Bicycle riders are among the people most prone to suffering an accident on the road. Even if the person is following the law and riding their bike safely, there's no guarantee that a reckless driver won't cause an injury.
Injured bicyclists must always seek medical attention and legal advice if they get severe injuries from an accident, as this will help them get the money they need to cover medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages.
This page will cover bike accidents and the most common injury that comes from them. Knowing this information will help victims evaluate the options they have available to prevent these accidents in the future. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help advise on what to do if you have a cycling accident.
What Are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries People Can Experience?
Bicycle riders have the same responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers while they're on the road. Unfortunately, bike riders tend to be more exposed to dangers outside, especially if they don't wear the right equipment.
Some of the most common injuries that can happen to a bicyclist include:
Head Injuries
Head injuries are the most common injury a person can get from a bicycle accident. Currently, there are no laws in Texas that obligate a bicyclist to wear a helmet while they're outside. Even though most people still wear helmets to prevent injuries, some don't.
Head injuries occur when the person falls from the bike and hits their head. If they're not protected, they could experience a head injury or concussion. In a worst-case scenario, the person can even experience traumatic brain injuries, meaning they should get medical attention immediately.
People who were wearing helmets at the time of the accident should still get checked by a medical professional to discard further problems like internal bleeding.
Back/Neck Injuries
These cycling injuries happen if a person falls off their bike or if they get hit by motor vehicles. Depending on how they got hit, the victim could suffer delayed symptoms or immediate, severe pain.
If the accident was severe enough, the victim could suffer spinal cord injuries that, if not treated correctly, can lead to severe pain, loss of quality of life, and even paralysis.
Bruising or Abrasions
Even though these aren't considered "traumatic injuries," they can still be painful enough for the driver. People who experience road rash, for example, should get medical treatment immediately, as these injuries can easily get infected, which can lead to complications and more severe injuries.
Dental Injuries
Depending on how the person fell or got hit, they could get damage to their teeth. Not only is tooth damage painful, but it's also something that can affect the victim's self-esteem, leading to emotional and mental problems later.
Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding is one of the most dangerous bicycle accident injuries, as it can't be seen by the person right after an accident.
If the person got hit very hard, they could get "trunk trauma," which is known to cause internal bleeding and/or organ failure. The victim can either get surgery to fix the problem or remove the damaged organ, depending on the case.
Broken Bones
According to a study from the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2022, over a million children in the U.S. got fractured bones while riding a bike in the past 20 years. The same article mentions that approximately 85% of children who got a skull fracture after their bicycle accident weren't wearing a helmet.
Broken bones can be devastating for the person riding a bicycle, so it's important to call a professional right away to get treated and prevent further complications.
Mental Injuries
Even if the person isn't physically affected by a bicycle accident, they could still experience mental trauma. The fear of getting into a bicycle accident again can lead to anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and more.
In these cases, the victim should seek help from a mental health professional to address these concerns.
Overuse Injuries
It's important to note that, even though bicycle accidents occur due to external factors most of the time, personal fatigue can also play a role. Bicycle riders can experience overuse injuries, such as knee pain, and fatigue can lead them to maneuver poorly while on the road.
All drivers must ensure they're in optimal physical condition before going outside. Otherwise, they could cause further injuries to themselves.
What Can Cause Bike Accident Injuries?
Many circumstances can cause bicycle injuries. Personal circumstances include:
Making unsafe lane changes
Driving while fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Looking at the phone while on the road
However, most accidents get caused by motor vehicle drivers, and the most common cases include:
Driving while fatigued or under the influence
Changing lanes abruptly
Running stop signs or red lights
Not yielding the right of way
Dooring
Driving too close to the bicyclist
Speeding
What Should People Do After a Bicycle Accident?
Knowing what to do after getting into a bike accident can be crucial in getting the compensation deserved. If the bicyclist can move after the accident, they should do the following:
Get medical attention and treatment as soon as possible.
Call the police to get a report.
Take photos and videos of the accident scene and of the injuries (if possible).
Get the other person's contact and insurance information.
Talk to witnesses (if there were any).
Talk to a bicycle accident lawyer in Houston TX.
What Damages Can Victims Claim in Their Case?
Bicycle riders can get compensated after they got into an accident, as long as they get proper legal representation and don't make any mistakes while building a case.
Victims can claim the following damages, depending on the case:
Medical expenses
Physical therapy or rehabilitation
Lost wages
Property damage
Ambulance transportation bills
Loss of earning capacity
Temporary or permanent disability/disfigurement
Pain and suffering
If the accident resulted in the bicyclist's death, surviving family members can sue the other person through a wrongful death case.
Bottom Line - Seeking Legal Help After Bicycle Accidents
Anyone who suffered injuries when riding their bicycle must get prompt medical treatment. However, if the accident was someone else's fault, the victim may be entitled to compensation, and that's where "Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys" comes in. They can also help with answering questions like, "How long does a talcum powder lawsuit take?"
These legal experts have years of experience in different areas in the personal injury department, including bicycle accidents. Victims are entitled to compensation and justice for the injuries they got due to someone else's fault, so they should seek a free case evaluation as soon as possible if they want to review their case from a legal perspective.