Bicyclists are far more physically vulnerable than those writing in passenger vehicles around them. A single strike from a vehicle can force a bicyclist off the bike, pin them to the ground, or cause a fatal injury. During a collision, some of the most common bicycle accident injuries include the following:
This is not a complete list of potential injuries. Bicyclists can also suffer less severe injuries such as contusions, lacerations, and neck and back injuries. If another person's negligence has seriously harmed you, it is important you reach out to an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)Bicyclists can sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in several ways when a motor vehicle collides with a bicyclist. The vehicle itself may strike the bicyclist's head directly. In other cases, the bicyclists may be thrown to the ground or into another object, such as another vehicle. A traumatic brain injury can also happen if the head is violently snapped back and forth due to the force of the collision. A person's brain can collide with their hard skull, causing bleeding and traumatic brain injuries.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traumatic brain injuries contribute to approximately 30% of all injury-related deaths. When a brain injury is not fatal, the Survivor may experience many different types of symptoms, such as impaired thinking, memory, movement, emotional function, and sensation. The effects of a brain injury can last for days, and some can be permanent, even with rehabilitation.
Previously, medical professionals assumed that if a person did not lose consciousness, their concussion would not have serious outcomes. Now, we know that even when a person does not lose consciousness, a concussion can cause long-term effects. In rare cases, a concussion can be serious and even threatening, causing a blood clot that crowds the patient's brain against their skull. Due to the wide range of problems that can stem from a traumatic brain injury, it is crucial to pursue medical care immediately after a collision.
Neck, Back, and Spinal Cord InjuryWhen a motor vehicle collides with a bicyclist, the impact can affect the bicyclist's entire body. The back, neck, and spine can suffer significant injuries due to the whipping and strike. Muscle strains, fractures, ruptured discs, and other injuries can mean a lifetime of pain and limitations. When a person is involved in an accident, they may experience a surge of adrenaline that can mask the severity of a back or neck injury.
Without prompt medical treatment, the neck or back injury can become debilitating. Bicycle accidents can also cause spinal cord injuries, which can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the injury's location and severity.
Emotional Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Not all injuries caused by bicycle accidents are visible. A bicycle accident is a scary and shocking event. Bicyclists involved in collisions can suffer lasting emotional effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A person with PTSD may experience nightmares, flashbacks, and frightening thoughts.
Lasting emotional trauma can also affect a person's memory, mood, ability to relax, and desire to do things that were once enjoyable. PTSD can also impact daily functions and relationships. Coupled with physical injuries, emotional conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and others can seriously restrict a person's ability to work and continue day-to-day activities.
Recovering Compensation After a Bicycle AccidentIf you have suffered injuries from a bicycle collision, you may be entitled to compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Victims of bicycle accidents can suffer hundreds of thousands or even over a million dollars in medical expenses over their lifetimes.
They may not be able to return to work, making it impossible to pay their bills and care for themselves and their family members. Pursuing a claim can help victims and their families move forward after an accident and hold the at-fault party or parties responsible.
Discuss Your Case with a Skilled Personal Injury AttorneyThe attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC have extensive experience advocating for victims of bicycle accidents and many other types of personal injury accidents. If you have been seriously injured in an accident that was not your fault, do not hesitate to Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our skilled attorneys.