Riding a bicycle offers great physical benefits. It can keep cyclists fit, help them enjoy the fresh air, and provide them with fuel-less commuting. However, bicycle riding is not without risk.
Because cyclists have nothing to protect them against injuries, they often end up in serious condition after a collision. These injuries can change their lives forever and affect their ability to work and earn an income.
When negligence is involved, victims have the right to sue for compensation. The Law Office of Carl Maltese is committed to helping these individuals obtain restitution. We understand that the first step to any successful lawsuit is identifying the relevant injury, so in this article, we will provide an overview of the most common injuries in a bicycle accident. For more information, a bicycle accident lawyer in Long Island may be able to help.
Why Are Bicycle Accidents Often Serious?
Unlike other motor vehicles that have airbags, seatbelts, and other protective devices to take the brunt of the force in a collision, bike riders lack these critical safety measures. That means that when a passenger car collides with a bicycle, the rider will take the force of the impact.
This results in serious problems, such as severe traumatic brain injuries or broken bones. It's also important to note that many cities do not have designated cycling lanes, and since bikes are much smaller and harder to see, it is easier for motorists to miss them, resulting in a collision.
Common Injuries in a Bicycle Accident
Here are some of the most common cycling injuries:
Head Injuries
The term "head injuries" is used to describe any injury that affects the skull, brain, or scalp. Head injuries can vary in severity, from mild concussions and disorientation to more serious problems, such as intracranial hematomas and blood clot formation.
While most riders wear helmets to protect their heads against these kinds of bicycle accident injuries, some do not, exposing them to greater harm. Helmets reduce the likelihood of a head injury by up to 35%, making them essential for bicycle riders.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Blunt force trauma to the head can result in a more serious type of head injury, which is known as a traumatic brain injury. This condition can lead to permanent brain damage and even death.
Spinal Cord Injuries
If a cyclist's spine is struck by an object, they may experience bone fractures, nerve damage, or disc injury. Because the spinal cord relays information from the brain to the rest of the body, this kind of injury can result in permanent disability and chronic pain.
Suppose a cyclist hits the pavement or road very hard following an accident. In that case, they could compress or cause impact damage to the spine. While helmets work well at protecting the head, sadly, they don't do much for the spine.
Broken Bones
Being hurled against a surface too hard can also result in broken bones. While typically not lethal, this type of injury can lead to many complications and often requires lengthy recovery times and surgical intervention.
Facial Injuries
The face is important because it is how people recognize others. However, in an accident, a broken nose, jawbone, or teeth can not only cause immense pain but also lead to permanent scarring, requiring reconstructive surgery.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding occurs when blood vessels rupture. It can result from falls, fractured bones, blunt force trauma, and more. Imaging procedures are used to confirm internal bleeding and injury to organs. To determine the best course of action to stop the bleeding, a doctor may request more tests.
Road Rash
This is common in bicycle accidents because riders often come into contact with the road, resulting in abrasions to the skin. Road rash can vary from minor to severe and often lead to other complications, such as infections.
Injuries of the Upper and Lower Extremities
When riding a bicycle, riders' arms and legs are exposed. This exposes them to a number of risks. From broken bones and fractures to knee pain, there are a number of common bicycle accident injuries that affect the upper and lower extremities.
Cuts, Bruises, and Soft Tissue Injuries
In addition to the serious injuries mentioned above, bicycle accident victims can also experience minor cuts and bruises. Soft tissue injuries, which involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the body, are also commonly noted in motorcycle accidents. Law Office of Carl Maltese can also explain common injuries in a pedestrian accident.
Motorcycle Accidents Can Be Fatal
Sadly, not all victims make it out of bicycle crashes alive. In 2023, the New York Times reported 30 deaths following an accident involving a bicycle. When the negligent acts of another lead to a fatality, the family of the deceased may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit to obtain compensation for funeral and burial costs.
Accident Victims Are Encouraged to Seek Medical Attention As Soon As Possible After a Bicycle Accident
It's important for riders to get medical care following a bicycle crash. Injuries are often serious, and getting treatment sooner rather than later is crucial. This will not only help to ensure a full recovery but will also facilitate a favorable outcome in a personal injury lawsuit.
Keep in mind that some serious brain injuries may not show symptoms immediately. Just to be safe, victims should always seek medical treatment after a bicycle accident. Law Office of Carl Maltese can provide insight on common injuries in a motorcycle accident as well.
When Negligence Causes a Bicycle Crash
The truth is that sometimes negligence or wrongdoing leads to an accident. Suppose a motorist was speeding and could not slow down in time to avoid colliding with a bicycle. In that case, they can be held accountable for the victim's medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.
With the help of a reliable personal injury attorney, injured cyclists can hold the relevant party liable for causing the accident and obtain the compensation they rightly deserve.
The Bottom Line
Bicycle accidents often have devastating consequences. From spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries to broken bones and fractures, there's a lot that can go wrong. When negligence is the underlying cause, victims can turn to The Law Office of Carl Maltese for expert legal representation.
To learn more or schedule a free legal consultation, injured parties can contact us!
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