Bicycles are extremely popular as more people search for ways to reduce commuting costs, maintain a healthy lifestyle, or enjoy low-cost forms of recreation. However, bicyclists involved in traffic accidents can be seriously injured. In many cases, a bicyclist may sustain life-threatening injuries in a bicycle-vehicle accident. Tennessee bicycle laws provide safeguards for bicyclists. Victims of bicycle accidents can discuss their legal options for filing injury claims with a Tennessee bicycle accident attorney.
7 Common Bike Accident Injuries That Can Result in Long-term Health Problems
While some bike accidents may not result in severe injuries, many riders are seriously injured when they are hit by a vehicle. Even though a bicyclist may be wearing a bicycle helmet, gloves, pads, and other protective gear, a bicycle does not offer any protection for the bicyclist. Therefore, the rider’s body receives the full impact of the collision with the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk for traumatic injuries.
Seven common bike injuries that often result in long-term impairments or health problems for a rider include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and other head or brain injuries
- Complex Fractures and Broken Bones
- Severe Road Rash, Abrasions, and Lacerations
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
- Neck and Shoulder Injuries
- Wrist, Ankle, Elbow and Hand Injuries
- Internal Bleeding and Damage from Internal Organs
A rider may not believe he or she is seriously injured because the rider “walks away” from the bicycle accident. However, some injuries may take several hours or days to present symptoms. Typically, it is wise to be checked by a physician as soon as possible after a bicycle crash. Riders need to report any symptoms to their physician, regardless of how minor the symptoms may appear because the symptoms could be an indication of serious bike accident injuries.
Why Do Bicycle Accidents Happen?
Many bicycle accidents involving a motor vehicle are caused by driver negligence. Examples of driver negligence in a bicycle accident include:
- Distracted drivers
- Drunk and drugged drivers
- Failure to yield the right of way to a bicyclist
- Driving in a bicycle lane
- Opening car doors in the path of a bicyclist
- Drowsy or fatigued drivers
- Speeding and reckless drivers
- Passing a bicyclist
- Following a bicyclist too closely
When a driver is at-fault for causing a bicycle accident, the driver can be held liable for the bicyclist’s injuries, damages, and losses. The driver’s insurance company typically is responsible for paying the bicyclist compensation for damages. However, an insurance company may deny an accident claim. What can a bicyclist do to help protect his or her right to receive just compensation for bike accident injuries?
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Tennessee
If you are involved in a bicycle-vehicle accident, the steps you take immediately after the accident can improve your chance of recovering compensation for a personal injury claim. Overall, steps to take after a bike accident include:
- Report the accident to the police immediately and wait for the police to arrive at the accident scene.
- See a doctor as soon as possible to evaluate your injuries.
- Document the accident scene by making a video or taking pictures with your cell phone.
- Ask witnesses to give you their names and telephone numbers.
- Do not discuss the bicycle accident with insurance adjusters or other individuals with the insurance company for the other driver without meeting with an attorney.
- Avoid posting information on social media or online until you meet with your attorney.
- Keep detailed records of your losses and expenses related to the accident.
- Do not repair your bicycle until you discuss the accident with an attorney.
- Keep your bicycle helmet, gloves, shoes, and clothing that you were wearing the day of the accident.
Contact a Tennessee Bicycle Accident Attorney for Help
A Tennessee bicycle accident attorney can help you take steps after a bicycle accident to recover compensation for bike accident injuries. However, you need to contact the right attorney.
Contact the bicycle accident attorneys at Cummings Law today. Our attorneys can provide you with competent legal advice, guidance, and support throughout the process of filing a personal injury claim. You should get the best legal help you can as soon as you can. Otherwise, your chances for the best amount of compensation will elude you. Make the right call and get the best help. Ultimately, you will be glad you did.
Posted in: Bicycle Accidents