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Do helmets prevent head injuries in biking accidents?

On Behalf of | Feb 12, 2016 | Bicycle Accidents |

Car accidents involving bicyclists can be absolutely devastating. The injuries a bicyclist can suffer range dramatically from road rash to severe head and face injuries. There are laws in place to help keep drivers away from cyclists on the road, but accidents still happen. While the cyclist may be able to seek compensation from the driver, that won’t reverse the damage that has been done.

One of the things that could help is wearing a helmet when on a bicycle. Do helmets actually help prevent injuries when a bicycle crash takes place, though? How can a helmet stand up to the force of being hit by a motor vehicle?

There have been not controlled trials performed to show whether or not helmets are helpful in all situations involving accidents with cars or trucks, but looking at a few studies, it can be shown that helmets can reduce the risk of head trauma and injuries by around 66 to 88 percent.

While helmets for bicyclists aren’t built the same as those for motorcyclists, they can still offer some protection against motor vehicle accidents. It’s expected that the helmets lower the risk of injury by around 69 percent and specifically reduce the risk of injuries to the face.

Helmets are effective at helping people avoid injuries at all ages. No matter how big or small you are, if a helmet is fitted properly to your head, it will help prevent hits to the skull and face, providing you with at least some protection against motor vehicles, the roadway and other dangers.

If you or a loved has been injured in a car versus bicycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you may have a civil case for compensation against the at-fault driver. A lawyer can provide you with the information you need on whether to proceed with your claim.

Source: Helmets.org, “Helmets for preventing head and facial injuries in bicyclists,” Robert S. Thompson, MD, Frederick P. Rivara, MD, M.P.H., and Diane C. Thompson, MS, accessed Feb. 12, 2016

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