Wearing a helmet while riding your bike is one of the best ways to protect yourself if you are involved in an accident. Here, the legal team at Stewart Law Offices explains why wearing a bike helmet is so important and provides some bicycle safety tips for cyclists in our community. Contact our office to speak to a bicycle accident lawyer in Rock Hill if someone else’s negligence injured you.
The Importance of Wearing a Helmet
The purpose of wearing a helmet while riding your bike is to protect your head from a severe or traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the event of a crash. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 800 people die in bicycle accidents in the United States annually, and another 500,000 people are treated in emergency departments for bike-accident injuries. Roughly two-thirds of all fatal bike accidents and one-third of bike accidents resulting in injury involve head and face injuries.
Because you are at risk of a TBI in the event of a bicycle accident, it is imperative to protect yourself by wearing a helmet. Research indicates that wearing a helmet while riding a bike can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent. Because injuries to the head can be serious and are often fatal, wearing a helmet could save your life.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
In addition to TBI and injuries to the face, other common injuries from bicycle accidents include:
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
- Injuries to internal organs
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Soft-tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears
- Burns and road rash
Bicycle Safety Tips
Bicyclists are among the most vulnerable road users because they have little to protect them in case of a crash. In addition to wearing a helmet, here are some bicycle safety tips you can follow to decrease your risk of being involved in a collision or facing serious injury:
- Wear bright, reflective clothing to make yourself more visible to motorists and other road users
- Keep your bike in good working order
- Equip your bike with front and rear reflectors
- Use designated bike lanes on the road when they are available
- Use proper hand signals to let others on the road know when you are turning or making another maneuver
For All Personal Injury Cases, Call the Stewart Law Offices Today
Were you hurt in an accident while riding your bike in Rock Hill? If so, an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Rock Hill could help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, repairs to your bike, and more. Contact Stewart Law Offices to learn more about your legal options during a free initial consultation.
