Cycling is a popular way to get around Sacramento, whether riders are commuting, exercising, or simply enjoying the city. Unfortunately, accidents are common, and when a bicycle and a car collide, the cyclist almost always bears the brunt of it.
At Law Office of Brian H. Turner, PC, we represent injured cyclists throughout the area. We understand how insurance companies try to undervalue or deny claims based on factors like compliance with Sacramento bicycle helmet laws, and we fight to ensure you are not unfairly blamed for your own injuries. We are local bicycle wreck attorneys who can meet with you in person or come to your home. We will stand by your side from the first conversation through the resolution of your case.
California Vehicle Code § 21212 requires all riders under the age of 18 to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets approved safety standards. Adult cyclists in Sacramento are not legally required to wear a helmet under the law, but that does not mean going without one is a wise choice.
The statistics on cycling injuries make a compelling case for helmet use at any age. When a cyclist is struck by a car, the most catastrophic injuries are often to the head and brain. Traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, and facial injuries can result in permanent disability, cognitive impairment, and the need for long-term medical care. Helmets are specifically designed to absorb and distribute the force of an impact that would otherwise be transferred directly to your skull.
Beyond head injuries, cyclists are also vulnerable to the following injuries:
While a helmet cannot protect you from every injury in a collision, it remains one of the most effective tools available to reduce the severity of the injuries most likely to change your life permanently.
This is one of the most common concerns we hear from injured cyclists, and the answer requires a careful look at how state personal injury law actually works. California courts recognize a principle under California Civil Code § 1714 called pure comparative fault, which means that even if you are found to be partially responsible for your injuries, you can still recover compensation. Your financial recovery may be reduced, but in most cases, it would not be barred entirely.
Although bicycle helmet laws in Sacramento do not require helmet usage for adults, insurers may try to argue that you were partially responsible for your injuries because you chose not to wear one. However, there is an important distinction that insurance companies often try to obscure. The absence of a helmet is only relevant to injuries that a helmet could have prevented or lessened, primarily head and brain injuries. If you suffered a broken leg, fractured ribs, or internal injuries, the fact that you were not wearing a helmet has no bearing on those damages whatsoever.
Insurance companies will use every available argument to reduce what they owe you. Our attorneys understand these tactics and will push back hard against any attempt to shift blame onto you for your own injuries. We prepare every case with trial in mind, which means building the strongest possible record of the driver’s negligence and your full damages, including future medical needs and long-term care costs. This approach often leads to better outcomes at the negotiating table and keeps us fully prepared if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
When you are recovering from a serious bicycle accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is whether an insurance company is taking advantage of you. Understanding Sacramento bicycle helmet laws and how they interact with your injury claim can make a significant difference in what you ultimately recover.
Law Office of Brian H. Turner, PC is here to handle those legal complexities on your behalf so you can focus on healing. We offer free consultations, so call us today to speak directly with one of our attorneys.
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