From broken bones that take months to heal to traumatic brain damage that results in lifelong complications, bicycle accident injuries can be very serious. In addition to physical pain and emotional trauma, victims often require medical care and cannot work for long periods of time.
There are several injuries that can occur during a bicycle accident. Some of the most common bike accident injuries affect the lower body, but the damage can also affect the head, back, and internal organs.
Lower Extremity Injuries
Many bicycle accident injuries affect the lower body, including the hips, legs, and feet. These areas are exposed while riding a bike and are therefore extremely susceptible to severe injuries. Some of the most common types of lower extremity injuries include the following:
- Hip fractures and tears
- Torn ligaments
- Broken bones
- Crushed ankles
- Dislocated joints
- Amputated or mangled limbs
Broken Bones
In many cases, bicyclists suffer from broken bones during an accident. During a traumatic event like an accident, contact with the road, a motor vehicle, and other objects in the area could crush or fracture bones throughout the body. Broken bones often take weeks or months to heal and may lead to complications later on.
Head and Brain Injuries
During a bicycle accident, it is common for a rider to fall off his or her bike and strike his or her head. As a result, serious damage can occur to the brain, resulting in sometimes permanent complications.
Common types of head injuries include the following:
- Concussion
- Skull fracture
- Hemorrhaging
- Brain swelling
- Bruising on the brain
While wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of serious and fatal brain injuries, it is possible to sustain head trauma even if you have one on. If you strike your head during a bicycle accident, make sure to seek medical attention to avoid potential complications.
Neck and Back Injuries
The neck and back are vulnerable to serious damage during an accident, especially if the victim is thrown from their bike. The soft tissues in the neck and back can twist, tear, or become strained, resulting in serious and often chronic pain.
Common types of neck and back injuries include the following:
- Torn ligaments
- Pinched nerves
- Herniated discs
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord damage is one of the most serious injuries that could occur in a bicycle accident. The vertebrae can become fractured, and the spinal cord could be severed, leading to paralysis and serious pain.
Skin Injuries
When a cyclist is thrown from his or her bike, he or she can slide across the road and suffer serious, painful abrasions known as road rash. Additionally, scrapes, cuts, bruises, and puncture wounds may also occur. These skin injuries can lead to permanent scars and marks.
Your Legal Options After a Bicycle Accident
Many bicycle accidents are caused by negligent driving, such as when a driver runs a stop sign or makes an unsafe turn. If you are injured in a bike accident caused by someone else, Texas law allows you to file a claim against the at-fault motorist.
In these situations, you need an attorney on your side who can represent your case and advocate for your maximum compensation. As soon as possible following your accident, consult with a McAllen personal injury lawyer to learn more about your legal options.
