Head injuries are the most common cause of fatalities and long-term disabilities after a bicycle accident. Bicycles can use public roadways in many areas, but bicyclists must follow all traffic laws and ensure they are visible to drivers and others.
Unfortunately, accidents still happen. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it is recommended that you hire a bicycle accident lawyer to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to.
Here, you can learn more about some of the most common injuries that occur in bicycle accidents and why medical treatment is imperative if you find yourself in this situation.
Potential Causes of Bicycle Accidents
If you ride a bike, some factors can increase your risk of getting injured in an accident. Some of the reasons you may experience a bicycle accident include:
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Motorist errors
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Failing to wear a helmet
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Mechanical failure
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Riding at high speeds
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Competitive riding
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Losing control of the bicycle
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Alcohol or substance abuse
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Inexperience navigating roadways and riding
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Lack of a bike path or bike paths that are not properly maintained
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Environmental hazards
Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Other risks can lead to bicycle accidents. While this is true, many of the risk factors are preventable.
Common Types of Bicycle Injuries
The injuries you could experience during a bicycle accident may not always be noticeable immediately. It may take days or a few weeks for symptoms to appear.
If you happen to fall off your bicycle while riding it on the road, you may experience injuries all over your body. The slim, lightweight frames of bicycles mean that they can experience significant damage or be completely wrecked in what seems like a small accident.
Unfortunately, if you are injured in a bicycle accident, it can take time to recover; sometimes, you won’t ever recover. Some of the most common types of injuries that can occur in bicycle accidents include the following:
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Head injuries: You can experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI), intracranial hemorrhage, brain contusion, concussion or skull fracture in a bicycle accident.
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Face or eye injuries: In a bicycle accident, you may experience corneal foreign bodies, dental fractures, facial fractures and contusions.
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Musculoskeletal injuries: This category of injuries includes strains, dislocations and fractures.
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Chest injuries: You can injure your chest in several ways, including a parenchymal lung injury or rib fracture.
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Abdomen injuries: The abdomen is especially vulnerable in a bicycle accident. You may experience a traumatic hernia, vascular perforation, splenic rupture, pancreatic trauma, renal contusion, hepatic laceration, large or small bowel contusion or rupture.
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Skin and soft tissue injuries: Your skin is also vulnerable in a bicycle accident since you don’t have the metal protection offered by a vehicle. Because of this, you can experience contusions (bruises), lacerations, abrasions and road rash.
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Genitourinary injuries: You ride a bike in a specific manner. An accident can lead to injuries like pelvic fractures, rectal and vulvar trauma.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the injuries you may sustain in a bicycle accident.
Recover Compensation After a Bicycle Accident
If you are injured in a bicycle accident caused by another person’s or party’s negligence, be sure to hire an experienced and reputable personal injury lawyer. They can review the facts of your case and help you recover the compensation that you deserve. Remember, some injuries caused in a bicycle accident can be long-lasting, so you should make sure you get the monetary damages you deserve.
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