Although bicycles offer unparalleled views and benefits to move around Los Angeles, there are some drawbacks. Probably the biggest drawback of riding a bicycle is the lack of protection, especially in the event of an accident. There are several points of impact on a bicycle where you or another rider would have almost no protection. While there are some pieces of equipment that you can use, the most common-and legally required under some conditions-is a helmet.
Most bicyclists in Los Angeles are well aware of the necessity of a helmet. Data from the National Safety Council found that of the 80,000 bicycle injuries treated in emergency rooms each year involve head injuries. Simply put, wearing a helmet is your best line of defense against head injuries, reducing the risk by more than 50%. In cases with severe head injuries, the protection is even more beneficial.
Free Consultations For No Helmet Bicycle Accident Victims in Los Angeles
Still, bicyclists throughout Los Angeles sometimes choose to forego this protection. When this happens, an accident can turn from minor to something much more serious. Even absent wearing a helmet, you can still pursue damages in the event of an accident. With the help of our team of experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers at Maison Law, we can get you back on the road to recovery.
To learn more, contact us for a free consultation.
How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles?
According to data from the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Traffic Injury Mapping System (TIMS), there were 122 bicycle accidents that caused injuries or fatalities in 2021. This data also found that there were an average of 154.8 bicycle accidents in Los Angeles over the last three years.
California Law and Bicycle Helmets
Not only is it a good idea for you to wear a bicycle helmet in Los Angeles, the law says that you have to do so if you are under the age of 18. California bicycle helmet law is focused on children and young adults, but also applies to people on roller skates, skateboards, and scooters. Specifically, people in the following categories must wear a helmet:
- All passengers on a bicycle aged 5 and under
- Bicyclists aged 18 and under
- Anyone aged 18 years or younger must wear a helmet, regardless of religious belief.
- The youth helmet law applies to riding a bicycle on a street, bike lane, sidewalk or public bike path.
- The fine for not wearing a helmet is $25, which increases for any subsequent offense.
Furthermore, bike helmets must meet specific state standards. The key to meeting these standards is getting a properly fitted helmet that fits securely on your head. In order to get a properly fitted helmet, you can take the following steps:
- Sizing – In order to size your helmet, you’ll need to find the circumference of your head with a measuring tape. All you have to do then is to match the circumference of your head with the circumference indicated on the helmet.
- Positioning – When you try your helmet on, it should fit level on your head, about two finger-widths above your eyebrows.
- Side straps – A properly fitted helmet will fit snugly on your head. One way to make sure of this is to adjust the side straps and buckle the chinstrap so that it fits just below your chin.
- Testing – With your helmet secure on your head, now you should try to test it to make sure it stays secure while you move. As you move back and forth and side to side, the helmet should pull down on your head about two fingers worth. Make sure the helmet isn’t too tight or too loose. If it is, reposition it.
It’s important to understand that a properly fitted helmet is key to offering you the most protection possible in an accident. Failing to use a properly fitted helmet counteracts it’s protective measures, and can even increase your chances of a head injury.
Injuries in Los Angeles No Helmet Bicycle Accidents
Obviously, not wearing a helmet significantly increases the risk of a head injury in a bicycle accident. While head injuries are the most common type of injury in a bicycle accident where you aren’t wearing a helmet, a host of other injuries are possible, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions
- Facial fractures
- Shattered jaws
- Dental injuries and loss of teeth
- Ear damage
- Eye damage
- Facial disfigurement and scarring
Again, every accident has its own unique circumstances. These injuries are general, so you could face one or multiple of them depending on how your accident took place. No matter what your injuries are, you’ll need to take steps in the immediate aftermath of the accident to preserve your potential injury claim.
Steps to Take After a No Helmet Bicycle Accident in Los Angeles
No matter what caused your no helmet bicycle accident in Los Angeles, you’ll need to consider filing a claim against the at-fault party to recover compensation. Most likely, a bicycle accident with another vehicle will result in rather serious injuries. Even without a helmet, getting fair compensation from an at-fault driver’s auto insurance carrier can depend on evidence gathered at the scene and after the accident.
- Seek Medical Care – When you’ve been involved in an accident, your first step is to get medical care. You can do this by calling 911, which can dispatch an ambulance to the scene to check you out, along with any other injured parties. Even if you don’t feel injured, you shouldn’t refuse on-scene medical care or a trip to the hospital to get evaluated. The pain of serious injuries can be masked by shock or adrenaline after an accident, and delaying medical care could hurt your potential injury claim. Insurance companies try to seize any chance to deny your claim, arguing that your injuries aren’t related to the accident.
- Get the driver’s information – Usually, the police will respond to the scene of the accident and file a report, but this isn’t always the case. As such, you will want to gather as much information on the driver as you can, including the make and model of their vehicle, their insurance information and their license plate number.
- Talk to Witnesses – Witness statements can be extremely helpful in establishing the events of the accident. Especially in a bicycle accident, as it is likely to occur in places with many witnesses. If you’re able, you should try to talk to as many as you can and get their contact information to see if they will provide a statement.
- Document evidence – This step is extremely important, and is easy to do with your smartphone. Make sure to take pictures and videos of the scene, including any damage to your bike, the other vehicle, and your injuries. This will be valuable information to provide to the insurance company.
- Write a summary – Writing down important information immediately after the accident is a good way to keep track of your thoughts, as well as any important information you may not remember days or weeks later. Make sure to note any admissions the driver makes, like, “I’m so sorry,” or “I didn’t see you.” These statements can be used to establish fault and help your claim.
Damages in Los Angeles No Helmet Bicycle Accidents
In a Los Angeles no helmet bicycle accident, the extent of your damages will determine how much you can potentially recover in compensation. Because these accidents often lead to serious injuries, costs can quickly become overwhelming. That is factored in to your damages in a claim, which include:
- Medical care and related costs
- Physical therapy costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
Most likely, head injuries and the resulting emotional and psychological damage from a no helmet bicycle accident will lead to ongoing care that can be difficult to quantify. That’s why working with our team of skilled and experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers can make a huge difference in your claim.
Connect With Skilled Los Angeles No Helmet Bicycle Accident Lawyers
While it’s true that riding your bicycle is a great way to traverse Los Angeles, it’s not without its risks. These risks are unfortunately multiplied when you choose not to wear a helmet, but it’s important to remember that you still have rights under the law to recover your damages.
If you’ve been injured in a no helmet bicycle accident, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to the dedicated team of Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers at Maison Law. We will make sure your claim gets the attention it deserves so that you can focus on your recovery.
We are proud to offer free consultations to all of our potential clients. Contact us today to learn more.
