The Barnes Firm

What Can Helmets Do For You

• July 21, 2017
• Sandy

SAN FRANCISCO – A new study tackled a hot topic head-on: helmet use when riding a bicycle. Most people can agree that helmets can save a life but still, more than half of the bicyclists on the streets aren’t wearing a helmet.

That’s a problem, according researchers. A major study looked at helmet use around the world and analyzed the habits of more than 64,000 cyclists. For most, their findings shouldn’t be too surprising:

Helmets reduced the risks of a serious head injury by 70 percent.

A San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer at The Barnes Firm says a helmet is a must-have accessory when riding on Southern California’s trails.

“Helmets are proven to save lives and from a legal standpoint, those who wear a helmet could receive more compensation for their injuries than those who left the helmet at home,” San Francisco bike accident lawyer Landon Vivian said. “Helmet use can be a major factor in a personal injury case, so we urge everyone to put one on.”

Critics have argued helmet laws reduce participation rates and other studies have indicated that helmets encourage cyclists to take more risks but the newest research points out just how unwise it is to leave the helmet behind.

“Helmet use is associated with odds reductions of 51% for head injury, 69% for serious head injury, 33% for face injury and 65% for fatal head injury. Injuries to the neck were rare and not associated with helmet use,” study authors wrote.

In light of recent research, many local lawmakers have made helmets a mandatory accessory for bicyclists. 21 states have a helmet law for bicyclists under a certain age, usually 18 but many municipalities now require helmet use for some or all bicyclists.

Currently, only children under the age of 18 are required to wear helmets in the city, as per California law.

In any case, San Francisco bike accident lawyers say those operating motor vehicles, such as cars or trucks, may have a responsibility to avoid collisions with bicyclists – whether they were wearing a helmet or not.

If you’ve been injured while riding a bicycle, the San Francisco bike accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm will review your case for free. With offices across the state, including one in Oakland, The Barnes Firm could help you obtain the best result possible.

The Barnes Firm 1-(800) 800-0000