Preventing Child Injury on Bicycles & Michigan Bicycle Accident Lawsuits

More than 700 bicycle riders are killed in the U.S. every year, majority of them in collisions with cars, and 75% of them die of head injuries. Many thousands more may suffer less but still sustain debilitating injuries that are far worse than the physical pain of scraped skin or even broken bone. When a child is a victim of bicycle crash, it might result in permanent personality changes and learning disabilities from a brain injury. Some of the common long term effects on children include concentration difficulties, aggressiveness, headaches and balance problems.

If you have a child fond of riding a bicycle, the above figures would sound alarming and would surely make you curious to know more about bicycle helmets, which, according to medical research, can prevent 85% of cyclists' head injuries.

The first point of consideration for many parents is the cost of a child helmet. The issue to remember here is that safety should be your prime concern. While the cost of a helmet in a bike shop or by mail order can be from $30 up, you could get some good discounts which allow you to buy on at $10 up. A good helmet shop would help you ensure that the helmet fits properly on the child's head - and this is the most critical factor promising safety.

If you are under the impression that your child's helmet has to be changed every year, you are wrong. Usually a good helmet is equipped with two or even three sets of foam fitting pads. You could start using thick pads and use the thinner pads as the child grows. Remember the head does not grow as fast as his legs or feet.

Whether your child would actually wear a helmet largely depends on peer pressure. When he sees his close friends wearing it, he is likely to wear it too. Also, make sure that the child approves the helmet which is bought for his use. If he thinks he is not looking nice wearing it, chances are he would not use it. Also, the fitting is important. The child has top feel snug and comfortable wearing a helmet. The key motivator for a child to use helmet is fashion and definitely not safety. Perhaps some counseling might be of help for very stubborn children.

For a toddler, there is no rule saying that he cannot use a helmet - but his tiny head cannot support the weight of a helmet. If in doubt, consult a pediatrician regarding your toddler's head protection. Helmets for children need ventilation in hot and humid weather since the foam holds the heat. The helmet should sit at the level on the head, no matter what age your child is and fit securely with the strap fastened.

Regarding the statutory safety standard for your child's helmet, all helmets sold in the US must meet the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard and state that on a sticker inside the helmet as well as on the box.

While there are several trustworthy brands of child helmets in the market, a consumer Reports article in June 2006 recommended the Bell Boomerang for toddlers and Schwinn Intercept for older kids. Be that as it may, the 'best' brand of helmet is the one that your child likes, which fits him best and which suits your budget.

Perhaps the best color for your child's helmet is any bright hue with a smooth shell. Watch out for a buckle that is pinch-proof. Let the child wear it, so that the straps and pads can be adjusted. Ensure that it fits snugly and does not come off easily.

A child helmet should be replaced if it meets with a crash since any impact crushes some of the foam. Though the damage inside may not be visible, it surely becomes less protective. Since helmets lessen the impact, the child does not even feel it till you inspect the helmet for damage. If there is a crack in the buckle, replace it or even when any piece of it breaks off.

It is important to remember that no helmets should be used on playgrounds as it interferes with playground equipment and may cause injury, at times fatal.

Persons injured as a pedestrian or bicyclist often have claims for their personal injuries and can file No-Fault Insurance claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and other benefits, even if they did not own a vehicle or have a No-Fault Insurance policy. Many claims can be filed even in circumstances of hit and run accidents involving pedestrian and bikers.

It is important to hire an attorney immediately after the accident to begin the investigation of the claim. It is necessary to interview witnesses and take photographs as soon as possible after the accident.


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Lawrence J. Buckfire is a Michigan bicycle accident lawyer. If you or your child suffer injuries to a bicycle accident in Michigan, you should contact our office immediately to learn about your legal rights. Call us now at (800) 606-1717. You should also request our FREE BOOK, "Little Kids, Big Accidents," which is a parents' guide to child injury cases in Michigan.