Statistics show that bicycle helmets save lives; despite this, many people choose to not wear head protection when riding their bicycle. One of the most common injuries that cyclists sustain during a collision is head or brain injuries. Even with a helmet, riders can suffer serious, and even fatal, trauma.
When you are injured in a collision caused by a negligent driver, you do not need to panic. A dedicated bicycle accident attorney could help you pursue compensation for your head injuries to alleviate the financial and some emotional stress from the accident. Contact a lawyer to discuss Sunnyvale bicycle helmet laws.
Compared to other parts of the country, the state has some strict bicycle helmet laws:
Wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle is crucial. Cyclists are more exposed in a crash because there are no seatbelts, airbags, or other measures to protect them. Not to mention, failure to wear a helmet when required to do so could be a hurdle to compensation as the driver responsible for the crash may argue it amounts to negligence on part of the rider.
The law in Sunnyvale applies pure comparative fault in personal injury cases, including bike crashes and wearing helmets. While the doctrine of contributory negligence does not bar an individual from recovery in this state, it may reduce or even eliminate potential damages depending on what happened. As such, an easy way to protect yourself physically and any potential claim if you are involved in a bike crash is always to wear a helmet.
While adults are not legally required to wear a helmet, they are encouraged to. A concussion or traumatic brain injury can cause lifelong complications and irreversible trauma, so the best way to protect yourself from those risks is to wear head protection. In addition, it is crucial for parents to purchase the right helmet size for children to prevent these injuries.
When choosing a helmet, ensure it fits properly. A properly fitted bicycle helmet should be tight all around, with no spaces between the foam protection and the person’s head. In other words, the headgear should not move when appropriately fitted. The side straps on a helmet form a “V” shape under the rider’s ears, and the chin strap should be centered under the rider’s chin. A well-fitted helmet should not obstruct a person’s vision either. If you are injured on a bicycle, be sure to reach out to a Sunnyvale attorney to discuss the helmet laws.
Even if you adhere to all the traffic laws for bicyclists and wear a helmet, accidents still happen. Negligent motorists can cause serious injuries. There is no reason that you should be left to cope with the fallout on your own. An accident lawyer could help you obtain a fair settlement and review the Sunnyvale bicycle helmet laws with you.
The process of filing a personal injury claim after a bicycle accident can be daunting. You need an attorney who can help you navigate the process of obtaining compensation. At Solution Now Law Firm, we have helped countless clients recover compensation for their injuries. We work on a contingency basis, meaning that there is no cost for you unless we obtain compensation for you. To schedule a free consultation, contact our office.
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