Riding a bicycle has many benefits, and wearing a helmet can reduce cyclists’ injury risks. The bicycle helmet law in Georgia mandates that every rider under 16 must wear an ANSI or Snell compliant helmet. However, riders over 16 legally do not have to wear a helmet and face no criminal penalties for failure to do so.
Are There Any Exceptions to Georgia’s Bicycle Helmet Law?
Georgia’s bicycle helmet law is straightforward: all bicycle riders under 16 must wear an approved helmet. The law aims to protect young riders against severe bicycle accident injuries. The law does not provide exceptions based on religious beliefs, medical reasons, or short distances. Additionally, failing to keep the helmet securely strapped to the child’s head is a violation of the law and can endanger the child.
How Do I Know If a Helmet Meets the Requirements?
Bicycle helmets in Georgia must fit well and comply with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation requirements. Ensuring a child’s helmet meets these standards is critical for both safety and legal purposes.
To check if a bicycle helmet is ANSI or Snell compliant, look for the label or certification mark inside the helmet. This mark ensures the helmet has undergone rigorous testing for various safety standards, such as impact resistance and strap strength, and qualifies for compliance standards. This certification is available on retail packaging, along with further safety information and specifications.
Is There a Penalty for Not Wearing a Bicycle Helmet in Georgia?
Georgia does not criminalize not wearing a bike helmet, even if you are under 16. However, parents of minors who violate Georgia’s bicycle helmet law may face fines and misdemeanor charges for allowing their child to ride without a helmet.
Also, renting or leasing a bicycle to a rider under 16 is illegal if the minor does not have a bicycle helmet.
What Injuries Can Result from Not Wearing a Helmet in a Bicycle Accident?
The decision not to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle can have severe consequences, potentially leading to various injuries – some of which can be life-altering or even fatal. Common injuries that can result from not wearing a helmet in a bicycle accident include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – One of the most significant risks of not wearing a helmet is sustaining a traumatic brain injury. In a bicycle accident, the head is vulnerable to impact from contact with the ground, vehicles, or other objects. Without the protection of a helmet, the brain can suffer from concussions, contusions, or more severe injuries such as hemorrhages. These injuries can result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, or permanent disability.
- Skull fractures – The skull provides a protective barrier for the brain, but without a helmet, it is your only fragile defense against a crash impact. Skull fractures can vary in severity, from minor hairline fractures to more extensive fractures that crush or penetrate the skull. In addition to causing significant pain and discomfort, skull fractures can increase the risk of intracranial bleeding and other complications.
- Facial injuries – The face is another area vulnerable to injury in a bicycle accident, especially without the protection of a helmet. Facial injuries can include lacerations, abrasions, nose or jaw fractures, dental injuries, and damage to the eyes. These serious injuries can result in disfigurement, scarring, or long-term functional impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries – In some bicycle accidents, the force of impact can damage the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Without the protection of a helmet, bicycle accident victims are more susceptible to spinal cord injuries if they fall from their bikes or collide with objects. These injuries can affect mobility, sensation, and quality of life.
- Neck injuries – The neck is also exposed to injury in bicycle accidents, particularly when the head experiences sudden acceleration or deceleration. Without helmet cushioning and support, riders may experience whiplash injuries, cervical spine fractures, or damage to neck ligaments and muscles. These injuries can cause pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.
- Fatal injuries – In the most tragic cases, not wearing a helmet in a bicycle accident can result in death. By wearing a helmet, riders can significantly reduce the risk of sustaining life-threatening injuries in the event of a collision or fall.
Can Not Wearing a Helmet Affect My Bicycle Accident Lawsuit?
While you have the right to pursue compensation in your bicycle accident lawsuit, not wearing a helmet could affect the potential outcome for a few reasons, including:
- Lowball offers – Insurers want to pay as little as possible, especially for claims involving more considerable sums to cover extensive injuries, making it difficult to reach a fair settlement. They will look for any reason to reduce your compensation.
- Opponent’s arguments – Since it’s not against the law for adults in Georgia to ride a bike without a helmet, this fact cannot count as evidence of negligence against you in a lawsuit. Still, opposing counsel can include this fact in their arguments and claim that your injuries would not have been as severe with a helmet, potentially impacting your case’s outcome.
What Other Bicycle Equipment or Gear Is Required?
Georgia’s bicycle laws mandate specific equipment and gear to ensure rider safety and compliance with state regulations. Some of the required bicycle equipment and gear include:
- Lights and reflectors – When riding at night, bicycles must have a white light on the front visible from at least 300 feet away and a red reflector on the rear visible from at least 300 feet away when illuminated by headlights from a motor vehicle.
- Brakes – Bicycles must have a braking system capable of stopping the bicycle quickly on dry, level pavement.
- Adequate handlebar height – Bicycle handlebars must be at a level where the rider does not raise their hands above their shoulders to steer the bike.
Contact a Georgia Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you’re struggling with a bicycle accident injury, you need an experienced attorney to assist and support you. The team at Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. understands how painful injuries negatively affect your life and can leave you wondering if things will return to normal. Let us help by handling your legal concerns so you can focus on healing from your injuries. Call to get started with your free consultation with a Georgia bicycle accident attorney today.