6 Injuries You May Sustain in a Bicycle Accident
Think again if you cannot get injured in a bicycle accident. The list of injuries sustained in bicycle accidents is long, from minor bruises to severe head trauma. It can even include death. You might get hit by a vehicle from behind, hit a pedestrian, lose balance, and fall. Irrespective of the accident, bicycle accidents have proven to be fatal in the past. This is why it is important to know the various injuries you may sustain in a bicycle accident to prepare for them. The injuries mentioned on this list must not be taken lightly because they may develop into serious health issues going forward. Read on to learn about various bicycle injuries you may sustain in an accident.
Road Rash
This is one of the most common bicycle injuries. It is also known as friction burns or abrasion, and it occurs when your skin comes into contact with hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt while riding your bike. Road rash can cause severe pain, swelling, and bleeding in some cases. The severity of this injury depends on how fast you were going at the time of impact and how much of your body was directly exposed to the hard surface.Here's what you can do to prevent road rash:
- Wear a helmet and clothing made from breathable material.
- Ride your bike on a well-lit trail or road with minimal traffic. You can also ride at night if streetlights are on the route.
- Slow down when approaching intersections and stop signs.
Cracked Ribs
A cracked rib is an injury that occurs when one or more of your ribs are broken. The pain from a bruised rib can be very severe and may make it difficult to breathe, cough or laugh. You will also experience some swelling around the area where you're bruised. You may sustain cracked ribs when you fall or take a hit to your chest. The pain from a cracked rib can last for several months and may even lead to long-term problems with your lungs. Consult a bicycle accident lawyer to learn more about bicycle accident settlement amounts if you think the other party is responsible for your injury.Broken Bones
Broken bones are one of the most common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents. You may break your wrist, arm, ankle, or leg when you fall off your bike. The seriousness of the injury will depend on the type of bone and how many bones are broken. A simple break will heal on its own with some rest, but a more severe break may require surgery to repair the bone.Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is another common injury that can result from a bicycle accident. The most common source of internal bleeding is a ruptured spleen, which may be caused by the force of the impact or by hitting your head on something hard.Bleeding in your abdomen can also occur if you hit your head and rupture blood vessels within this area of your body; this type of bleeding is not easily visible to others.
Concussion
Concussions are brain injuries that happen when you hit your head with great force. It can cause various symptoms, including headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. In some cases, concussions can also lead to more serious problems, such as memory loss, confusion, and paralysis.Whiplash
A Whiplash is a form of trauma that primarily affects the neck. It happens when your head suddenly accelerates and stops, causing your spine to stretch and compress. The pain associated with whiplash can range from mild discomfort to debilitating agony.Final Word
Bicycle accidents can happen to anyone, even if you're an experienced rider. It's important to be aware of the various injuries you may sustain in an accident to seek medical attention immediately if necessary. Wearing a helmet and proper clothing can help to prevent some of these injuries. We hope the above information was useful.Do You Need An Attorney?
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