When compared to truck or car collisions, bicycle accidents are much different and unique as they result in their own injuries. Anyone injured in a bicycle accident tends to face numerous risks that other drivers on the road do not. Bicyclists are more exposed to the road and other objects. This usually leads to injuries one would exclusively find in bike accidents. It is important to understand any and all potential injuries because it can help the victim or family of an injured loved one.
Injuries Caused by Bicycle Accidents
Accidents that involve forcing vehicles or objects to the ground will result in specific common injuries. Hitting the ground, if forceful enough can cause wrist bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, and even head or brain injuries. Such blunt force trauma can be catastrophic. Some of the most common injuries bicyclists are susceptible to when striking the ground, a windshield, or objects in or around the road are:
- Head trauma
- Facial injuries
- Neurological damage
- Spine injuries
- Ruptured discs
- Bone fractures
- Wrongful death
In the unfortunate event where a vehicle hits a bicyclist and then furthermore rolls over the victim, at the very minimum they will suffer broken bones or crush injuries. In more severe cases, the victim will suffer internal damages or even death. The most common injury that results from bike accidents is head trauma. In fact, Pennsylvania requires bicycle helmets for bicyclists under the age of 12 but not for adults.
A helmet cannot guarantee complete protection from head injuries, it can, however, reduce the risk. There have been many cases in which bicyclists stilled suffered traumatic head and brain injuries while wearing a helmet. Sometimes, brain damage, comas, or death are unavoidable if injuries sustained are serious enough.
After discussing the physical injuries one can suffer from a bike accident, it should go without saying that the emotional trauma can be extensive. Oftentimes, bicyclists feel too afraid to ride their bikes again after a collision with another vehicle. This is a psychological condition known as a post-traumatic stress disorder. It requires therapy and/or medications. Victims may have nightmares, insomnia, anxiety, depression, mental anguish, or develop other forms of emotional distress.
If the victim suffers a traumatic brain injury the emotional trauma can be much more severe. Any injury to the brain will result in cognitive difficulties, loss of memory, confusion, and impairments of motor function. More often than not, brain injury survivors are never the same as they were once before the accident. Due to this, the courts will compensate for the lost quality and enjoyment of life damages. The value of this type of damage will depend on the extent of the impact on the victim’s life, age, and a few other factors.
It needs to be noted that even minor bicycle accidents can put victims through considerable pain and suffering. Accidents can leave victims with lacerations to the face, road rash, chipped teeth, and scars. Law enforcement considers these injuries to be minor. While on the other hand, major accidents lead to permanent injuries, disabilities, and possibly the wrongful death of a loved one.
Kwartler Manus Will Fight For Your Rights
Experiencing a bicycle accident can be a trigger that remains with the victim for years to come. Consulting with a professional, like a personal injury attorney can and will help ease the recovery period. Victims may be eligible for compensation for physical injuries, emotional suffering, or financial losses through the other driver’s insurance company. Don’t wait to speak with an attorney because the longer you wait the less likely you are to receive the compensation you deserve. Contact Kwartler Manus for quality service, support, and representation. Call our office at 267-457-5570 today.