What Are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?
Riding a bike is an efficient and cost-effective means of transportation for many people. However, bicyclists don’t have the same protection as drivers in cars. That means if there’s a crash, they’re more likely to get hurt. Even a low-speed accident can lead to serious injuries.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, Cellino Law is here to help. Fill out our online form today for a free case evaluation with a member of our legal team.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
At Cellino Law, we’ve represented many bicyclists who were seriously injured in collisions with cars, trucks, and other road users. No two accidents are the same—some involve high-speed impacts, while others occur in intersections or designated bike lanes. We’ve seen firsthand how even seemingly minor crashes can result in lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences for bicyclists. The nature and severity of these injuries vary, but the effects can be life-changing.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are one of the most serious risks in a bicycle accident. If a car hits a cyclist or if the rider falls during the crash, their head can hit the ground, a curb, or another object.
Common types of head injuries include:
- Concussions: This is a type of brain injury caused by a hard hit to the head. It can cause confusion, headaches, memory loss, dizziness, and nausea.
- Skull fractures: A crack or break in the skull bone. These can cause swelling and bleeding on the brain, depending on how severe the fracture is.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These are more serious brain injuries that can have long-lasting effects on memory, mood, speech, and movement.
Wearing a helmet is one of the most effective ways to stay safe while riding. It helps protect your head and greatly reduces the risk of serious injury in a crash.
Broken Bones
Bicyclists often use their arms to try to catch themselves when falling. This can lead to broken bones in the wrists, arms, or shoulders. In more serious crashes, especially when a car is involved, riders may also break larger bones like the legs, ribs, collarbone, or hips. These injuries can be very painful, especially when multiple bones are involved.
Some broken bones are straightforward and heal with rest, a cast, or a sling. Others may need surgery, physical therapy, and months of recovery. In some cases, the injury can leave a person with lasting pain or limited movement, especially if the bone doesn’t heal properly.
Cuts and Road Rash
When a cyclist falls or slides on the pavement, their skin can get scraped, bruised, or cut. These injuries are commonly called “road rash.” Even though it might sound minor, road rash can be very painful and lead to infections, especially if gravel or dirt gets into the wound.
Some cuts can be cleaned and treated at home, but deeper wounds may require stitches or other medical care. Wearing protective clothing and gear can help reduce the risk of these injuries.
Neck and Back Injuries
A sudden fall or crash can twist the spine, neck, or back. This can lead to:
- Whiplash: Pain and stiffness in the neck from a quick forward-and-back motion.
- Herniated discs: When a disc in the spine gets pushed out of place, causing pain, numbness, or tingling.
- Fractures in the spine: These can be dangerous and may lead to long-term issues or even paralysis in very serious cases.
Some back and neck injuries don’t show symptoms right away. You may feel fine initially, but the pain can develop or worsen later. That’s why it’s important to always seek medical attention after a bicycle accident.
Internal Injuries
Bicycle accidents can cause serious damage to the body, even if there are no visible cuts or bruises. Injuries like internal bleeding or damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Similar to neck and back injuries, internal injuries may not show symptoms right away. Because of this, it’s important to go to the doctor promptly, even if you don’t notice anything unusual after the crash. Early evaluation by a medical professional can help catch invisible injuries before they become more serious.
Face and Dental Injuries
If a rider hits their face on the ground, a vehicle, or another object during a bicycle accident, they may suffer a variety of injuries, such as:
- Broken noses
- Chipped or missing teeth
- Jaw fractures
- Eye injuries
These injuries can be painful and often require specialized treatment. Some cases may need surgery to repair the damage. Recovery can take time, and ongoing medical or dental care might be necessary to heal and restore function fully.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
If you were hit by a car or injured in a bicycle accident, here’s what you should do:
- Call the police: Obtaining a police report can be helpful later on, especially if you need to file a claim.
- Take photos: Take pictures of your bike, any injuries, the scene of the crash, and the car that hit you, if possible.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel okay, it’s still important to be evaluated by a doctor. Some injuries don’t appear right away.
- Get contact information: If there were any witnesses or if a driver hit you, get their names, phone numbers, and insurance information.
- Speak to an attorney: A personal injury attorney at Cellino Law can explain your rights and can help you to secure compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.
Cellino Law Helps Bicycle Accident Victims
Cellino Law’s team of experienced personal injury attorneys is dedicated to helping injured bicyclists understand their rights and fighting for the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
We’re here to answer your questions, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way. Fill out our online form today or call us at 888-888-8888 for a free case consultation.
