Bicyclists involved in motor vehicle accidents often suffer severe injuries because they don’t have any protection. The most common bicycle accident injuries include broken bones, head injuries, soft-tissue damage, and spinal cord injuries.
The severity of the injuries often depends on factors such as the vehicle’s traveling speed, the type of vehicle involved, and whether the cyclist was wearing a helmet. If you sustained injuries in a bicycle accident, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer who will protect your rights and best interests. Read on to learn about the most common bicycle injuries and how to recover fair compensation in a personal injury claim.
1. Broken Bones and Fractures
One of the most common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents is broken bones or fractures. When a bicyclist makes contact with the ground or another vehicle, they can break bones in their arms, legs, collarbone, or ribs.
In severe cases, fractures may result in complications such as nerve damage, infections, and limited mobility.
2. Head Injuries
Head injuries are responsible for most bicycle accident deaths, occurring in 70-80% of fatal bicycle crashes. These injuries can range from minor bumps and bruises to more serious issues such as skull fractures. Even with a helmet, a bicyclist can suffer significant head trauma, particularly in high-speed or high-impact collisions.
Head injuries are dangerous because they can lead to complications like swelling, internal bleeding, or permanent cognitive impairment.
3. Concussions
Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain is jolted within the skull, usually due to a direct blow to the head. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to concussions in bicycle accidents, even if they wear a helmet.
Symptoms of a concussion can include:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Light sensitivity
- Memory loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
In some cases, concussions can have long-lasting effects, such as memory problems or difficulty concentrating. It is critical to seek medical treatment following a bicycle crash to identify any injuries and ensure you receive proper diagnosis and treatment.
4. Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe injuries cyclists can experience in an accident. TBIs can result from a direct blow to the head or the rapid movement of the brain within the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, or swelling of the brain tissue. The severity of a TBI can range from a mild concussion to a life-threatening injury.
Victims of TBIs often face long-term or permanent disabilities, including cognitive impairments, emotional changes, and difficulties with motor skills. In some cases, TBIs require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
5. Soft-Tissue Injuries
Soft-tissue injuries can include sprains, strains, and contusions affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Although they may not be as immediately apparent as broken bones or head injuries, they can still cause significant pain and limit mobility.
Without proper treatment, these injuries can result in long-term damage and chronic pain, affecting a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks or engage in physical activities.
6. Neck Injuries
Neck injuries sustained in bicycle accidents can be severe, particularly in cases where the rider is thrown from the bike or suffers a direct impact on their neck. These injuries can range from whiplash, which causes strain and pain in the muscles and ligaments of the neck, to more severe injuries like fractures or spinal cord damage. Neck injuries can limit movement, cause chronic pain, and even result in nerve damage.
7. Facial Injuries
When motor vehicles crash into bicycle riders, the impact can cause cyclists to strike their face on the bicycle’s stem, the vehicle, or the pavement. These injuries can include cuts, bruises, dental injuries, broken nose, jaw, or cheekbone fractures. Facial injuries can result in scarring or disfigurement and may require reconstructive surgery.
8. Spinal Cord Injuries
When a bicyclist suffers an injury to their spine, it can result in nerve damage, bone fractures, and damage to their spinal disks. Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury.
These injuries can require extensive medical care, including surgery and long-term physical therapy. In some cases, victims may require assistive devices such as wheelchairs. SCIs can drastically alter a person’s life, affecting their independence, employment, and overall quality of life.
Top Causes of Bike Accidents
- Distracted driving: When motorists engage in non-driving activities and do not pay attention to the road, they can cause serious bicycle accidents. In 2022, 3,308 people lost their lives in accidents involving a distracted driver.
- Failure to yield: This occurs when drivers fail to give cyclists the right-of-way at intersections or crossings. For example, if a cyclist has a green light at an intersection and a motorist who wants to turn left has a yield light, the cyclist has the right-of-way. If the motorist turns left and hits the cyclist, the driver can be liable for the damages.
- Speeding: About 29% of all traffic crashes involve speeding. When motorists exceed speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions, they reduce their ability to slow down and avoid an accident.
- Dooring: Dooring occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a cyclist, causing a collision. Cyclists often don’t have enough time to react and can crash into the door and sustain serious injuries. The motor vehicle occupants who caused the dooring accident can be held responsible.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, or other hazards that can cause a cyclist to lose control. If a bicycle accident occurs due to a poorly maintained road, the government entity responsible for maintaining the roads may be held liable.
- Drunk driving: Each day, about 37 people are killed in drunk-driving crashes across the US. Even a seemingly small amount of alcohol can impact driving ability. Impaired motorists have slower reaction times and altered judgment.
Torrance Bike Accident Statistics
- 1,084 bicycle riders lost their lives in accidents involving motor vehicles in 2022.
- The number of preventable bicyclist deaths increased by 10% in 2022.
- In 2022, most bicycle accident fatalities (89%) were among people aged 20 or older.
- There were 125 bicycle accident fatalities in 2021 across California.
- There were 554 cyclists injured and killed in Los Angeles bike accidents in 2021.
- In Torrance, 25 bike riders were injured and killed in 2021.
Electric Bicycle Accident Statistics
- New data shows that electric bicycle accident injuries increased 30 times in the US from 2017 to 2022, and hospitalizations rose 43 times during that period.
- There were more than 45,000 visits to emergency rooms related to e-bike accident injuries.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
- Call the police – Call 911, report the accident to the authorities, and ensure you get a police report for your records.
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately but can worsen if you don’t receive treatment. It’s advisable to get a medical examination and document your injuries.
- Gather evidence – Take photos and videos of your injuries, the accident scene, broken glass, property damage, and traffic signs.
- Exchange information – Ensure you get the following information from the other parties involved:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Insurance information
- Driver’s license
- License plate number
- Speak to witnesses – Ask witnesses for their contact information and if they are willing to provide a statement on how the bicycle accident occurred.
- Contact a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney – If you were injured in a bicycle accident, it’s advisable to consult a personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney will protect your rights, negotiate with the insurance company, and guide you throughout your bicycle accident case.
What Compensation Can I Pursue in a Bicycle Accident Claim?
- Medical bills
- Ongoing medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Physical therapy costs
- Permanent disability
Pure Comparative Negligence in Torrance, California
California follows the legal doctrine of pure comparative negligence. This means that even if you are partially at fault for a bicycle accident, you may still pursue compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Under this system, your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your total damages will be reduced by 20%. Therefore, if your damages are $100,000, you may recover $80,000.
We Represent Bicycle Accident Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, our experienced legal team is here to help. At South Bay Accident Lawyers, we understand the complexities of bicycle accident claims and are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve.
Our Torrance bicycle accident attorneys maintain a 99% success rate and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Our firm has successfully represented numerous cyclists, helping them recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We work tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable and recover maximum compensation. Contact our Torrance law firm today for a free consultation.
