Common Injuries in Cycling Accidents – It can be highly frustrating to experience a cycling accident. These incidents not only cause irritation but also inconvenience. In many cases, injuries from cycling accidents range from mild to severe, with severe injuries potentially leading to permanent disability.
The law gives bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as any other road user. It is, therefore, crucial to understand that bicycle riders must always keep their rights and responsibilities in mind as they use the road.
It follows from the above that if you are involved in a bike accident case, you must, as a matter of right, understand your rights and options. The necessity of understanding this is made more apparent by the need to ensure that you are correctly and adequately compensated for your injuries.
What Are The Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?
It turns on the above that arising out of bicycle accidents, there are bound to be injuries. The injuries include the following:
- Concussions, and traumatic brain injuries;
- The spinal cord, neck, and back injuries;
- Broken bones,
- Bruising, contusions, and abrasions;
- Internal bleeding;
- Mental and emotional injuries
1. Concussions
Bicycle accidents result in the victims having concussions. Concussions are brain injuries with persistent and continuous effects that can be difficult to diagnose. Extreme instances of concussions may likely cause brain damage, memory loss, and other repercussions.
From the preceding information, it is evident that immediate medical attention becomes crucial for individuals involved in bike accidents, irrespective of whether they wore helmets. Promptly addressing these injuries is imperative to prevent any exacerbation of life-threatening conditions. Therefore, it becomes paramount and necessary for individuals to seek medical treatment at a nearby health facility, even if they do not perceive significant harm following the accident.
It should not be lost on you that the sooner the Concussions, head injuries, knee pain (which is a common place for overuse injuries), traumatic injuries, and brain injuries are looked into, the higher the chances of recovery from them. On the flip side, the more time you do not seek medical treatment for a head injury, the higher the chances that the reversibility of the situation may not be attained.
2. Head injury
It is most common that one may get a head injury when riding a bicycle. The damage may range from a cut on the victim’s cheek to a traumatic brain injury. Bicycle riders drastically reduce their chances of brain injury by wearing a helmet.
3. Overuse Injuries
Straining of muscles while riding a bicycle results in injuries. It is expected that one may get injuries when they ride a bicycle. For one to avoid such injuries, their bikes must be fitted by a professional.
4. The Spinal Cord, Neck, and Back Injuries
In most cases, bicycle accidents can cause severe injuries to the most exposed parts of the body. These injuries can occur immediately upon impact or gradually develop after the accident.
Spinal injuries are among the most critical and life-threatening injuries that can result from a bicycle accident. It is crucial to seek immediate medical treatment for spinal injuries to prevent further complications. These injuries often require advanced medical care, including surgical procedures. It is important to recognize the urgency of seeking medical attention without delay.
Back pain and related injuries are also common among bicycle accident victims, and they may exhibit delayed symptoms. These back injuries can significantly impact the productivity of individuals, as they often require ongoing medical attention and painkillers, potentially leading to dependence. Seeking a medical examination following an accident is necessary.
Neck injuries are another common consequence of bicycle accidents, especially when the rider falls on their head. Neck injuries can manifest symptoms that affect mobility, leading to paralysis or difficulty performing simple tasks. It is crucial to prioritize immediate medical attention in the event of a bicycle accident to address any potential neck injuries.
Spinal cord, neck, and back injuries can result in a life of constant pain and total or partial paralysis. The injured bicyclists’ injuries can also get worse as time progresses, and this has the effect of affecting the quality of life that one leads.
5. Broken Bones
In more than seventy percent of bicycle accidents, victims suffer broken bones. The breaking of the bones usually ranges from mild to severe bone fractures. While specific minor bone injuries may heal over some time, some do not. For minor wounds to heal independently, there must be proper care, rest, and monitoring recovery, where one has to avoid creating pressure on the injured parts. On the other hand, significant injuries shall require sophisticated medical attention and very complex surgical operations.
The broken bones, facial fractures, or even dental fractures may also result in more severe injuries, including internal bleeding, hemorrhagic shock, and other serious consequences. Therefore, one must seek medical attention as soon as they are involved in a bicycle accident.
The head of a cyclist wearing a helmet may be slightly protected from extensive injury compared to one with none. However, following a bike crash, there could be facial fractures, broken legs, pelvic fractures, and rib fractures, among other cycling injuries that may result from bicycle injuries. These severe injuries may likely result in bicycle-related deaths.
6. Bruising, Contusions, and Abrasions
It is common for road rash, contusions, and abrasions as soon as one is involved in bicycle crashes. These soft tissue injuries are not as often life-threatening as the above ones. However, they affect the quality of life of the bicycle accident victims, albeit for a brief period.
The above is not to say that they are less severe, as they are naturally painful and expose a person to an increased risk of further infection.
