Bicycles provide an excellent way to commute and get the heart rate going while enjoying the weather. For this reason, bike riding is popular, with countless cyclists taking to the streets every single day.
While drivers have a duty to respect bicyclists and share the road, that’s not always the case, resulting in serious accidents. A bike accident can leave a cyclist facing severe injuries and a long road to recovery.
Why Are Bike Accidents So Dangerous?
Accidents, in general, are scary and dangerous to your physical well-being. However, bicycle accidents are particularly dangerous for several reasons.
Bicycles provide cyclists with no protection, so in the event of an accident, you’re prone to injury. Even the smallest accident could result in substantial harm. Additionally, bicycle helmets are not required by Florida law for riders 16 and over, increasing the chances of head and neck injury.
Riding a bicycle is wonderful exercise and an efficient way to get from point A to point B. Still, cyclists are constantly at risk of accidents and significant injury.
Common Injuries Resulting From Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can result in many different types of injuries. Injuries usually depend on the type of accident and severity of the impact.
The following are some of the most common injuries bicyclists suffer in collisions.
Road Rash
Road rash is the name given to a specific type of burn often suffered by bicyclists and motorcyclists in accidents.
More specifically, road rash is a friction wound. When a bicyclist is thrown off their bike, an exposed part of their body may scrape against a hard surface, like asphalt, causing the skin to come off. While road rash can happen on any body part, it most often occurs on the hands, knees, forearms, and elbows.
Road rash can be particularly painful and require extensive care. Permanent scarring is possible of severe wounds.
Fractured and Broken Bones
Hard falls caused by bike accidents regularly result in fractures or broken bones.
Minor fractures and broken bones can heal on their own with plenty of rest and recovery. However, more severe and complicated broken bones can require more care and even surgery.
Broken bones can substantially impact your quality of life for several months while you heal and try to get back to normal.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head and brain injuries are common in many types of vehicle accidents, especially bicycle accidents. Because helmets are not legally required for most people, serious impact on the head can easily cause harm.
Some of the common kinds of head and brain injuries include:
- Concussions
- Contusions
- Hematomas
- Skull fractures
Unfortunately, brain injuries can be difficult to completely recover from. Recovery may be possible, but often cyclists who suffer brain injuries have some complications, including cognitive disabilities and psychological effects.
Neck Injuries
The neck is very sensitive, making it prone to injury in a bicycle accident.
Several parts of the neck can become injured in a bike collision, including the muscles, nerves, and cervical spine discs. A serious neck injury can result in chronic pain and limited range of motion.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among some of the injuries accident victims most often sustain. The spinal cord is one of the most crucial parts of the body. Therefore, a spinal cord injury can substantially impact your life, from your movement to your ability to breathe.
After Suffering Injuries in a Bike Accident, Consult a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney
If you’re injured in a bicycle accident, filing a personal injury claim and pursuing compensation should be a top goal. A skilled Clearwater bicycle accident lawyer can protect your rights and handle every aspect of your case to help ensure you get the outcome you deserve.
Contact the Clearwater Personal Injury Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Clearwater. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 787-2500
