Jul 05, 2023 in News Legal News

Legal News: 4 Benefits of Wearing a Bike Helmet: Hear From Bike Accident Lawyers

A recent study observed 6,732 cyclists across Toronto, finding only 50.3% had worn helmets. They can occasionally be hot and uncomfortable, but helmets can mean the difference between going to the hospital and walking away from the accident, say bike accident lawyers.

Helmets have been proven to reduce the likelihood of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and death. Here are the top four reasons you should wear a bike helmet when you're out on your next ride.

4 Benefits of Wearing a Bike Helmet: Our Bike Accident Lawyers Explain

1. If You Are Under 18 Years Old, a Helmet Is Required By Law

Anyone under the age of 18 in Ontario is required by law to wear a helmet while riding a cycle. If you are over 18, a helmet is not required, but strongly recommended. If your child is 16 or younger, you as the parent or guardian are responsible for ensuring they wear a helmet. An approved helmet is mandatory if you are riding an e-bike, regardless of age.

And don't think you can get away with an oversized helmet and a loose chin strap either. Helmets must fit properly, be worn correctly, and must meet safety standards. 

2. Helmets Reduce the Risk of Death and Traumatic Brain Injuries

Helmets have been proven to reduce the risk of death and severe brain injury in the event of an accident. In fact, cyclists who don't wear helmets are three times more likely to die of a head injury in an accident than those who do.

They can protect cyclists from TBI, too. The Cleveland Clinic reports helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of serious head injury by 60% and TBI by 53%. 

3. Not Wearing a Helmet Can Reduce the Compensation You Receive

If you are injured in an accident caused due to someone else's negligence or recklessness, the compensation you receive may be lower if you weren't wearing a helmet at the time. The court may hold you contributorily negligent--meaning your failure to wear a helmet worsened the injuries you suffered. 

Generally, the courts have sided with cyclists on the question of "Would injuries have been less serious had the cyclist been wearing a helmet?" In Labanowicz vs. Fort Erie (Town), the Ontario Superior Court disagreed with the defendant's "statistical generalizations" that the plaintiff wouldn't have suffered head injuries had she been wearing a helmet. 

Nevertheless, not wearing a helmet gives the defence an opportunity to attack your claim.

4. Proper Cycling Helmets Make You More Visible

Helmets can make you much more visible to other road users, especially during dawn and dusk or if it's raining. Reflective strips and lights on the front and back of the helmet make you much more noticeable when visibility is poor. 

Our bike accident lawyers in Toronto also recommend getting a brightly coloured helmet to improve visibility during the day as well.

Involved in a Cycling Accident? Speak to Bike Accident Lawyers

It's a common misconception that as a cyclist you can't receive compensation because you aren't insured. That's simply not the case! 

Whether you have been injured because of an unfilled pothole, debris on the road, or because of reckless driving, you need to speak to bike accident lawyers in Toronto. We will help you receive the medical care and compensation you need to get back on your feet.

Book a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident.