Do Helmets Prevent Head Injury?
Most people understand that helmets are designed to absorb the impact of a blow to the head when participating in high-risk activities such as riding a bike, playing a contact sport, or skateboarding, potentially preventing life-changing injuries. In fact, when cyclists wear helmets, the risk of suffering a head injury goes down by more than half.
Depending on the specific activity and situation, wearing a helmet might be required by law or strongly encouraged. For example, many states and local jurisdictions have laws mandating helmet use for cyclists. However, for other activities like skateboarding and horseback riding, wearing a helmet is often recommended but not always enforced.
If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you should reach out to a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Schedule a Free Consultation
The Importance of Wearing Helmets
Helmets have been in use for decades and have undergone significant improvements in design and technology, offering better protection than their predecessors. A helmet consists of a sturdy, plastic outer shell usually made of a hard, durable material, such as polycarbonate or fiberglass.
If a person hits their head, the outer shell can reduce the amount of pressure applied to the head and skull by distributing the force of impact over a larger area. The inner lighting is a softer, energy-absorbing foam material that compresses and absorbs much energy on impact.
A comprehensive study by the National Institutes of Health found that:
- Wearing a bicycle helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 48 percent and traumatic brain injuries by 53 percent
- Unhelmeted motorcyclists are three times more likely to suffer brain injuries
- The overall number of killed cyclists decreases by 34 percent with helmet use
- Motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 37 percent and lower the likelihood of brain injuries by 67 percent
- The risk of face injuries was 23 percent lower for those wearing helmets
Helmets are very effective at preventing skull fractures and severe brain injuries. However, their ability to prevent concussions is limited due to the complex nature of brain movement within the skull. The level of protection that a helmet provides against a concussion will typically depend on the quality of the helmet and its intended use.
For example, bicycle helmets are designed to withstand the force of low-speed impact. Motorcycle helmets, on the other hand, are designed to protect against high-speed impacts. While helmets may not completely eliminate the risk of concussions or TBIs, they still offer valuable protection and contribute significantly to reducing the severity of injuries in the event of an accident.
Understanding the Limitations of Helmet Protection
Although helmets are essential in protecting against head injuries, they cannot offer full protection from all potential harm. Depending on the circumstances and severity of the accident, even with a helmet, an impact can cause a cascade of secondary injuries inside the brain, like swelling or bleeding.
For example, in cases of extreme force, such as high-speed collisions, or when the protective gear is damaged, defective, or inadequate, the energy involved may exceed the helmet’s design capabilities. The immense pressure involved in a crushing accident may also result in serious skull fractures or internal brain injuries that helmets cannot protect against.
Furthermore, a helmet may not be enough defense if a rollover accident happens and the person is thrown from the vehicle. Ultimately, the effectiveness of a helmet can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Proper use: A poorly fitting helmet or wearing a helmet incorrectly (i.e., not fastening the chinstrap or wearing a damaged helmet) may not provide adequate protection and can even increase the risk of injury in some cases. If a helmet is too loose, tight, or damaged, it may not stay securely in place and might not properly absorb the force of a collision.
- Quality of helmet: Motorcyclists and cyclists should always helmets that meet the safety standards set by the United States Department of Transportation. Investing in a high-quality helmet can make all the difference in a crash, providing the necessary protection to lower the risk of serious brain trauma.
- Type of activity: For maximum safety, helmets should always be used according to their designated purpose. The level of protection a helmet provides depends on the type of activity it is meant for and factors like speed, impact force, and environmental risks. For example, motorcycle helmets are specifically engineered to withstand high-speed crashes and provide greater impact absorption, while bicycle helmets are designed for lower-speed impacts and may not offer sufficient protection in an accident with a motor vehicle.
When combined with other safety measures, such as following traffic laws, helmets can help prevent devastating outcomes. If you recently suffered a head injury, regardless of whether you were wearing a helmet, it’s essential to seek a complete medical evaluation.
Even if you don’t feel injured, symptoms of certain injuries may not show up right away, and early detection can help prevent long-term complications and improve the chances of a full recovery. Recovering from an accident can be a long journey. Don’t hesitate to seek support from an experienced bike accident lawyer who can seek the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Contact a Skilled Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
When you’re involved in an accident, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. A skilled personal injury attorney at Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon can alleviate some of the stress you may be feeling by managing every aspect of your case, from handling paperwork and deadlines to advocating on your behalf in settlement discussions.
If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your bicycle accident lawyer will also be prepared to represent your best interests in court. Take the first step toward securing the financial recovery you need to heal and move forward by scheduling your complimentary case review today.
While you might worry about how much an attorney will cost, many work on a “contingency fee” basis. This means you never have to worry about any upfront costs or fees unless/until they win your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation
