Bicycle accident injuries are more common than most people think. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, there were 377 pedalcyclists involved in traffic crashes statewide during 2018. As a result of the bicycle accidents, 8 people died and 344 people were injured. During 2017, 435 bicyclists were involved in traffic crashes resulting in 8 deaths and 375 injuries. Discussing your bicycle accident injuries with experienced Tennessee bicycle accident attorneys can help you understand how much your injury claim is worth before you accept a low-end settlement from an insurance provider.
What are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?
Bicyclists are at a high risk for severe and traumatic injuries because they have virtually no protection during a collision. A bicycle is no match for a truck, car, or other motor vehicle. Bicyclists injured in crashes often suffer life-threatening or debilitating injuries.
Common injuries sustained by bicyclists in a traffic accident include:
Head and Brain Injuries — Even with a bicycle helmet, a cyclist can sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Skull fractures cause bone fragments to pierce the brain, causing permanent brain damage and disabilities. A minor concussion can result in serious complications such as Second Impact Syndrome.
Fractures and Broken Bones — Because a bicyclist is usually thrown over the handlebars or crushed between objects, broken bones and fractures commonly occur. Cyclists commonly suffer several broken bones that require multiple surgeries.
Neck and Back Injuries — The joints, tendons, nerves, muscles, and vertebrae in the neck can be damaged in a crash. Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis.
Road Rash — When bicyclists skid across rough road surfaces, the cyclist can sustain serious damage to the skin, including lacerations, scrapes, and cuts. While road rash may heal given time, a bicyclist may sustain permanent scarring or disfigurement. Road rash can also result in complications, such as infections.
Facial Injuries — Facial trauma, dental injuries, and jaw fractures are also common bicycle injuries. A fractured jaw can result in a lifetime of discomfort and pain. Some facial injuries may result in severe scarring or disfigurement.
Amputation — In some cases, a bicyclist’s arms or legs may be severely injuried in the crash. In other cases, a body part may need to be amputated because the damage is severe and could result in life-threatening complications.
Fatalities — As stated above, some bicyclists do not survive their injuries. Surviving family members may have a claim under Tennessee’s wrongful death laws.
Can You Protect Yourself from Bicycle Accidents?
Through the NHTSA, the U.S. Department of Transportation provides tips for preventing bicycle crashes. Unfortunately, you cannot control the actions of other motorists, road conditions, and other factors that might contribute to the cause of a bicycle crash.
Contact Our Tennessee Bicycle Accident Attorneys
If you are injured in a bicycle accident, you may have a claim against one or more parties. By filing a personal injury claim, you may receive compensation for your bicycle accident injuries, damages, and losses.
Before you accept a low-end settlement from an insurance company or discuss your claim with an insurance claims adjuster, contact our Tennessee bicycle accident attorneys at Cummings Law today to learn about your legal rights and your options for holding the person responsible for your injuries accountable and liable.
Posted in: Bicycle Accidents