable part of the body, any direct impact could lead to significant problems. A blow to the head can come from various sources, including:
- Vehicles
- Road surfaces
- Other objects, such as trees, fences, utility poles or fire hydrants, etc.
The force can be immense in a collision, resulting in severe head traumas, such as skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and concussions. These injuries should never be taken lightly, as they can impact the bicyclist’s health and overall well-being. In some of the most serious cases, head injuries can affect a person’s memory, cognitive abilities, and quality of life. By wearing a helmet, cyclists may significantly increase their chances of surviving an accident with fewer injuries and better results. This is not always true, however.
What Is the Percentage of Bicycle Accidents Resulting in Head Injuries?
Head injuries are prevalent in bicycle accidents. According to the United States Federal Highway Administration and the National Safety Council, one-third of all non-fatal bicycle injuries are to the head and head injuries contribute to 70 to 80 percent of the deaths in fatal cases.
While adults are usually involved in these accidents, children are also vulnerable to injuries and even death by not wearing a helmet. Per the National Safety Council, bicycle helmet use by children ages 4 to 15 could prevent 39,000 to 45,000 head injuries yearly. While many individuals do not want to wear a helmet, a bicycle helmet is an important safety tool that may reduce the risk of serious injury in an accident.
How Many People Get Injured From Not Wearing a Helmet?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 130,000 people are injured in crashes on roads in the United States every year. According to those statistics, individuals between the ages of 55 and 69 have the highest rates of fatalities resulting from bicycle accidents. However, children and teenagers experience the highest number of bicycle-related injuries that require emergency department treatment. Bicyclists ages 10-24 account for almost one-third of all bicycle-related injuries treated in emergency departments. Males who ride bicycles have a significantly higher chance of experiencing fatalities and injuries, with death rates that are six times higher and injury rates that are five times higher than those of females!
The majority of fatal bicycle accidents occur in cities. According to the CDC, approximately 64% of these fatalities occur on road sections far from intersections, while about 27% of deaths happen at these locations. Unfortunately, alcohol use by either the motorist or the cyclist accounts for one-third of these fatal collisions. No matter their age or level of experience, all cyclists might benefit greatly from wearing a properly fitted and certified helmet when they are on the road to lower these risks and promote cycling safety.
Reach Out to a California Bike Accident Attorney Today
A bicycle helmet can prevent serious and life-changing injuries. It is crucial to wear a helmet to protect the head during an accident and reduce the likelihood of suffering from concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and other head injuries. Despite some debate, studies and statistics demonstrate that cyclists of all ages can often benefit from wearing helmets. Contact the bike accident lawyers at Heiting & Irwin by calling (951) 682-6400 to learn more about how bike accidents without helmets can affect your personal injury claim.
