How Bike Helmet Laws and Negligent Drivers Intersect in TBI Cases

Bicycles are a popular way to get around in Texas. Many people use them for exercise, commuting, or family fun. But when bicycles share the road with cars, serious accidents can happen. A bicycle accident can leave a rider with broken bones, severe cuts, or worse—a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

One of the most important safety tools for cyclists is the bike helmet. Helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries, but they do not prevent them completely. This raises an important legal question: how do bike helmet laws and negligent drivers intersect in traumatic brain injury cases?

At Snellings Law, we help injured cyclists understand their rights after an accident. This blog explains the role of helmets, the law, and what happens when a negligent driver causes a crash.

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury happens when a sudden blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.

Symptoms can include:

• Headaches or dizziness
• Trouble remembering things
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Slurred speech or confusion
• Loss of balance or coordination

In severe cases, a TBI can cause permanent disability or even death. Because cyclists are exposed on the road, they face a higher risk of brain injuries than drivers in cars.

Why Helmets Matter

Bike helmets play a major role in protecting riders. Research shows that wearing a helmet can lower the risk of severe head injuries. Helmets absorb some of the force from a collision, reducing the impact to the skull and brain.

But helmets are not perfect. Even with a helmet, a cyclist can still suffer a traumatic brain injury if the impact is strong enough. That is why wearing a helmet is not the only factor in bicycle accident cases. The actions of the driver who caused the crash matter too.

Bike Helmet Laws in Texas

In Texas, there is no statewide law requiring adults to wear helmets when riding a bicycle. Some cities have local ordinances, but many do not. Children under a certain age are often required to wear helmets in specific areas, but the rules are not uniform.

This lack of a clear statewide rule creates challenges in personal injury cases. If you were not wearing a helmet during a crash, an insurance company may try to argue that you were partly at fault for your injuries. However, the truth is that Texas law does not demand helmet use for most riders. What matters most is whether the driver was negligent.

Bike Helmet Laws in Texas

Most bicycle accidents happen because drivers are careless. Common causes include:

• Failing to yield the right of way
• Distracted driving, such as texting behind the wheel
• Speeding through intersections
• Not checking blind spots before turning
• Opening a car door into the path of a cyclist

When a driver acts negligently and causes a crash, they can be held responsible for the cyclist’s injuries. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Even if the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, the driver’s negligence is still the main cause of the accident.

How Helmet Use Affects Legal Claims

In a bicycle accident case, insurance companies often look for ways to reduce what they must pay. If the rider was not wearing a helmet, they may argue that the injuries were worse because of that choice.

• Texas law does not require most adult riders to wear helmets.
• A helmet cannot prevent every traumatic brain injury.
• The driver’s negligent actions are still the primary cause of the accident.

A skilled bicycle accident lawyer can push back against these arguments. The lawyer will gather medical evidence, witness statements, and expert opinions to show how the crash—not the lack of a helmet—caused the injuries..

The Role of a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury in a bicycle accident, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Insurance companies may pressure you into a quick settlement. They may also try to place blame on you instead of the driver.

A bicycle accident lawyer can make a big difference. They can:

• Investigate the accident and collect evidence
• Work with medical experts to explain your TBI
• Handle communication with the insurance company
• Fight for a fair resolution in court if needed

Having an experienced lawyer means you do not have to face the process alone.

Protecting Yourself as a Cyclist

While the law focuses on driver negligence, cyclists can take steps to protect themselves:

• Wear a helmet, even if it is not required.
• Use lights and reflective gear, especially at night.
• Follow traffic signals and ride with the flow of traffic.
• Stay alert for drivers turning or opening doors.

These steps cannot stop every accident, but they can reduce risks. Taking these precautions also shows that you are doing your part to stay safe. If an accident happens, it becomes harder for an insurance company to argue that you were careless. Simple safety choices—like wearing a helmet or using reflective gear—can make a big difference both for your health and your legal case.

At the end of the day, cyclists deserve to ride without fear of negligent drivers. By combining safe riding habits with knowledge of your rights, you give yourself the best chance to stay safe on the road and to protect your future if the worst happens.

Conclusion: Helmets Help, But Negligence Matters Most

Healing doesn’t stop when the paperwork is filed. Many people struggle with ongoing pain, therapy, or surgery recovery while also trying to keep up with the claims process. Without support, this can feel overwhelming.

Bike helmets are a smart and important safety tool. They can lower the risk of catastrophic head injuries, but they do not make cyclists invincible. The bigger issue in many bicycle accident cases is the negligence of drivers who fail to share the road safely.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury after a bicycle accident, know that the law is on your side. A bicycle accident lawyer can help you build a strong case, fight against insurance company tactics, and seek the resolution you need to move forward.

At Snellings Law, we understand the lasting impact of TBIs. We are here to stand with you, explain your options, and fight for your recovery.