Florida Bicycle Helmet Laws
Florida’s warm climate makes it ideal to get outdoors and enjoy leisurely activities in the fresh air. Bike riding is a great way to get exercise, travel from one location to the next, and simply enjoy. The use of a helmet is highly recommended because of the level of devastation and serious injury to the head that can result should a crash happen. Florida, like many other states across the nation, has its own laws when it comes to safe cycling and helmet use.
Helmets may prevent catastrophic injuries when a bicycle crash takes place. Bicyclists have to take extra care and caution while they are on their bikes just as other drivers should do to reduce the chances of an accident happening. This is especially true in the state of Florida. Recent reports on bicycle incidents show that Florida is one of the most dangerous, if not the most dangerous, a place for bicyclists to roam.
If a negligent party hit you while you were on your bike, you may be able to file a Florida personal injury claim to get the compensation you need to pay for all of the damages you suffered. The Tampa personal injury attorneys at Fulgencio Law are here to help you when you decide to pursue a claim and obtain compensation for your harm.
What are the Bicycle Helmet Laws in Florida?
In 2019 a total of 846 bicyclists died in crashes throughout the United States. That same year, over 50,0000 bicyclists were in accidents that caused great injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2017 there were 125 deadly Florida bicycle accidents which accounted for 16% of all of the deaths on bicycles that were reported that year.
While everyone should consider wearing a helmet when they are on their bike to improve their safety and protect their wellbeing, the law does not require it for all bicyclists. Only those individuals who are under 16 years of age must have a bicycle safety helmet. This is true for bicycle drivers and passengers. So, if you are taking your child for a ride, your child must have a helmet on. Even if you do not have your child on your bike but you have a trailer or other device hooked onto the bike, the children inside must have a properly fitted helmet to ride with you.
Due to the severity of injuries that can come with bicycle accidents, these laws are meant to improve public safety, especially for more fragile younger children. Victims of serious injury accidents in Florida should seek the assistance of a legal professional when it comes to having their case evaluated and valued. The Tampa child injury accident attorneys at Fulgencio Law can help you navigate the legal system and get the compensation you deserve after your injury accident.
Florida’s bicycle helmet laws indicate that if you are older than 16, you can choose to wear a helmet or not because you are not obligated by the law to do so.
Speak with a Florida Personal Injury Attorney Today
After an injury accident if you or your child was harmed, please call the Tampa traffic accident attorneys at Fulgencio Law for help with your personal injury claim. You can meet with a trusted and seasoned lawyer at Fulgencio Law during a free consultation by calling (813) 463-0123.
