Many residents and visitors to Virginia enjoy cycling for both exercise and recreation. There are also a lot of cyclists who use their bikes for transportation. In order to protect from injury in the event of a bike accident, it is important for cyclists to wear the correct safety gear, including reflective clothing, pads, etc. One of the most critical items for safety is a bicycle helmet. Many cyclists understand that a good bicycle helmet can help protect from brain and head injuries if they are hit by a car or other vehicle. But just as cycling becomes more popular, so too does the manufacturing and sales of counterfeit bike helmets.
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In order for a helmet to provide the necessary protection, it must meet certain safety standards set by the federal government. Counterfeit helmets fail to meet their standards, often breaking apart upon any type of impact – something an authentic bicycle helmet will not do. This leaves the rider wearing the fake helmet at serious risk of injury or even death if they are involved in a bike accident.
How Can I Tell If My Helmet Is a Counterfeit One?
When you first look at a counterfeit helmet, it usually looks just like an approved one. But there are key differences between the two types. The first indicator that something is not right with the helmet is the price. Although we all love getting a bargain, if the price of the helmet seems to good to be true, it probably is. This is why it is a good idea to do some online research, comparing prices of different styles of helmets with different reputable retailers.
The second indicator that the helmet may be counterfeit is whether or not it has the proper safety stickers issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC sets the safety standards for a variety of products, including helmets. If a product meets those standards, it will be marked that way. Counterfeit helmets often lack the proper materials and weight real helmets do and do not meet the standards. Also, if the sizing on the helmet is in Asian instead of American, it is not a federally-approved helmet.
Contact Our Firm Today
If you were injured in a bicycle or any other type of motor vehicle accident, it is critical not to delay contacting a Virginia bicycle accident attorney from Shapiro & Appleton right away. Virginia injury laws have strict rules regarding how long you have to file your personal injury claim. If the statute of limitations expires, you will be unable to collect financial damages for any medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, or any other losses you may be entitled to.
After graduating cum laude from law school at the University of Richmond, Seth practiced personal injury law out of Roanoke, Virginia and in Hampton, Virginia before joining Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp where he represents personal injury clients in both state and federal courts. In 2016, he was named as a Virginia “Rising Star” lawyer by Super Lawyer’s magazine, an honor bestowed upon only 2.5% of attorneys in the state.
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