Helmet use is very important for cyclists in Texas, and this relatively simple piece of safety equipment could easily save your life. This might be something you are coming to terms with after a cycling accident in Texas. Perhaps you neglected to wear a helmet, and now you’re struggling with a serious head injury. Perhaps you wore a helmet, and you experienced an injury that could have been much worse. Whatever the case may be, it is important to understand the importance of wearing a helmet when cycling in Texas.
How Effective are Bike Helmets?
While there is some disagreement over just how effective bike helmets can be, all studies confirm that they may prevent a relatively high percentage of injuries. They may also mitigate head injuries to a considerable degree.
A recent paper in Nature concluded that bike helmet use was associated with these statistics:
- 60% less risk of head injury
- 58% less risk of brain injury
- 4% less risk of facial injury
- No effect on neck injuries
- 73% less risk of death
Not All Bike Helmets are Created Equal
It is important to remember that not all bike helmets are created equal. Some offer more protection than others. Even helmets that appear identical might have different safety ratings, and they may have different levels of manufacturing quality.
Perhaps the most obvious distinction is between normal helmets and full-face “motocross-style” helmets. The latter style is common among serious mountain bikers, and it offers significantly higher levels of protection.
Statistics indicate that normal helmets do not provide much protection against facial impacts. Glance at a normal bike helmet, and you will see why. These helmets only protect the top of the head and a portion of the forehead. Cyclists may still suffer various impacts to the face – and this still “counts” as a head injury.
In contrast, a mountain biking helmet protects the entire face area with a protruding chin. It also protects the back of the skull and part of the neck area. If you are serious about selecting the safest possible bike helmet, choose one of these helmets.
Helmet Use is Particularly Important for E-Bike Riders
The rise of e-bikes in Texas has added another dimension to the bike helmet debate. These e-bikes are capable of reaching high speeds, and some might argue that there is very little difference between them and motorcycles. Higher speeds pose a greater risk of serious injury, and helmet use is especially important if you ride an e-bike. If you become ejected at a speed of 25 miles per hour (or higher), your e-bike head injuries could prove catastrophic or fatal.
Bike Helmet Laws in Texas Explained
Texas is one of the few States with no bike laws for any age group. In other words, you face zero consequences for failing to wear a bike helmet. Critics say that this puts people in danger, while others might argue that Texas is simply protecting your personal liberties. In any case, you should still wear a bike helmet in Texas – even if there are no laws requiring you to do so.
Can I Still File an Injury Claim if I Was Not Wearing a Bike Helmet?
Even though there are no bike helmet laws in Texas, the failure to wear a helmet in personal injury lawsuits. Texas has a comparative negligence system, which means that you can still sue if you were partially responsible for your own injuries. However, your compensation may be reduced by the degree to which you caused your injuries. This logic applies to helmet use.
For example, you might be 35% responsible for your own head injury after failing to wear a helmet. In this case, your compensation would be reduced by 35% – and you only receive 65% of your “normal” amount. Your lawyer can help you establish that your level of fault was low – even if you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of your accident.
Find an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Texas
If you’re struggling with a head injury after a cycling accident in Texas, it might be worth reviewing your legal options alongside an experienced bicycle accident lawyer. Even if you choose not to wear a helmet, it may still be possible to pursue the compensation you need for medical expenses, missed wages, and other damages. Call Hernandez Law Firm for more legal guidance at (936) 256-3115.
