When discussing what injuries are associated with bicycle accidents, there is a wide variety of possible answers. Bicycle riders are often exposed to the dangers of the roads in a way that drivers are not. A lack of protective gear and other safety measures often means that bicycle riders are at risk for severe injuries, even in seemingly minor accidents. Some of the most common injuries associated with bicycle accidents include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement
Traumatic Brain Injuries Are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
In addition to being one of the top injuries associated with bicycle accidents, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are also among some of the most serious. A single impact to the head can leave a bicycle rider with health complications that last for the rest of their life. According to a study in the journal Sports Medicine, TBIs account for the majority of bicycle accident fatalities, as well.
Treating traumatic brain damage promptly is key to mitigating damage and restoring health. Some brain injuries are immediately obvious. The following are common symptoms of TBIs in bicycle accidents:
- Visible wounds and bleeding from the head
- Loss of consciousness
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Difficulty remembering the event
- Nausea and vomiting
Even if you were wearing a helmet, you might still suffer a serious head injury. Treating TBIs can take significant time and resources. However, if another party’s actions caused your injury, you may be entitled to collect financial compensation. Atlanta bicycle accident attorneys who focus on these accidents can pursue compensation to cover your damages.
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Whiplash and Spinal Cord Injuries
Whiplash is an injury that occurs in the neck and spine. It happens when a sudden impact causes the neck and back to move in a rapid, whip-like motion. Whiplash can be difficult to detect, as its full symptoms may not reveal themselves right after a bicycle accident.
Sometimes the adrenaline from an accident can leave victims of whiplash feeling as though they were unharmed in an accident at first. Many whiplash injuries eventually present with symptoms such as stiffness in the neck, a reduced range of motion, headaches, and dizziness or lightheadedness.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are quite common in these incidents. Trying to break a fall with a wrist or elbow can result in a broken arm. In a collision, the handlebars can cause bruising on the chest and even fractured ribs. Similarly, the force of impact from colliding with a vehicle can make a bicycle rider vulnerable to broken legs.
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Disfigurement
Unlike motorcycle helmets, bicycle helmets do not usually offer much protection to a rider’s face. This can allow deep cuts, gashes, and scrapes to occur in an accident that can result in permanent disfigurement. Similarly, debris from other vehicles can cause harm to riders. Treating these injuries can be costly, both financially and emotionally.
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The Dangers of Bicycle Accident Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the year 2015 alone, there were over 1,000 bicyclist deaths in bicycle accidents. In the same year, there were nearly 476,000 injuries caused by bicycle accidents. Figures like these serve to highlight the dangers present in operating a bicycle out on the roads.
As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows, about 70 percent of those who suffer fatal bicycle accidents are male. On a similar note, males are also much more likely to suffer injuries in bicycle accidents than females are.
Yet, anyone can experience the devastating effects of a bicycle accident injury. If you are dealing with the aftermath of such an incident and believe someone else is to blame, help is available.
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Whether you consider the role of other drivers, or the limited safety measures available to bicycle riders, there is simply no questioning the risks that come with riding a bicycle. Many of the most common injuries associated with bicycle accidents bring disastrous results.
If you were involved in a bicycle accident, you may be eligible to collect financial compensation to cover the costs of your medical bills and other losses. A lawyer from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers may be able to defend your position and establish a liable party as we work to recover any compensation available in your case.
Contact our office today at (404) 888-8888 to learn more.
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