7. Internal Bleeding, as well as Other Related Complications
As mentioned earlier, injuries resulting from bicycle accidents can be categorized as external or internal. External injuries are visible through bruising, abrasions, and other outward signs, including bleeding. On the other hand, internal injuries involve internal bleeding, which occurs when a bicycle accident victim sustains significant harm. Such accidents can disrupt the normal functioning of affected organs, leading to internal bleeding. Immediate attention is crucial to stop the bleeding promptly, as it can result in permanent organ damage or even death. Therefore, it is imperative to seek surgical intervention as soon as possible following a bicycle accident.
8. Emotional and Mental Injuries
As mentioned, injuries resulting from accidents can encompass physical and emotional aspects. Accidents profoundly impact the lives of victims, extending beyond the physical harm caused. Emotional distress is often experienced, leading to anxiety, mental anguish, sleep difficulties, and disruptions to one’s daily routine.
To address these injuries, it is crucial for bicycle accident victims to prioritize therapeutic interventions that can help them regain a sense of normalcy in their lives.
It is important to recognize that the severity of injuries resulting from accidents can vary, ranging from minor to severe, requiring anything from self-healing to surgical interventions. Additionally, the extent to which these injuries affect an individual’s daily routine over an extended period of time largely depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the accident.
Where do Bicycle Accidents Occur the Most?
It is natural and expected that most of these accidents may happen anywhere and in most areas where bike cyclists populate. Bicycle accidents can occur anywhere, requiring bicycle riders always to be careful while riding. Moreover, bicycle riders should watch out for the things that may cause accidents each time they ride a bicycle.
What’s the Process of Recovering Damages for Bicycle Accident Injuries?
With the help of a personal injury lawyer, the process of getting compensation following a bicycle accident is not complicated. The process will typically include the initial consultation with a bicycle accident attorney who shall have to listen to your case and decide whether you have an issue or not. The bicycle accident lawyer must not be afraid to go to trial and must adequately prepare.
As indicated above, the cause of most injuries from bicycle accidents include but are not limited to the following:
- Speeding beyond the level at which one can adequately control the oncoming vehicle or bicycle;
- Driving while distracted, i.e., while texting or riding the car or bike with one hand
- Following cyclists closely;
- Changing lanes without taking due consideration as to who is using or how far one is using the road that one moves to;
- driving the bicycle without being aware of the surrounding environment;
- Running a stop sign or red light;
- Failing to give way when it is wise to do;
- Riding a bike when one is fatigued; and
- Riding a bicycle while impaired
It is expected that all motorists while enjoying their right to use the road, must ensure they responsibly use it. They must be aware that cyclists, other drivers, and pedestrians are using the road. When this is done, there shall be fewer accidents every year. However, cyclists or other motorists must be fully aware that they may be sued if they negligently use the road, and consequently, people are injured.
When one files a bicycle accident injury claim after they are involved in a bike accident, they may be awarded damages that range from economic to non-economic compensation. The compensation considers the injury level, the injury’s extent, the medical bills incurred by accident, future medical bills likely to be incurred by the victims in later years, pain and suffering, and the loss of income.
If it is evident that the responsible party, whether a driver or cyclist, displayed severe negligence or has a track record of causing accidents, the court may award punitive damages as a punitive measure. Punitive damages are intended to discourage such individuals from engaging in the behavior that led to the accident. By imposing punitive damages, there is a higher likelihood of deterring them from repeating similar actions.
How Can We Help?
After being involved in an accident, seeking and receiving necessary medical attention promptly is crucial. While this process may take some time, it is important to adhere to the advice provided by healthcare professionals who have treated you. Once you have received appropriate medical care, it is advisable to consult with a skilled and licensed attorney specializing in bicycle injuries to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Given the circumstances mentioned above, it is vital to engage the services of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney specializing in bicycle accidents. This legal professional will assist you in navigating the complex process of filing and pursuing a claim for your bicycle accident injury.
The experienced attorney will provide guidance during negotiations with the insurance company, ensure you receive adequate medical treatment, and gather and preserve the necessary evidence to support your bicycle accident claim, should it proceed to trial.
During our initial consultations, we prioritize educating you about your rights and available options. These consultations are conducted without any obligation to hire our services. If you or your loved ones have been injured in a bicycle accident, we encourage you to contact us today to discuss your options and determine the best action for your bicycle accident claim.
Is There Any Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me?
Big Ben Lawyers are near you and can help you recover compensation in any bicycle accident lawsuit you may want to pursue.
Contact our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
Big Ben Lawyers bicycle accident lawyers realize how stressful the aftermath of a bike accident can be.
Big Ben Lawyers assist clients through this challenging event by aiding them with the convoluted legal process and giving them the best chance of receiving the compensation they deserve. It is, therefore, imperative that you should not delay if you or a loved one is a bike accident victim. Contact Big Ben Lawyers immediately for a free case examination at +1 (818) 423-4878.
Do not hesitate to contact our able Firm of Attorneys, and we shall passionately pursue your bicycle accident claim.
Big Ben Lawyers
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Glendale, CA 91206