Statistics on Helmets and Alaska Bicycle Accidents

Many US states have enacted legislation regarding the use of bicycle helmets, and Alaska has followed suit for children. When riding in a public place, bicyclists 15 years old and younger must wear an approved bicycle helmet. The reason for the requirement is safety, and statistics from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) back it up. Researchers have found that bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury in a bicycle accident by up to 48%.

However, additional data about head injuries, other bodily trauma, and helmet use should also convince you that headgear is a critical piece of safety equipment. Regardless of whether the Alaska law applies to you, protecting yourself is essential at any age. An Anchorage bicycle accident lawyer will assist with legal remedies if you were hurt, and some figures on crashes are useful.

Additional Data on Helmet Use and Biking

 NIH researchers also broke down some statistics on injuries to bicycle riders, finding that helmets reduce serious head injury by 60% and traumatic brain injury (TBI) by more than half. Wearing a helmet also decreases the potential for fatalities by one-third. Plus:

  • Every year, around 1,000 bicyclists are killed and another 330,000 are injured in bicycle accidents.
  • Approximately 87% of children who suffered skull fractures in bike collisions were not wearing helmets.
  • Boys aged 10 to 15 years old are the highest age group at risk of bicycle accidents.
  • Every day, more than 600 children aged 5 to 17 years old are treated at hospital emergency rooms for bike collision injuries.

 

Your Rights in a Bicycle Accident

Under Alaska personal injury laws, you may qualify to recover compensation if you can prove certain facts. You need to show that the at-fault motorist did not drive with reasonable care and this breach of duty led to the bicycle crash. Drivers often engage in negligent acts behind the wheel, like speeding, running red lights, and making illegal lane changes.

The first step in the legal process after a bike collision is filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and attempting to settle. When you settle a case by agreement, you have the benefit of certainty and knowing that you will get paid damages. If the insurer does not agree to pay a fair amount as compensation, you will file a lawsuit in court.

With both stages, you may be entitled to monetary damages for:

  • Medical costs;
  • Lost wages;
  • Pain and suffering; and,
  • Other losses that affect your quality of life.

Talk to an Alaska Bicycle Accident Attorney for Free 

The legal process for a bike crash claim is complicated whether you settle or not, so it is wise to have experienced legal representation. Our team at Power & Power Law is ready to serve your needs with the insurance company and litigation, so please contact our offices in Anchorage, Alaska. You can call 907-222-9990 or visit our website to set up a no-cost case review. After reviewing your case, a skilled bicycle accident lawyer will advise you on options.