Bike Accidents Without Helmets
Bicycling is a popular form of recreation and transportation. Unfortunately, bike accidents can occur at any time. You will want to be prepared for these incidents on the road. While you may want to ride on the streets or trails without a bike helmet, it is not recommended. These safety devices can prevent severe and even life-threatening injuries. Individuals who have been involved in bike accidents without helmets may still be able to collect compensation in some circumstances. A Georgia personal injury lawyer may be able to review the particulars of your individual case and advise you regarding your legal options.
What Happens if You Fall Off Your Bike Without a Helmet?
The purpose of a bike helmet is to protect the cyclist’s head. Without one, a cyclist risks suffering serious injuries while riding. A cyclist could get unbalanced and fall to the ground due to an unexpected pavement dip, a loose rock, or other roadway obstacles. The head is exposed to impact if a helmet is not worn. Many times, that could result in some type of head injury. Not wearing a helmet increases the risk of head injury, with results ranging from minor scratches to fractured skulls. These injuries frequently have life-changing effects that can impair a person’s physical and mental capabilities. Sometimes, these wounds may occasionally leave victims permanently disabled.
However, the severity of the injury will depend on a few factors, such as:
- Angle of impact
- Speed
- The type of road or trail surface
How Does a Helmet Help in an Accident?
Bike helmets may not look fashionable, but they are necessary to keep riders safe. This safety gear is designed to protect the head in the event of a collision or fall. Helmets will distribute the force of the impact across their hard outer shell and buffer it through the interior foam layer. This distribution of impact forces can reduce the amount of energy that affects the head.
A helmet can also help protect the head from sharp objects, such as debris, branches, or glass. By covering the skull and the top of the forehead, helmets protect one of the most vulnerable parts of the human body: the brain. Helmets can help reduce incidents of skull fractures and brain injuries. Remember that head injuries are not the only issues a rider could face in bike accidents without helmets. In addition to cranial injuries, here are some of the injuries that can occur when cyclists do not wear helmets:
- Facial fractures and lacerations
- Dental Injuries
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Bruises and abrasions
Is It OK To Not Wear a Helmet While Biking?
Some communities have helmet laws, while others do not. Beyond legal requirements, cyclists are responsible for their own safety and well-being. Bike accidents without helmets tend to result in a higher incidence of severe injuries than otherwise similar biking accidents in which the cyclist is wearing a helmet. Choosing to wear a helmet is therefore a decision that can have life-altering consequences.
How Common Are Head Injuries on a Bicycle?
Bike accidents with helmets do sometimes still lead to head injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found a link between bicycle-related accidents and severe brain injuries. According to the CDC, head injuries account for around 15% of all hospital admissions from bicycle accidents. Whether the rider experienced a concussion or a traumatic brain injury, these accidents can have long-lasting impacts. In many cases, the bike rider will need extensive medical assistance to recover and rehabilitate from these injuries.
How Many Deaths Do Bike Helmets Prevent?
The effectiveness of a bicycle helmet can vary depending on a number of variables, including the helmet’s size and fit, the age and overall physical condition of the rider, and the circumstances of the accident itself. However, numerous studies have demonstrated that wearing a helmet can lower the chance of a fatal head injury. For instance, according to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head and brain injuries by approximately 64-88%. A significant number of fatalities might be prevented each year if all cyclists wore helmets.
Learn More About Bike Accidents Without Helmets
Wearing a bicycle helmet is a smart choice for safe cycling that can protect your head and possibly save your life. Bike accidents without helmets can result in head injuries, many of which can be extremely severe. When a bicyclist takes care to put on a correctly fitted helmet each time they get on their bike, they are taking an active step to protect their health while riding. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, with or without a helmet, you may wish to consider scheduling a consultation with a LeGrange personal injury attorney in your area to discuss your legal rights and options.
Chris has successfully represented numerous clients in catastrophic personal injury, employment law matters, class action, consumer protection, business tort, and legislative matters involving multi-million-dollar damages.