Riders of bicycles encounter similar hazards as those riding motorcycles. The scant protection provided by these modes of transport, coupled with perilous driving habits and unsafe road conditions, can lead to severe, sometimes fatal, injuries for a cyclist in an accident.
The repercussions and losses a rider may endure can be significant. Grasping the necessary measures to take following a bicycle accident is vital. Missteps could undermine your ability to secure complete reimbursement for your injuries, losses, and damages.
What is a Permanent Disability?
A permanent disability refers to an injury that prevents you from carrying out your usual work responsibilities or participating in everyday activities you used to enjoy before your car accident. These disabilities are persistent and will influence your life indefinitely.
The extent of such disabilities can vary, gauged by assessing the level at which you can still work and operate in daily life despite your injuries. Permanent disabilities can span from partial to total disability. In case of an accident, a Sadaka Law attorney can help you determine the type and severity of your disability, enabling you to claim for justified compensation.
Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists may find themselves in three distinct accident scenarios: incidents involving pedestrians, other cyclists, or motor vehicles. The most perilous are those involving motor vehicles due to the vast disparity in speed and size and the fact that cyclists lack the protective enclosure enjoyed by drivers and passengers in motor vehicles.
With their significantly larger size and higher speed, motor vehicles present a substantial risk to cyclists. Even a minor incident can result in severe injuries or even fatalities for the cyclist. While cyclists typically bear the majority of injuries in bike accidents, pedestrians can also suffer harm. The list of common injuries sustained by cyclists or pedestrians encompasses:
- Brain injuries of a traumatic nature
- Cuts and grazes
- Abrasions caused by the road
- Bone fractures
- Bruising
- Damage to the nerves
- Joint dislocation
Understanding Injuries from Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle mishaps pose a significant risk on our highways. Cyclists can suffer from intense injuries that include everything from brain traumas such as concussions, to spinal cord injuries, fractures, and damage to soft tissues.
The Frequency and Effects of Head Trauma in Bike Accidents
Without adequate headgear, a simple tumble from your bike could lead to more than just skin abrasions. It's alarming but true that such incidents often cause serious brain damage or even prove fatal. Reports from the CDC indicate that concussions or other head injuries are prevalent in 25% to 50% of all cycling-related accidents. These types of injuries from bicycle mishaps account for over 60% of deaths. It's a sobering fact that might compel one to rethink their mode of transportation and opt for something perceived as safer.
Accidents Resulting in Spinal Cord and Soft Tissue Damage
The enjoyment of cycling can quickly dissipate when it results in severe injuries like spinal cord damage. The temporary pain of a fall from a bike pales in comparison to the potential long-term disabilities. You might be surprised to know that around 10% of all sport-related spinal cord injuries are caused by cycling.
This makes navigating through heavy traffic feel akin to playing a dangerous game of chance with large trucks. Beyond these well-known risks, there's also the threat of soft tissue harm, encompassing bruises, strains, and sprains. It's akin to an unfortunate lottery where no outcomes are desirable.
Endnote
Certain factors can affect how much compensation you might recover in your bicycle accident case include the severity of your injuries, the duration of your medical treatment, and the number of involved parties or policy limits of applicable insurance coverage.
