People of all ages enjoy bicycling, and it is a good way to travel, providing an excellent alternative to driving. Bikes are easier to park, do not use gasoline, and are great exercise. Unfortunately, their small size and lack of protection mean that riders are at risk in any kind of accident.
Like in many other cities, Clark bicycle helmet laws only cover minors. If you have been involved in an accident, whether you were wearing a helmet can affect your insurance claim. Contact one of our talented bicycle accident attorneys at Fredson Statmore Bitterman LLC to understand your legal rights and remedies and how to file your claim.
Who Must Wear a Bicycle Helmet?
In Clark, the law only requires minors under 18 to wear protective headgear when riding a bike or when riding as a passenger on another person’s bicycle. The same law also applies to minors when skateboarding or roller-skating.
E-Cycles
Low-speed (Class 1 and 2) e-cycles that travel up to 20 mph are still considered bicycles. Consequently, minors, but not adults, must wear helmets when riding them. Locally, separate regulations have been passed for high-speed (Class 3) e-cycles.
Specifically:
- Riders must be 15 years of age or older and have a valid moped license
- Helmets are mandatory for all ages
- Riders must have registration and insurance
- E-cycles must have stickers displaying the speed class
These regulations resulted from a number of serious accidents involving minors and e-cycles. These may be toughened if this type of accident continues to occur.
Bicycle Accident Head Injuries
The regulations in Clark relating to helmets aim to help you prevent the most serious types of accident injuries when cycling, such as concussion and closed head trauma. At one time, falling off a bike and hitting your head was just something kids did. We now know that even minor concussions are serious and potentially life-threatening injuries.
A well-fitting helmet can help protect you from serious head injuries. They can absorb some of the impact to the front, back, and side of your head, reducing the risk of skull fractures and other brain injuries.
The shape of the bike helmet can also prevent facial trauma. Most have a forward-projecting design that can keep you from landing face-first on the ground. This can protect you from potentially disfiguring or even fatal injuries.
After a Bicycle Accident
Even minor bicycle accidents can cause you severe harm. Common injuries include lacerations and abrasions (“road rash”), broken bones, and spinal cord injuries. It is essential to seek medical attention immediately after an accident, even if, initially, you do not think you have been hurt.
Separate from protective headgear regulations, as a cyclist in Clark, you have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as other drivers. Cars should yield the right of way to bicycles in the same circumstances as they would to another car. Too often, drivers fail to do so, either intentionally or because they do not realize the law requires it.
Call Our Attorneys in Clark for Help With Helmet Regulations After a Cycle Accident
As with any accident, you should try to get the other party’s insurance information. Their personal injury protection coverage should compensate you for your losses as a result of the accident. If you have auto insurance, your own insurer may pay for your medical treatment relating to your injuries. It is essential to discuss your options with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
At Fredson Statmore Bitterman LLC, we understand the complexities of Clark bicycle helmet laws and how they can affect your personal injury claim. Contact us for a free consultation and case review to discuss your legal options today.
