The human brain is incredibly complex. The skull, spinal cord, and facial features are also quite complicated and susceptible to injury. That’s why it’s important to wear a helmet anytime you are riding a bicycle, cruising on a motorcycle, or engaging in a contact sport.
Helmets are a science-backed tool for preventing and reducing the risk of brain injuries and increasing safety. Here’s everything you need to know so you can make informed decisions the next time you are debating whether to wear a helmet or not.
Florida Helmet Laws
According to Florida law, individuals who are riding a motorcycle must wear a helmet unless they meet both of the following exemption requirements:
- Be 21 years of age or older
- Be covered by at least $10,000 in medical insurance benefits
- Florida also requires anyone under 16 to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
Supporters say that Florida’s simple helmet laws are designed to keep riders safe until they are old enough to make informed decisions. However, some argue that the state’s lax helmet laws encourage more riders to go helmetless, which can drastically increase the risk of serious injury or death in an accident.
How Helmets May Reduce Brain Injuries
During a research study into the effects of helmet use on traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), researchers found a strong correlation between a lack of helmet use and abnormal neuroimaging. Operators who did not wear helmets were also more likely to be admitted to intensive care units in hospitals and had higher rates of concussions.
Common Causes of Head Injuries
Wearing a helmet during high-risk activities gives you a better chance of walking away from an accident without a brain injury. Here are some ways that helmets can help reduce and prevent injuries.
Vehicle Accidents
Bike or motorcycle accidents are incredibly dangerous due to the limited protection you have from the environment around you. Wearing a helmet can provide some protection for your brain and head, thereby reducing your risk of severe injury.
Wearing a helmet is much like wearing a seat belt. It’s a good idea, no matter how short your drive may be or how comfortable you feel behind the wheel. When debating whether to wear a helmet, you shouldn’t overly rely on your own skill or attentiveness. Even if you are a very experienced and alert rider, other road users may not be.
Falls
Even at low speeds, falling off of your bike, motorcycle, or ATV can cause serious head trauma. Potential injuries include concussions, skull fractures, or severe TBIs. You should always wear your helmet when operating a recreational vehicle, especially when venturing out onto rough terrain.
Sports Injuries
High-speed collisions while playing football or hockey are frequent causes of head injuries for athletes. TBIs are also common in noncontact sports like skateboarding and snowboarding. Falls and accidental collisions in these sports can be just as dangerous as impacts in contact sports.
What to Do if You’ve Suffered a Brain Injury
If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury, it’s important to take the incident seriously.
Seek Medical Attention
Step one involves seeking emergency medical treatment as soon as possible. A healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and determine whether diagnostic testing is necessary. They can use these tests to better understand the severity and extent of the head injury.
Even if you think the injury is minor, you should still get examined by a healthcare provider. What feels like a minor impact could actually cause a serious concussion or other major injury. The sooner you figure out what’s going on, the better your odds of limiting long-term damage.
Attend All Follow-Up Appointments
Brain injuries often require ongoing follow-up treatments. Make sure that you attend all appointments as recommended by your healthcare provider. Following through with your plan of care can make a huge difference in your recovery time and mitigate the long-term effects of the injury.
Talk to a Head Injury Lawyer
A brain injury lawyer can assist if you have suffered a serious head, neck, or brain injury. Talk to an attorney about the facts of your case and determine whether to seek compensation.
When Should I Talk to a Lawyer?
You should consider speaking to a head injury lawyer if you have suffered trauma to your head or neck, especially if negligence plays a factor. For instance, if you get a TBI during a car accident and the other party is at fault, a head injury lawyer may be able to help.
The key factor is negligence, which means that someone owed you a duty of care and breached that duty. If that breach caused your injury, you and your lawyer can pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
However, it’s important to act fast. The longer you wait after an injury, the harder it may be to track down witnesses and save important evidence.
What to Expect During Your Case
During your initial consultation with an attorney, they will outline your next steps. Typically, attorneys begin by gathering evidence about the incident, as well as any important records, such as medical bills and diagnostic test results.
Your lawyer will use this evidence to negotiate with the at-fault person’s insurance company on your behalf. The goal is to reach a fair settlement agreement before taking the matter to court. Setting a claim out of court is faster and will help you get the resources you need to maintain your quality of life when you’ve lost income or have mounting medical bills.
However, if the other party will not negotiate in good faith, your attorney may recommend taking the case to trial. During the trial, they will present their arguments and fight for a jury verdict in your favor.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Schrier Law Group
Finding legal help in your time of need doesn’t have to be difficult. Schrier Law Group offers free consultations to all personal injury victims. Our compassionate lawyers want to hear your story and use their skills to identify the best path forward.
Contact Schrier Law Group to book your free consultation.
