Some people might believe that, unlike other accidents, bicycle accidents aren’t as serious because the riders are protected by their helmets and other gear. However, bicycle accidents can cause some of the most catastrophic injuries imaginable. Because bicycles offer little protection to their riders, they’re more vulnerable to being seriously injured in an accident. This means sustained injuries from a bike accident are often more severe than other types of accidents. The most common injuries include:
Head Injuries
Because cyclists aren’t strapped in, they can be easily thrown from their bikes during an accident. When they hit the ground, their head is often the first part of their body to make contact, which can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBI). It’s therefore critical that victims watch out for symptoms of a TBI, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, light sensitivity, and memory problems. Even with a helmet, a TBI can be catastrophic and life-changing, so it’s important to get medical attention right away if you think you might have one.
Neck and Spine Injuries
Because the neck wasn’t designed to withstand the force of an impact, it can easily be injured by the force of being thrown from a bicycle or colliding with another object. In addition to being incredibly painful, neck and spine injuries can often lead to paralysis. If you experience pain, numbness, or tingling in your extremities after an accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, as this could be a sign of a serious spine injury.
Broken Bones and Amputations
While a broken bone may not seem as serious as some of the other injuries on this list, they can still be incredibly painful, and take a long time to heal. Common fractures after a bicycle accident include broken collarbones, wrists, and ankles. If a cyclist’s limb gets caught in the spokes of their bike or is otherwise mangled in an accident, it might need to be amputated to save their life. Although this is a very drastic measure, it’s sometimes necessary to prevent further blood loss or infection.
Internal Injuries
Lack of protection while riding a bicycle also leaves cyclists vulnerable to internal injuries. This happens when blood vessels of internal organs become torn and damaged, leaving an internal wound that might easily go unnoticed. These types of injuries can be difficult to spot because they don’t always present outward symptoms. And because they are easily missed, they often pose a serious threat to the victim’s life. It’s therefore advisable that cyclists who are involved in any road accident get a thorough physical examination to rule out this possibility.
Seeking Legal Assistance
It might not always be the cyclist’s fault that an accident occurred. If you’ve been in a bicycle accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation. Even if you think you’re partly to blame for the accident, you should still speak to a lawyer to find out what your legal options are.
A legal entity is best suited to take on the insurance company responsible for reimbursing you for the damages, and they will ensure what you receive is the right amount. This is crucial because the settlement offer that will be offered might not always reflect the real value of the damages, something insurers are particularly notorious for.
A lawyer understands how to assess the correct value of your injuries, which ensures the right settlement amount. And in case of the insurance company disputes, your attorney will file and open a personal injury case on your behalf and represent you in court. They will work with you to collect all necessary evidence required for your case, including the medical reports and police statements from the accident scene, to guarantee a strong case. Compensation from a successful personal injury claim can help cover the cost of medical bills, lost wages, and other damages caused by the accident.
Conclusion
Bicycle accidents can cause some of the most catastrophic injuries imaginable, including head injuries, broken bones, and internal bleeding. Proper medical attention is critical if you’ve been in a bicycle accident. If you believe someone else is at fault for your accident, you might be entitled to damage compensation and should speak to a lawyer to discuss your legal options.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
