Injuries to the head cause the most fatalities and long-term disabilities in bicycle accidents. Bicycles can legally use public roadways, with the expectations of following legal regulations and regular traffic laws and making strides for visibility so that all can share the road. Anyone who wants to ride a bicycle should be aware of the safety precautions you can take to prevent serious injuries while on the road.
Common Risks and Causes of Bicycle Injuries
When it comes to riding bikes, data shows that there are some key factors that can put you at a greater risk of becoming injured in a bike accident. Some increased risks of sustaining an injury from crashing your bike include:
- Not wearing a helmet.
- Riding at high speeds.
- Losing control of the bicycle.
- Inexperience in riding and navigating roadways.
- Alcohol and substance abuse.
- Competitive riding.
- Riding during the summer.
- Mechanical failure.
- Motorist errors.
- Environmental hazards like objects in the road, loose gravel, or poor road maintenance.
- Lack of bike path or lack of maintenance of a bike path.
Of course, this is a non-exhaustive list of causes and risks that could lead to common bicycle injuries. Some of the most common factors in bicycle accidents are preventable. No one wants to be in a bike accident, but knowing the risks and precautions to take to prevent accidents can save your life and the life of someone else.
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Types of Bicycle Injuries
The injuries you might suffer as the result of a bicycle accident could be noticeable right away, or it may take some time for symptoms to appear. When you fall off a bike while riding it or on the road, you could suffer injuries all over your body. The lightweight, slim frames of bicycles means that they can be significantly damaged or totally wrecked in a seemingly small accident.
The difference between your body and your bicycle after an accident is that the bicycle can typically be repaired or replaced after an accident. It is not always as simple for riders to recover from injuries after accidents. Your injuries could range from acute trauma to severe trauma in these parts of the body:
- Head: Skull fracture, concussion, brain contusion, intracranial hemorrhage, or other traumatic brain injury (TBI.)
- Face/eye: Contusions, facial fractures, dental fractures, corneal foreign bodies.
- Musculoskeletal: Fractures, dislocations, strains.
- Chest: Rib fractures, parenchymal lung injury.
- Abdomen: Splenic rupture, hepatic laceration, renal contusion, pancreatic trauma, vascular perforation, small or large bowel contusion, rupture, traumatic hernia.
- Genitourinary: Urethral and vulva trauma, rectal trauma, pelvic fractures.
- Skin and soft tissue: Abrasions (“road rash”), lacerations, contusions.
Again, this is a non-exhaustive list of the most common bicycle injuries. It does not mean anyone looking for a good form of exercise, or a cheap commute shouldn’t ride a bike to work or school. It does mean, however, that motorists and cyclists alike need to be more aware of the rules of the road when it comes to bicycles.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
After a bicycle accident, it will only help you move the claim process along if you get an official police report from the day it happened. You may never see the inside of a courtroom to settle your case, but protecting your rights and getting back to normal life are both important.
Unfortunately, bike accidents usually result in some kind of pain and suffering or loss. As tough as it may be, try to document your medical journey after the accident from day one. This includes any doctor’s visits related to the accident, prescription medication, physical therapy visits, and more. Collect as much evidence as possible to protect your rights, and seek settlement to pay for your current and future medical bills.
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Getting Legal Help for Your Bicycle Accident
After a bike accident, the last thing you want to do is think about beginning the legal process of filing insurance claims and getting compensated for your suffering. If you are hesitant about the cost of a lawyer, consider working with a law firm that works on a contingency basis so you do not get paid until we reach the settlement you deserve.
The lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, work on a contingency basis, so our work is not done until you win your case. When you call our offices today for a free consultation, we can discuss your injuries and consider your legal options: 800-761-5225.
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