How Helmet Use Can Affect a Bicycle Accident Injury Claim
Cycling is a popular way to stay active, commute, and enjoy the outdoors in Connecticut, but accidents can happen in an instant. Helmets are a key safety tool, and their use can significantly influence both the severity of injuries and the outcome of a legal claim.
At Logan Vance Sullivan & Kores LLP, our experienced Connecticut personal injury attorneys assist injured cyclists in Torrington and throughout Connecticut, helping them understand how helmet use can impact their claims and recover the compensation they deserve.
Why Helmets Matter
Helmets are designed to protect cyclists from head injuries in the event of a crash. Wearing a helmet can:
-
Reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury
-
Minimize severity of concussions
-
Help prevent permanent neurological damage
Because head injuries are often the most serious and costly injuries in bicycle accidents, helmet use can influence both medical outcomes and legal considerations.
How Helmet Use Can Affect Your Injury Claim
1. Demonstrates Responsibility
Wearing a helmet shows that you were taking reasonable precautions to protect yourself. Insurance companies and courts may view this as evidence of responsible behavior, which can strengthen your claim.
2. Does Not Eliminate Liability for the Driver
It’s important to know that wearing a helmet does not absolve a negligent driver from responsibility. If a driver caused the accident through reckless or distracted driving, they can still be held liable for your injuries.
3. Can Impact Comparative Negligence Claims
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence standard. This means that if your injuries were partially caused by your own negligence, your compensation could be reduced proportionally. Some insurers may argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to your injury severity, potentially reducing the payout. Conversely, wearing a helmet can prevent such arguments and help maximize compensation.
4. May Influence Settlement Negotiations
Medical evidence showing reduced injury severity because of helmet use can sometimes be used to settle faster or avoid disputes about the extent of damages.
Steps Cyclists Should Take After an Accident
Regardless of helmet use, injured cyclists should:
-
Seek immediate medical attention for all injuries, even if they seem minor.
-
Call the police to document the accident officially.
-
Gather evidence, including photos of the accident scene, the bike, helmet, and any visible injuries.
-
Contact a Connecticut personal injury attorney who specializes in bicycle accidents.
At Logan Vance Sullivan & Kores LLP, our Torrington personal injury attorneys guide cyclists through every step of the legal process, protecting their rights and helping them recover for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Logan Vance Sullivan & Kores LLP
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, helmet use can influence your claim, but it does not replace the need for experienced legal representation. Contact Logan Vance Sullivan & Kores LLP today for a free consultation with a dedicated Connecticut personal injury attorney.
📍 Serving Torrington and communities across Connecticut.