The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics show that over 467,000 bicycle-related injuries occur each year in the United States. Bicyclists can face injuries due to overexertion or due to negligence on the part of others. Unfortunately, accidents between bicycles and cars are often the fault of the car’s driver and result in serious injuries to cyclists. Even riders who take all the necessary precautions can fall victim to these injuries.
These are some of the most common injuries for bicyclists:
Broken Bones
Bone fractures are a common injury for bicyclists in accidents. This can occur due to the blunt trauma of a car hitting the cyclist or due to the cyclist falling off their bike during a collision. In some cases, bicyclists are hit when drivers open car doors without checking their surroundings. These cases can also lead to injuries such as broken bones. Broken wrists are especially common when bicyclists try to break their fall during an
accident. Shoulder fractures also occur if the biker is thrown from the bicycle and lands on their shoulder. Just about any bone can break due to a bicycle accident. These fractures can be relatively minor or, in the case of neck or spine injuries, can have long-term consequences.
Head Trauma
It’s essential that all bicyclists wear helmets while riding to help minimize potential injury to the head during a bicycle collision. However, even a helmet cannot protect against certain types of head trauma. For example, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur due to the rapid movement of the brain within the skull. A helmet will not prevent a bicyclist from sustaining a TBI during a crash. TBIs often require lengthy hospital stays and if they are severe, can lead to lasting impairment. You may need to go through rehab to regain function after a TBI and this can be expensive. In some cases, individuals never fully recover and have a lowered quality of life due to their injuries.
Paralysis
One of the most severe types of injuries that can result from a bicycle accident is paralysis. Bicyclists may land on their head or neck after a crash. This can cause a spinal cord injury (SCI). As a result, the bicyclist may suffer a partial or a complete loss of mobility. This type of injury can have catastrophic results. Financially, paralysis can require physical therapy or expensive medical equipment. It can also be costly in terms of lost wages if you are unable to work. Emotionally, the pain and suffering a bicyclist may face after paralysis can be severe. It is a large change in lifestyle to go from being an active cyclist to being unable to walk.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
Call Our Injury Lawyers
If you are a bicyclist who suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, then you may be wondering what to do next. You need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side to fight for your right to compensation. At Grabb & Durando, we have decades of experience representing injured individuals, including bicyclists.
