The City of Stockton cares about making biking a safe form of transportation and recreation for all. While there are no specific Stockton bicycle helmet laws that apply to adults, all cyclists are strongly advised to wear a helmet every time they ride. Cycle helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries, which means it is in your best interest to wear one whenever you travel by bike.
If you suffered injuries in a bike accident due to a motorist’s negligence, you should consult an experienced bicycle accident attorney for guidance on your legal rights and options.
State Bike Helmet Laws
California has not enacted an adult cycle helmet law, and neither has any other state in the nation. However, state rules require everyone under the age of 18 in Stockton and throughout the state to wear a bike helmet whenever they ride. While adult riders are not under any legal obligation to wear a helmet, it is always the safest option.
Bike Accident Claims
A cyclist injured in an accident with a vehicle can seek compensation for their losses under the following conditions:
- The motorist in question owed them a duty of care (everyone who operates a vehicle or bike on any public road is responsible for the safety of everyone around them)
- The motorist in question breached their responsibility to drive safely, which might involve distracted driving, drunk driving, or another violation of traffic rules
- The accident was the direct result of the motorist’s negligence
- The cyclist suffered legal damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, and physical and emotional pain and suffering, as a result
Whether the cyclist wore a helmet or not, a Stockton attorney can work on your behalf to build a legal claim to prove these elements after a bicycle accident.
How Do Bike Helmets Affect Legal Claims?
If a Stockton cyclist suffered injuries that did not affect their head, not wearing a helmet is unlikely to play any role in their claim. If, however, they suffered a head injury, such as a traumatic brain injury, it could affect the outcome. This is because California employs what is known as comparative negligence. This means that if a cyclist’s own negligence contributed to their losses, their settlement or court award will be reduced by the percentage of fault they bear.
If the insurance company involved can prove that failure to wear a helmet led to more severe injuries, this could play a role in the cyclist’s settlement. For example, if a court assigns 10 percent of the fault to the cyclist because they did not wear a helmet and their overall losses amount to $100,000, their potential settlement could be reduced to $90,000.
The most important point to note is that every claim is unique, and you should not proceed without the legal guidance of a skilled attorney.
Consult With an Experienced Stockton Lawyer on Cycle Helmets and the Law
While there are no Stockton bicycle helmet laws in place for adults, minors must wear helmets when they ride, and everyone is advised to do the same. If you were hurt in a cycling accident, the team at Valero Law Group is fully committed to pursuing a just settlement on your behalf, whether you were wearing a helmet or not. Learn more by contacting us online or giving us a call today.
The City of Stockton cares about making biking a safe form of transportation and recreation for all. While there are no specific Stockton bicycle helmet laws that apply to adults, all cyclists are strongly advised to wear a helmet every time they ride. Cycle helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries, which means it is in your best interest to wear one whenever you travel by bike.
If you suffered injuries in a bike accident due to a motorist’s negligence, you should consult an experienced bicycle accident attorney for guidance on your legal rights and options.
State Bike Helmet Laws
California has not enacted an adult cycle helmet law, and neither has any other state in the nation. However, state rules require everyone under the age of 18 in Stockton and throughout the state to wear a bike helmet whenever they ride. While adult riders are not under any legal obligation to wear a helmet, it is always the safest option.
Bike Accident Claims
A cyclist injured in an accident with a vehicle can seek compensation for their losses under the following conditions:
- The motorist in question owed them a duty of care (everyone who operates a vehicle or bike on any public road is responsible for the safety of everyone around them)
- The motorist in question breached their responsibility to drive safely, which might involve distracted driving, drunk driving, or another violation of traffic rules
- The accident was the direct result of the motorist’s negligence
- The cyclist suffered legal damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, and physical and emotional pain and suffering, as a result
Whether the cyclist wore a helmet or not, a Stockton attorney can work on your behalf to build a legal claim to prove these elements after a bicycle accident.
How Do Bike Helmets Affect Legal Claims?
If a Stockton cyclist suffered injuries that did not affect their head, not wearing a helmet is unlikely to play any role in their claim. If, however, they suffered a head injury, such as a traumatic brain injury, it could affect the outcome. This is because California employs what is known as comparative negligence. This means that if a cyclist’s own negligence contributed to their losses, their settlement or court award will be reduced by the percentage of fault they bear.
If the insurance company involved can prove that failure to wear a helmet led to more severe injuries, this could play a role in the cyclist’s settlement. For example, if a court assigns 10 percent of the fault to the cyclist because they did not wear a helmet and their overall losses amount to $100,000, their potential settlement could be reduced to $90,000.
The most important point to note is that every claim is unique, and you should not proceed without the legal guidance of a skilled attorney.
Consult With an Experienced Stockton Lawyer on Cycle Helmets and the Law
While there are no Stockton bicycle helmet laws in place for adults, minors must wear helmets when they ride, and everyone is advised to do the same. If you were hurt in a cycling accident, the team at Valero Law Group is fully committed to pursuing a just settlement on your behalf, whether you were wearing a helmet or not. Learn more by contacting us online or giving us a call today.
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