People riding bicycles are vulnerable to serious injuries in road accidents. A car does not need to travel fast to cause serious harm to a bicycle and rider in a collision.
Common injuries in bicycle accidents in Colleyville range from relatively minor to life-altering. The specific circumstances of the crash influence the type and severity of a cyclist’s injuries, and the cyclist’s size, age, and equipment also make a difference. Whatever the severity of the injuries you or your child suffered, a dedicated bike accident lawyer could fight for the compensation you need and deserve.
Even Minor Bicycle Accident Injuries Can Have a Significant Impact
Many minor bicycle accident injuries heal completely without a long-term impact on the injured person’s functioning. However, while the injuries are healing, the cyclist might suffer substantial effects like pain and limited function in the affected body part. A Colleyville attorney could pursue a claim for reimbursement of the injured person’s out-of-pocket expenses and compensation for their inconvenience, temporary disability, pain, and suffering.
Road Rash
When skin drags along the road surface, the friction can cause abrasions and even burns. Road rash is painful and can be slow to heal, especially if infection sets in. In severe cases, a cyclist might experience a “traumatic tattoo,” which is a phenomenon that happens when tiny bits of debris become embedded in the skin. Surgical wound debridement might be necessary in these cases.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Cyclists often suffer injuries to the muscles and tendons of the shoulder, neck, arms, and lower legs. Typically, these injuries heal after several weeks or months, but in the meantime, soft tissue injuries can cause painful and debilitating symptoms.
Simple Fractures
Clean breaks to the bones in the arms and lower legs are common bicycle accident injuries for Colleyville riders. Fractures of the collarbone are also commonly seen in cyclists. In most cases, simple fractures heal completely, but some people suffer complications. A younger cyclist’s bone fracture could heal within a few weeks, but in older adults, healing could require months.
Concussion
Concussions happen when a blow to the head causes the brain to collide violently with the skull. A mild concussion could cause loss of consciousness for a few minutes, but sometimes the injured person remains conscious. Many individual factors determine how quickly someone recovers from a mild concussion. Headaches, blurry vision, light sensitivity, and other symptoms could persist for several weeks.
For a free legal consultation, call (817) 775-5364
Cyclists Can Suffer Catastrophic Injuries
Bicycle riders can suffer numerous injuries that have a permanent impact on their health and functioning. In the worst cases, a bicycle accident can leave a cyclist permanently disabled, unable to work, and sometimes unable to care for themselves or live independently.
Complex or Displaced Fractures
Complicated fractures may not heal sufficiently to restore full, pain-free function to the affected body part. These fractures often require surgery, which can be risky.
Eye Injuries
Sometimes, shrapnel or debris penetrates the eyeball and causes substantial damage. In other cases, facial bones around the eye can fracture, requiring surgical repair. These injuries can cause blindness and sometimes require removal of the eye.
Traumatic Amputation
Cyclists sometimes lose limbs in accidents. This is most likely when the cyclist’s body is dragged or when an arm or leg gets caught in a wheel, bumper, or other part of the motor vehicle.
Spinal Cord Injury
The force of a collision or the cyclist’s impact on the pavement can cause a spinal cord injury. In many cases, these injuries cause permanent paralysis of the body below the site of the spinal cord damage.
Moderate or Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries cause permanent changes in cognition, mood regulation, mobility, and can affect vision and speech. People with severe traumatic brain injuries often require 24/7 nursing care for the rest of their lives.
In cases of severe injury, engaging an attorney immediately is critical. A Colleyville attorney could arrange a deferred payment arrangement with the hospital, which could relieve an injured person of financial pressure. A lawyer could also handle negotiations with the insurer for the responsible driver, preventing them from taking advantage of the injured person or their family.
Pursue Compensation for Bicycle Accident Injuries With the Help of a Colleyville Lawyer
Bicycle accidents can cause devastating injuries to riders. Even when a cyclist’s injuries heal completely, they almost always require medical attention and involve disruption of the injured person’s normal routine.
To learn more about the common injuries from bicycle accidents in Colleyville and discuss your legal options, contact us. You could be entitled to compensation for all your out-of-pocket expenses plus money for your pain and suffering. Reach out to an experienced legal professional today.
Call (817) 775-5364 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
