Rancho Mirage Bicycle Helmet Laws

Although it is an enjoyable form of exercise, biking can be perilous, so you should take precautions to protect yourself when you ride. Cyclists can experience life-altering or even life-threatening injuries when cars strike bicycles. Wearing a properly fitted helmet can safeguard a rider against some head injuries; however, Rancho Mirage bicycle helmet laws do not require all riders to wear helmets.

If you experienced harm in a bike crash, an attorney at Walter Clark Legal Group might be able to help you pursue a legal claim, regardless of whether you were wearing a helmet.

Relevant Bike Helmet Regulations in Rancho Mirage

California law requires cyclists and passengers under 18 to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet. The helmet must meet the regulated standards set forth by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission or the American Society for Testing and Materials.

Helmets can reduce a cyclist’s risk of head trauma and facial injuries, and can even prevent some injuries from happening. The helmet could also lessen the severity of head injury in a collision. Studies report that riders who wear helmets have better health outcomes than those who do not.

A person under 18 who does not wear a helmet could receive a fine of up to $25. State law does not mandate adults to wear helmets.

Our dedicated legal team understands the relevant bike helmet laws and how they could affect a civil lawsuit for damages in Rancho Mirage.

Effect of Not Wearing a Helmet on a Lawsuit

A cyclist would not forfeit their right to file a lawsuit even if they were not wearing a helmet. While a helmet can offer some protection, the lack of one does not cause a bike crash. However, not wearing a helmet could contribute to the severity of the rider’s injuries. The driver of the car that struck them might be able to argue that wearing a helmet would have protected the rider from suffering certain types of head trauma, and that the rider’s refusal to wear one contributed to the severity of their injuries.

Underaged Cyclist

The motorist could argue that the cyclist was negligent if the injured rider was under 18 and violating the helmet law. They could try to use California’s comparative negligence standard to assign a percentage of blame for the cyclist’s injuries on the cyclist themselves for failing to wear a helmet as required by California law. Even though the cyclist could still recover damages, a court would likely reduce what they recover in proportion to the degree of blame for contributing to the injuries by not wearing a helmet.

Adult Cyclist

If the injured rider was over 18, they would not be in violation of the bicycle helmet law. However, the motorist’s attorney or insurance company might still try to shift the blame onto the injured cyclist, even though they did nothing that violated the law.

A Rancho Mirage lawyer could work tirelessly to build a strong case for liability and full and fair compensation for all of a rider’s losses, regardless of whether they complied with the local bicycle helmet regulations.

Talk to a Rancho Mirage Attorney About Bike Helmet Laws

Bike helmets can save lives and prevent life-altering injuries. However, Rancho Mirage bicycle helmet laws only require minors under 18 to wear them. The seasoned attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group have proven track records of success in helping bicycle riders recover damages even if they were not wearing helmets.

Call now to work with an experienced legal team who knows how to help.