Miami Accident Lawyer Blog
The holidays are over, and for the many Florida children who received bicycles as gifts, the fun can begin right away. The year-round warm climate means kids will soon be heading out for a ride, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has some interesting statistics on the subject. American children are hooked on bikes, and an estimated 33 million of them ride around 10 billion hours every year. The downside is that there are still many risks involved, especially when bicycling around Miami. Almost 400 children are killed, while another 450,000 are treated in hospital emergency rooms for bike crash injuries.
Of the children injured in bicycle accidents, approximately 153,000 victims suffer head injuries. The obvious answer for parents is to purchase a suitable helmet for kids. However, this task can be easier said than done. Some tips on how to choose a helmet will safeguard your child in the event of a Miami bicycle accident, so consider the following details.
Tips for Buying a Child’s Bicycle Helmet
One of the most important points when shopping for safety gear is reviewing certification by trusted sources. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducts meticulous investigations to ensure that products are safe for their intended use. Look for the CPSC-approved indication on the label, and go online for reviews by other agencies.
Additional factors for purchasing a bicycle helmet for children are focused on the fit, which will depend on the age, weight, and height of your child. For instance:
- The helmet should sit securely on top of the child’s head without tipping in any direction.
- For best protection, the gear should cover the top third of the forehead.
- When your child sits on the bike, the helmet must be parallel to the ground.
- The chin strap should be secured so that the equipment fits snugly.
- The helmet should not shift in front of your child’s eyes when shaking the head.
- Avoid purchasing helmets for skateboarding, scooters, and other activities unless they are also approved for bike riding.
Legal Help With Bicycle Accident Claims
While a helmet does an effective job of protecting your child from serious head injuries, it cannot prevent bike crashes. Negligent motorists create a risk of collisions when they do not exercise reasonable care while driving. Parents have legal remedies, including seeking compensation from the at-fault driver via an insurance claim or lawsuit. It is possible to recover for:
- Medical costs, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and other services;
- Lost wages, if you needed to take off work to care for your injured child;
- Pain and suffering; and,
- Other losses that affect quality of life.
Get Legal Help From a Miami Bicycle Accident Attorney
These tips will help you buy the right helmet for your child, but bicycle crashes are still a threat. For more information on your legal rights, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA, at offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach. You can schedule a free consultation by calling (305) 371-6000 or visiting us online.