Whether you are a parent of a child who enjoys riding their bike or an adult who enjoys cycling yourself, following the law is essential. Piscataway bicycle helmet laws determine who must wear a helmet when they get on their bike. If you do get into an accident on your bicycle, whether wearing a helmet or not, an experienced bicycle accident attorney can help you determine whether you deserve compensation for any injuries and move forward with a claim if needed.
Helmet Requirements
Piscataway bicycle helmet laws follow state regulations. Under those laws, any bicycle rider under the age of 17 must wear a helmet. That includes:
- Minors powering the bicycle themselves
- Minors riding on a bicycle powered by someone else
- Minors towed behind a bicycle in a trailer or other device
The state defines a bicycle as any vehicle with two wheels propelled entirely by the rider. A bicycle must have handlebars and a saddle-like seat. The definition does include bicycles intended for two or more riders.
Exceptions to Helmet Regulations
State law offers exceptions from helmet requirements, including:
- Riding on paths or trails set aside for bicycles
- Operating a bicycle on a closed road with no motor traffic
However, if these paths are directly next to roadways, cyclists under 17 still need to wear a helmet.
Helmet Fitting
A bicycle helmet needs to meet Consumer Product Safety Commission standards, including strong chin straps to hold the helmet in place. In addition, the helmet should be properly fitted to the individual’s head. Riders under 17 should have their helmets fastened at all times.
The Importance of Wearing a Helmet
While Piscataway bicycle helmet laws do not include regulations for adults, adult riders should still wear a properly-fitted helmet that passes safety standards. Wearing a helmet can substantially decrease the risk of several common types of injuries in an accident, including head, neck, and facial injuries.
Helmet Use and Injury Claims
A rider who does not have a helmet on at the time of an accident has the right to file a claim for the damages they sustained because of the other party’s negligence, including their medical bills, income losses, and pain and suffering. However, under New Jersey’s comparative negligence law, the insurance company that covers the liable party may argue that a rider who sustained head, neck, or facial injuries in a bicycle accident while not wearing a helmet may bear partial liability for those damages. The lack of helmet use may complicate the claim process and slow the injured person’s ability to recover damages.
Cyclists who suffer any type of injury in an accident should consult with an attorney to discuss their right to compensation. An attorney can also show that the cyclist followed Piscataway bike helmet laws and has the right to compensation for the damages sustained. Many cyclists find that working with an attorney can increase the compensation they ultimately recover after an accident.
Contact an Attorney to Discuss Piscataway Bicycle Helmet Laws and Your Claim
Whether you suffered injuries in a bicycle accident with or without a helmet, or you have questions about Piscataway bicycle helmet laws and how they could impact you in the event of an accident, a lawyer can help you understand your rights. At Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, we have extensive experience navigating the claim process and helping our clients recover fair compensation for their losses. Contact us today for your free consultation.
