What are the Most Common Bicycle Injuries?

Bicycling has become more prevalent in recent years because it offers many health and fitness benefits. Many cities, including Charlotte, are working to make their roadways more friendly toward bicyclists. Unfortunately, with the increase in the popularity of bicycling, there has also been an increase in bicycle accidents. 

Bicyclists do not have the same type of protection that passengers and drivers in motor vehicles have, even if they are wearing a helmet. As a result, bicyclists tend to suffer more severe injuries when they are involved in a collision. Some of these injuries can even be fatal.

The majority of bicycle accidents are entirely preventable. A distracted or negligent driver or bicyclist usually causes a collision. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include the following:

• Drifting into bicycle lanes
• A motorist failing to see bicyclists
• Failure to look for cyclists in intersections and when making turns
• Failure to signal or improper signaling
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Speeding and reckless driving
• Failure to share the road
• Unexpected lane changes

Drivers are supposed to share the road with bicyclists, but unfortunately, this does not always happen. When reckless or negligent drivers, bicyclists can become injured in an accident with motorists, and bicyclists often suffer injuries. This is primarily due to the weight and size of motor vehicles and the lack of protection bicyclists have. Even relatively minor accidents at low speeds can cause devastating injuries for bicyclists.

Traumatic injuries, including head injuries, are among the most common bicycle accident injuries. They can result in long-term disabilities or fatalities. Because bicyclists are so exposed on the road, they must always wear a helmet. Even when bicyclists wear helmets, their heads can collide with the pavement, the vehicle, or another object forcefully,  causing a brain hemorrhage or other type of brain injury. Other traumatic injuries include back and neck injuries, dismemberment, and internal organ damage.

If you or your loved one have suffered a head injury or another type of traumatic injury, it is vital that you reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. You could be facing significant medical expenses, especially if your injury has left you permanently disabled and unable to work. For example, a person who experiences a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury may face over $1 million in medical expenses over their lifetime. 

An attorney can help you estimate your future medical expenses to pursue a settlement that covers all of your costs. In addition to medical care, you can seek compensation for your current and future lost wages, long-term care needs, rehabilitation costs, pain, and suffering.

In addition to head injuries and other traumatic injuries, cyclists can suffer lacerations, contusions, abrasions, and bone fractures. They often fly off their bicycles and collide with the pavement, which can cause soft-tissue damage, including sprains and pulled muscles. Whiplash and concussions are expected when the bicyclist's head and neck snap forward and backward quickly. Many injuries, including whiplash, aren't always apparent after the bicycle accident. 

You may feel your symptoms hours or even days after the accident. You must seek medical treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated, these types of injuries can cause a lifetime of chronic pain. Seeking treatment can also help you prove that the bicycle accident caused your injuries and show that your injuries are as severe as you claim.

After you have been involved in a bicycle accident, you must receive medical treatment immediately. If you have been seriously injured, call 911, ask for an ambulance, and go to the hospital for treatment. Ensure you follow your doctor's orders and keep your medical records off. Only accept a settlement offer if you speak to an attorney because the insurance company may try to offer you a far too low offer. 

If you or your loved one have been seriously injured in a Charlotte bicycle accident, you should discuss your case with an attorney as soon as possible. You only have a limited amount of time to file a compensation claim. Contact the experienced attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, today to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about how we can fight for your right to compensation.