Being struck by a car while on your bicycle can be traumatic on several fronts. Physical, mental, and emotional injuries can manifest in the minutes, hours, days, and even weeks following. What are some of the most common injuries that can manifest after a bicycle accident? We’ve put this guide together to help you identify the most common injuries from bicycle accidents.
If you’ve been injured, after you’ve sought medical attention, contact one of our personal injury attorneys right away to protect your rights.
What Are the Most Common Bicycle Injuries?
Injuries sustained from a bicycle accident can be catastrophic and sometimes take a while to manifest. If you are struck by a car while on your bicycle it is extremely important to seek medical attention right away. Your body may be in shock and injuries might not be apparent right away.
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Head Injuries
An extremely common injury in bicycle accidents include head injuries. This includes concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s). Symptoms of head injuries include memory loss, headache, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and confusion. Seeking medical attention after a head trauma is extremely important for your health and safety.
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Body Injuries
Injuries to the body are also extremely common and can range from broken bones to bruising to lacerations. When you are struck by a car on your bicycle the injuries may not be obvious. The shock and adrenaline in your body may prevent you from knowing something worse is going on. Seek medical attention right away to ensure you get the care you need.
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Mental Injuries
After an accident most folks focus on the physical injuries. However the mental and emotional fallout is just as important to consider. Suffering from a concussion can cause the brain to dump serotonin and lead to depression. After an accident one might also suffer from anxiety, flashbacks, post traumatic stress disorder, and memory loss. Tending to your emotional and mental health after an accident is just as important as tending to your physical health.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Bicycle Accident Injuries
How can you protect yourself against injuries sustained from a bicycle accident? There are safety tips everyone should follow to keep themselves safe.
- Always wear a helmet. A helmet should be the first line of defense against injury.
- Always follow rules of the road and traffic law.
- Stay in the bike line whenever possible.
- When riding at night be sure to utilize reflectors and bike lights so you are visible.
- Consider wearing reflective clothing and avoid dark colors that would be more difficult for a motorist to see you.
Obviously, none of these methods will keep you 100% safe. The roads are unpredictable and anything can happen. If you are hit by a motorist while on your bicycle there are steps you should take.
What To Do After an Accident
When you’ve been in an accident you may obviously be rattled and disoriented. There are crucial steps to take after an accident to ensure your legal and physical protection.
- Seek medical attention right away. Even if you aren’t sure you’re injured, your body might be in shock.
- Get the drivers full information: name, address, and phone number.
- Take pictures of all of your injuries and the damage.
- Get the information of any witnesses.
- Consider filing a police report.
- Contact one of our personal injury attorneys here at Spivak and Sakellariou so we can start to fight for what you deserve.
This is not an exhaustive list of steps you can take to protect yourself. Taking care of yourself and your mental and physical health is the highest priority.
Still Have Questions?
You may still have questions. Being in an accident is a very traumatic and scary experience that can take a lot to process. We have someone standing by to answer any questions you might have about the legal process. You can schedule a free consultation with us today.
At Spivak and Sakellariou we have decades of experience helping victims of accidents. It costs nothing upfront to partner with us, we will only ever take a fee if we win your case. Reach out to us today to get what you deserve.
