On average, there are more than 45,000 injuries that require medical attention as a direct result of bicycle accidents every year. In addition to these injuries, there are about 700 bicycle accident fatalities a year. An overwhelming percentage of bicycle accident fatalities involve the bicycle rider not wearing a helmet. Serious accidents can happen despite every safety precaution that is taken. Even in a slow speed collision, the force of the impact with a passenger vehicle can cause devastating injuries to bicycle riders.

Head Injuries

Head injuries are extremely common in bicycle accidents and often result in fatalities or a lifetime of disability. Those suffering from brain injuries may have different long-lasting effects depending on what part of the brain is injured. When the cerebellum is damaged, motor skills, behavior and speech may be adversely affected. Serious cerebellum injuries often lead to changes in a person’s emotions and personality. When the brain stem is injured, a person may have significant changes to their hormones or growth. All brain injures can be serious and must be carefully examined by medical professionals. Some serious and common head and brain injuries include:

• “Contusions and Concussions: When your brain moves inside your skull from a collision, it may hit the inside of your skull and get bruised. Typical side effects range from headaches and dizziness to serious memory loss and loss of concentration skills. Depending on the force of the collision, this type of brain injury may lead to a lifetime of disability and dependency.
• Skull Fractures: Minor skull fractures may heal themselves and leave the victim with headaches. Serious skull fractures may cause brain damage and require surgery to repair the damage to the skull.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Bicycle accidents can also result in catastrophic spinal cord injuries. A bicycle accident victim may become paralyzed if the spinal cord is significantly damaged. Such injuries often involve a cervical fracture or a broken neck. This can happen when another vehicle strikes the bicycle or when the rider falls and hits the ground. Compensation for bicycle accident spinal cord injury victims includes medical expenses, cost of care, lost earnings, pain and suffering, emotional trauma and other damages.

Broken Bones

Fractures or broken bones are common consequences of bicycle accidents. Some fractures are more serious than others. A broken leg, arm or back may cause significant losses in terms of medical expenses and loss of income.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be financially compensated for your suffering. Mounting medical bills can affect your financial and emotional well-being. You need the help and guidance of an experienced Washington personal injury lawyer with The Bernard Law Group. Call us today at1-800-418-8282 to find out how we can help.

IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN WASHINGTON – CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!