Anyone who rides a bike and is under 16 years old must wear a bicycle helmet. That is not a suggestion—it is the law. The helmet must meet federal safety standards and fit properly, and while riding, you must strap it on securely. These Clermont bicycle helmet laws apply whether you are on the road, a bike path, or the sidewalk.
The reason that Florida is strict is that it has one of the highest rates of bike-related injuries and fatalities in the country. Studies have proven that helmets can significantly lower the risk of serious head injuries. Therefore, if you are over 16 and not legally required to wear one, our seasoned bicycle accident attorney at Largey Law still advises it.
What Happens if You Ignore Helmet Laws?
For riders under 16 years old, failing to wear a helmet could lead to a citation for their parent or guardian, as stated in Florida Statute § 316.2065. Furthermore, if a bicycle crash occurs in Clermont and you (or a child you are responsible for) was not obeying the helmet rules, this could impact your insurance claim or lawsuit.
Does Breaking the Law Prevent You From Receiving Compensation?
Breaking the law does not prevent you from seeking compensation. Florida Statute § 768.81 appoints comparative negligence, which assigns shared fault for an accident. If you were not wearing a cycling helmet despite the law requiring it, a Clermont insurance company might argue your injuries were worse because of your negligence. This could reduce the compensation you are eligible for. However, the law does not remove your right to recover damages. Even if you were partly at fault, you may still get a settlement or award—but it will be less than if you had complied with the law.
For example, if you were under 16, not wearing a helmet, and in an accident with a driver who ran a stop sign, an insurance company might argue to reduce the settlement, stating that your head injury was more severe than it might have been had you been wearing a helmet. However, you could still win compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Quick Helmet Law Facts
If you are a bicyclist in Clermont, state regulations require you to wear head protection that meets federal safety standards if you are under 16 and are on a road, bike path, or public property. Parents of children under 16 who do not wear a helmet while riding are liable to be fined. There is no legal requirement to wear a bicycle helmet if you are over 16, but we strongly recommend that you choose to do so for safety.
Why Do Bicycle Helmet Regulations Matter?
Bike accidents are common in Clermont, and even if a crash is not fatal, injuries without proper headgear can be severe and costly. Wearing a helmet is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of life-changing injuries.
Contact a Clermont Attorney To Learn About Bike Headgear Rules
If you were hurt in a crash—with or without headgear—you should know your rights. Our personal injury lawyer could review what happened, clarify how Clermont bicycle helmet laws might affect your claim, and explain your options.
You do not have to handle this alone. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.
