What Are the Most Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents?

 Posted on September 07, 2023 in Personal Injury

Bicycling is a popular way of getting around New York City and the Metro New York Area. Many residents choose to ride bicycles to get around the city, making use of bike lanes and other features. However, riding a bicycle can also be dangerous, especially when sharing the road with cars and trucks.

In bicycle accidents, riders can suffer multiple types of serious injuries due to their lack of protection when they are struck by vehicles. Bicyclists who have been injured by negligent drivers can work with a skilled attorney to determine how to pursue compensation for the injuries they have suffered.

Head Injuries

Injuries affecting the head and brain are among the most severe and potentially life-threatening forms of bodily harm cyclists can suffer in accidents. These injuries are often caused by direct impact with a vehicle or falling off the bike onto hard surfaces in a collision. They may include:

• Concussions: A traumatic brain injury may be caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and nausea. In moderate or severe cases, symptoms may be more severe, and they may last for several months or years.

• Skull fractures: A collision may cause one or more of the bones in the skull to break. This type of injury can range from relatively minor hairline fractures to more severe fractures that require surgery.

• Intracranial hemorrhage: Bleeding within the skull may be caused by trauma. It can lead to serious complications if it is not diagnosed and treated right away.

Skeletal Injuries

Bicycle accidents often result in injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system due to direct impact with vehicles or falls from bikes at high speeds. These injuries can range from minor fractures to more severe ones that require surgery and long-term care. They may include:

• Fractures: Broken bones may occur in the arms, legs, wrists, and collarbones. The impact of a collision or fall can cause bones to break or shatter.

• Dislocations: The bones in a joint may be forced out of their normal positions due to the impact of a collision. Dislocations in bicycle accidents often occur in the shoulders or hips.

• Spinal injuries: Damage to the bones in the spine or the nerves in the spinal cord can be life-altering. These injuries may lead to partial or complete paralysis depending on the location and severity of the injury.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Cyclists involved in accidents may suffer injuries that affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other tissues throughout the body. These injuries may include:

• Sprains: Ligaments (the tough bands connecting bones) may be stretched or torn due to sudden twisting motions during an accident. Common areas for sprains include the ankles and wrists.

• Strains: Muscles can be stretched or torn when limbs or other parts of the body are forced into unnatural positions during a collision. These injuries can limit the use of the affected body parts, and they may require surgery or physical therapy.

• Contusions: Bruises are common soft tissue injuries resulting from direct impact with a hard object or surface. They occur when blood vessels beneath the skin rupture. Depending on the location of an injury, bruises can be very painful, and they can inhibit movement and restrict range of motion.

Road Rash

This term is used to describe abrasions caused by sliding across pavement or other rough surfaces during a bicycle accident. Severe lacerations can occur when skin comes into contact with hard surfaces at high speeds. Road rash injuries can range from mild scrapes to deep wounds that require medical treatment. If wounds are not properly cleaned and treated, road rash may lead to infections.

Contact Our Westchester County Bicycle Accident Lawyers

If you have suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, do not hesitate to contact Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC for legal help. We are dedicated to helping victims of bicycle accidents recover their rightful compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our Metro New York bike accident attorneys will guide you through every step of the legal process while providing compassionate support during this challenging time. Do not let someone else's negligence derail your life – take action today by contacting us online or calling 203-661-6000 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2001/0515/p2007.html

https://blog.orthoindy.com/2019/07/24/what-are-the-most-common-cycling-injuries/