Bicycle helmets are an extremely easy, cost-efficient way to reduce the number of bicycle accident injuries and deaths each year.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes, “Bicycle helmets are 85 to 88 percent effective in mitigating head and brain injuries, making the use of helmets the single most effective way to reduce head injuries and fatalities resulting from bicycle crashes.”
Ohio’s lack of bicycle helmet laws
It’s important for all road users to know the rules of the road for safety purposes, as well as to avoid citations. Surprisingly, even though the efficacy of bicycle helmets is a well-known standard, the state of Ohio is completely devoid of bicycle helmet laws. Bicyclists of any age are not required to wear them.
However, just because you aren’t required to wear one doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Helmets increase the likelihood of you surviving if you’re in an accident, and it’s simply silly to forgo the safety they can provide.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if all children ages four to 15 wore helmets while riding their bikes, it would prevent up to 45,000 head injuries and 55,000 scalp and face injuries each year. The NHTSA advises wearing a helmet any time you ride a bike to reduce the risk of suffering severe injuries in the event of an accident.
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Learning more about bicycle laws
While Ohio doesn’t impose any helmet laws, there are various other laws related to cycling that riders in the state should know. For instance, it’s unlawful for cyclists to pass on the right or to ride on the left-hand side of the road facing traffic. It’s also unlawful to ride more than two abreast in a single lane, and all cyclists are required to have certain lights on their bikes.
You’ll want to learn as much as you can about your rights and responsibilities as a rider before hitting the streets. One source you may want to utilize is the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Ohio Bicycling Street Smarts, a free book available online via the department’s website. You can also download the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Cycling Smarter Guide, which summarizes important laws and safety rules for bicycle riders.
Damages you may be able to collect after an Ohio bicycle accident
After suffering injuries in a bicycle accident in Ohio, we can help you pursue fair compensation for a variety of losses.
Some potential forms of compensation may include:
- Lost income
- Medical bills
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Burial and funeral expenses
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
We can pursue damages from a liable party through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Similarly, if you lost a loved one due to their injuries after an Ohio bicycle accident, we can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit.
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Deadlines for seeking compensation
It’s important to keep in mind that if you do decide to file a personal injury lawsuit, you do not have an unlimited amount of time to do so. According to Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §2305.10, you generally have two years to file.
Additionally, if you file a wrongful death lawsuit, you typically have two years to do so, per ORC §2125.02. We can help protect your right to take legal action.
Reaching out to us as soon as possible can help us get started on your case right away, so you do not lose your right to file a lawsuit.
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Bressman Law can help you fight for damages
Wearing a bicycle helmet is a small investment that may result in a large return. If you were injured in a bike accident in Ohio, first seek medical attention immediately and then consider hiring a bike accident attorney with our firm if you think you are due damages.
For legal questions specific to a bicycle accident, contact Bressman Law to access a free consultation.
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