Being involved in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle can cause serious injuries. While a helmet can prevent some issues, there are limitations.
In California, bike riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. There’s no question this is beneficial, but understanding the potential limitations is important as even properly made bike helmets won’t protect you from all types of brain injuries.
How bike helmets protect you
The purpose of a bike helmet is to absorb the energy produced when you impact the road or a vehicle. The helmet is made with an interior layer of foam, which will crack and crush, absorbing a portion of the force and reducing how much the “blow” impacts your head. Wearing a helmet helps to reduce the possibility of a brain injury or skull fracture.
While it reduces this possibility, it doesn’t eliminate it completely. Helmets are tested using specific methods; however, these tests don’t account for all types of collisions that may occur between a motor vehicle and bicyclist. Many incidents create a stronger impact than what is produced in the test. As a result, the helmet’s foam may be ineffective in some cases.
The importance of driver safety
Wearing a bike helmet can save lives while reducing the possibility of a serious injury. However, there are limitations, and the only way to prevent injuries completely is to not be involved in an accident. Drivers must watch for cyclists and take steps to ensure an accident doesn’t occur.
If you are a cyclist who is injured in an accident with a motor vehicle, you have rights. One right is to recover compensation for your injuries and damages in the accident.
