Wearing a bicycle helmet can significantly reduce the risk of many types of injuries, including head injuries, neck injuries, and facial injuries. However, many cyclists prefer not to wear a helmet unless they have to. Miami bicycle helmet laws establish requirements about who has to wear a bike helmet when riding their bike. If you are injured in an accident, call our dedicated attorneys to discuss legal options.
Miami bicycle helmet laws apply to riders under the age of 16. After they turn 16, bicycle riders do not have to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle anywhere in Miami. However, that does not mean that riders should immediately ditch their bicycle helmets when they turn 16. Helmets can and do provide significant protection against the damages that may occur in a serious accident.
According to Florida law, bicycle helmets must meet federal safety standards. That means that they have been tested to show that they can withstand a drop from a predetermined height onto a range of surfaces, mimicking the force that the helmet might need to absorb in an accident. The straps and buckle of the helmet must also meet federal strength requirements in order to reduce the risk of injury. In addition, federal law notes that the helmet should not restrict peripheral vision.
Helmets must be labeled with those safety standards, including CPSC compliance. Most helmets available on the market meet these minimum safety standards.
Florida law further notes that helmets should be properly fitted. When worn, they should be fastened securely to prevent them from breaking away or falling off in a collision.
Failure to wear a bicycle helmet significantly increases injury risk. Helmets help protect against traumatic brain injury, facial injuries, and neck injuries, which can prove devastating. Often, those injuries can affect the cyclist’s quality of life for years after the initial accident. Florida law may not require bicycle helmet use, but the state does issue guidelines that strongly encourage cyclists in Miami to choose an appropriate helmet.
Cyclists who choose not to wear a helmet can suffer more severe injuries in an accident, including a significant risk of traumatic brain injury. Under Florida law, individuals who choose not to wear a helmet can file an injury claim when they suffer injuries in a Miami bicycle accident because of a driver’s negligent actions. The lack of a bicycle helmet does not prevent them from filing this claim or recovering compensation for the damages caused by an accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and the cyclist’s suffering.
If you or your child suffered injuries in a bicycle accident while not wearing a helmet, working with a personal injury attorney can help you establish and fight for the compensation you deserve. At Kaire & Heffernan, PLLC, we understand the many challenges that can arise during a bicycle accident claim, including claims involving a lack of helmet use—even when you followed Miami bicycle helmet laws. Contact us today to learn more about your right to compensation after a bicycle accident and how we can help.
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