Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
In 2021, 41,615 cyclists suffered an injury on our country’s roads, a seven percent increase from the year prior. While the reason is not entirely clear, motor vehicle operators do not always see pedal cyclists. Especially between dusk and dawn, cyclists are at a higher risk of being struck by a driver.
Our Nashville bicycle accident lawyers would like to discuss common injuries caused by bicycle accidents and how a bicycle accident attorney can assist you.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A pedal cyclist who is struck while riding may experience a traumatic brain injury or TBI. A TBI is caused by any bump, blow, or strike to the head that disrupts a person’s brain function. Lacking the protection of an enclosed vehicle, roughly 50 percent of bicyclists have reported experiencing a TBI due to a bike accident.
A TBI can range from mild to severe. Symptoms will vary but may include confusion, nausea, inability to awake from sleep, chronic headaches, and seizures. If you believe that you suffered a TBI, seek medical attention immediately.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of your spine. A spinal cord injury can disrupt these signals, impairing function below the site of injury. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury may involve pain, tingling, weakness, and paralysis. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Abrasions or Road Rash
We think of motorcyclists getting road rash, but bicyclists are also susceptible to skin abrasions. Road rash involves the top layer of skin being removed, caused by your bare skin sliding along gravel or tar.
Abrasions can easily become infected, so it is key that you monitor the affected area and seek medical attention if you experience inflammation, foul-smelling drainage, or if the area becomes warm to touch. In severe cases, a cyclist may experience flu-like symptoms, including a fever and chills.
Cervical Injury
The trauma that a rider experiences in a crash can damage the cervical spine (neck). The neck is made up of various tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs, and vertebrae, and when any of these structures suffer an injury, a cyclist can be in extreme pain for several months or even years. While stretching, taking pain relievers, and participating in physical therapy can help alleviate one’s symptoms, a cervical injury can still be debilitating.
Facial Trauma
A bicyclist who is knocked off their bike may suffer facial damage due to contact with the handlebars or the pavement. One of the most common types of facial injuries that bicyclists sustain is nasal fractures. Besides disfigurement, a nasal fracture can cause chronic sinus issues.
Any of these injuries can result in multiple surgeries, follow-up visits with specialists, and ongoing medical care, costing you thousands of dollars. It should not be on you to bear the cost of these medical expenses for someone else’s negligence. A Nashville bicycle accident attorney will review your medical records and assist you in submitting an insurance claim to recover for your losses.
Speak with a Nashville Bicycle Accident Attorney Now
If you have suffered an injury in a bicycle accident caused by another person’s carelessness or recklessness, you need a dedicated attorney who will fight for just compensation on your behalf. To speak with one of our Nashville bicycle accident attorneys, contact us online or by phone. We offer free, no-risk initial consultations scheduled at your convenience.