When a cyclist suffers an accident, the injuries he or she sustains are very different that those a motor vehicle driver can suffer in a collision. Cyclists that undergo an accident face a multitude of risks and dangers that other drivers do not, like being vulnerable to the road and other elements. Because of this exposure, there are certain bodily injuries that can be almost exclusive among bicycle accident victims. By understanding the risk of these injuries, you can protect your interests in the event of an accident.

Common Physical Injuries in a Bike Accident

Accidents that involve a moving vehicle or another object that forces a bicycle to hit the ground will certainly involve bodily harm. When a person hits the ground after an impact, he or she can suffer bone fractures in his or her wrists, legs, or arms. The victim can also experience spinal cord injury or a head injury. Any blunt force trauma to a specific part of the body can have serious and catastrophic consequences. Injuries commonly found when a cyclist hits the ground, a car’s windshield, or another object in a collision can involve the following:

  • Head or brain trauma
  • Facial injury
  • Neurological damage
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Ruptured discs
  • Disfigurement
  • Bone fracture
  • Fatal injuries

In the event that an automobile strikes a cyclist and then rolls over the victim, this can result in serious injuries, internal injuries, and even death. Some of the most common injuries resulting from bicycle accidents are head traumas. The State of California require that all riders under the age of 18 use a bicycle helmet when on the road. Although a helmet is not foolproof protection in the prevention of head trauma, the use of one can significantly undermine the risk of head injury. It should be noted that even with the use of a helmet, cyclists will still be at risk of traumatic head injuries that could result in brain injury or death.

Seeking Emotional Distress After a Bicycle Accident

The emotional distress that arises following a bicycle accident can have long lasting consequences. Many bicycle riders can often feel fear and anguish at the thought of riding again following an accident. Cyclists are also prone to PTSD and other psychological trauma that will require medication and therapy. After an accident, a cyclist can suffer from insomnia, nightmares, depression, anxiety, mental anguish, and other types of emotional distress.

Your Recovery Following a Bicycle Accident

Even a minute cycling accident has the capability of putting a person through a considerable amount of pain and suffering. If you or someone you love has suffered a bike accident, there may be an opportunity to receive monetary compensation. Consult a qualified personal injury attorney who can explain what legal options are available.

Attorney Scot Moga has over 25 Years of experience handling cycling accident cases in the State of California, and has been the victim of a serious accident while riding too. With his experience in the field, he has successfully helped many accident victims and their families obtain financial restitution when an accident left them with serious pain and injury. If you were injured in a bicycle accident in San Bernardino or Riverside counties, it is important to act quickly; speak to a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible.