Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents in New Braunfels

Cycling is a great way to get exercise, have a zero-emission form of transportation, and help reduce traffic. However, cyclists are at risk every time they get on the road. While drivers are supposed to share the road with cyclists, many of them do not. Some are aggressive and might even try to injure cyclists intentionally. Most fail to look out for cyclists, causing injuries from sheer negligence.

For cyclists, even a low-speed impact can lead to serious physical injuries. Thousands of cyclists need medical care for bicycle injuries each year. The injuries range from scrapes, bumps, and bruises to life-threatening or even fatal injuries. If the cyclist is no more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, then they should be able to recover from their injuries. However, recovery amounts vary tremendously depending on the type of injury, the degree of fault, and other factors. To understand the variance, talk to a knowledgeable attorney about the common injuries from bicycle accidents in New Braunfels.

Cyclists are Vulnerable in Collisions

The combined weight of an adult cyclist and their bike starts somewhere under 200 pounds and rises with the weight of the cyclist and the bike. In contrast, the average passenger vehicle weighs close to 5,000 pounds. Trucks weigh even more. When a vehicle hits a cyclist, it weighs at least 10 times more than the cyclist.

Cyclists have very little protective equipment. A cyclist may wear a helmet and protective gear like knee pads or elbow pads. While that equipment can help people in New Braunfels avoid injuries in a fall from a bicycle, they cannot stand up to the impact of a car in a collision. Cyclists take the full force of the impact. Plus, they have multiple impacts in a wreck. First, the car hits the cyclist. Then, the cyclist hits the ground, which can make them vulnerable to injuries to their hands and arms, as well as head injuries.

Common Injuries from Bicycle Crashes

Head injuries are prevalent in bicycle accidents. Since not every bike accident gets reported, it can be challenging to determine injury rate statistics. However, the estimates are that somewhere between one-quarter and one-half of all bicycle accidents result in head injuries. Head injuries are also disproportionately responsible for deaths linked to cycling accidents.

Head injuries—also known as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) range in degree of severity. They have three classifications—mild, moderate, and severe. A victim may experience headaches, mild confusion, and some disorientation. Moderate or severe brain injuries can lead to changes in mood and cognition.

Spinal cord injuries also have the potential to be life-changing. When a back or neck injury impacts the spine and not just the muscles or connective tissue, it can lead to damage to the discs or nerves. Moderate injuries can lead to chronic pain and some difficulties with movement. Severe spinal cord injuries may lead to full or partial paralysis, impacting some or all of the body. Symptoms of paralysis include loss of sensation or movement in the affected parts of the body. It can also impact involuntary bodily functions, causing problems with breathing, blood pressure, body temperature regulations, bowel and bladder control, sexual function, and more.

Facial injuries are also common in New Braunfels bike accidents and may occur if the cyclist hits the ground or an object—including their bicycle—face-first. Broken noses, split lips, eye injuries, missing teeth or other dental injuries, and broken jaws are some examples of facial injuries. Recovery from these injuries can be lengthy and may require a series of reconstructive surgeries.

Cyclists can break bones throughout their bodies. Collarbone, arm, and hand fractions are common since cyclists often instinctively use their hands and arms to try to break their fall. Leg fractures are also common since vehicles often strike cyclists at leg height. These breaks are often complex, requiring reconstructive surgeries and rehabilitation for a full recovery.

Talk to an Attorney About Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents in New Braunfels

Injuries from a bicycle accident can range from mild to deadly. Getting compensation for those injuries is essential to having access to the medical care and modifications you need after a wreck. Starting with their knowledge about damage awards for common injuries from bicycle accidents in New Braunfels, an attorney can help you value your claim. With that knowledge, you can assess potential settlement offers and devise a strategy for your claim. Call now to begin working on your claim with our attorneys.