June 15, 2021 | Bicycle Accidents
Bicycling is an incredibly popular activity throughout the state of Indiana. Whether you are a regular recreational bicycle rider or just an occasional bicyclist wanting to get out for some fresh air every once in a while, bicycling can be healthy and enjoyable. However, any person going out on a bicycle needs to be aware of the state laws related to bicyclist safety.
If we examine the laws in Indiana regarding bicycle safety, we can see that there is no requirement for bicyclists to wear a helmet. There is confusion about what the law says related to those under the age of 18 when it comes to helmets for a bicycle. The law in Indiana does state that minors must wear protective helmets if they are on a motorcycle, but that is not the case for bicycles.
In January of 2020, State Representative Randy Frye, R-Greensburg, authored a bill that would have required every person under the age of 18 to wear a helmet when riding bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, or non-motorized scooters on public property.
If the bill had passed, it would have allowed police officers to issue a $25 fine for the minor or their parents for not wearing a helmet, and it would also have given police the power to impound the bicycle or other device until the person can prove that they purchased a helmet that met the requirements.
Ultimately, Representative Frye dropped his push to pass this provision. As of right now, there are no further debates ongoing about making a law regarding bicycle helmets in Indiana.
Even though bicycle helmets are not required in Indiana, it is strongly recommended that all riders wear helmets that fit appropriately. Helmets can prevent severe open head wounds and traumatic brain injuries from occurring, according to information available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a person’s head is impacted by a vehicle or the ground, bicycle helmets are the absolute best way to prevent traumatic brain injuries from occurring.
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a bicycle accident caused by the careless or negligent actions of another driver, you may need to seek assistance from a skilled attorney as soon as possible. A bicycle accident lawyer can help injury victims obtain the compensation they need in these situations. It is not uncommon for insurance carriers or at-fault parties to try to blame bicyclists for their injuries, particularly if they were not wearing a helmet when the crash occurred. However, the non-use of a bicycle helmet cannot be used against an injured bicyclist because helmets are not required by law in this state.
A skilled attorney will push back against aggressive insurance carriers, fully investigate the claim, and help clients recover the compensation they are entitled to for their losses.