Though bicycle trips only account for 1% of all trips that are taken across the United States, bicycles are still a major type of transportation across the country for all ages. However, with our love for bicycles comes the reality that many people will be injured in serious bicycle accidents and others will lose their lives. The reality remains that bicyclists face a higher risk of crash-related injuries and deaths, as they are vulnerable to these accidents due to having few protections on our roadways.
Let’s consider this scenario: What happens when a bicyclist is riding down the street when, all of a sudden, a vehicle comes speeding out of nowhere and knocks the bicyclist to the ground? Falling from a bicycle with such a forceful impact and no protections except the possibility of a helmet can lead to extremely serious results to a rider. This is why so many cyclists are hospitalized each year, as these accidents can lead to incredibly serious injuries. What types of injuries are most prevalent when it comes to bicycle accidents?
The Reality of Serious Injuries
If an individual was struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle, there is a chance that they will receive serious injuries due to this accident. Some of the most common types of injuries that you might sustain are neck injuries, head trauma, organ damage, neurological trauma, spinal cord injuries, and a variety of broken bones and lacerations. The reality of head injuries is one that doctors see far too often in emergency rooms, as many people believe that they will be fine without a helmet. It is a good idea to protect your head and brain from harm and make the decision to wear a helmet at all times because you never know when one of these traumatic accidents is going to take place.
By far one of the biggest concerns for you following a bicycle accident is the fact that you might find it difficult to move past your injuries when you are healing and trying your best to return to your normal lifestyle. Perhaps you want to return to work because you haven’t been able to afford your lifestyle but your permanent injuries caused by the bicycle accident have made this impossible. Many people who receive some of these severe injuries could be facing surgical treatment, non-surgical therapies that are long-lasting or short in duration, and many other overwhelming considerations that are both time-consuming and costly.
The monetary damages that most people suffer due to serious bicycle accidents involving vehicle drivers can be astounding and overwhelming. What seemed like a minor accident can end up being quite severe for those who have fewer protections on our roadways, which is why it is important for vehicle drivers to always be on the lookout for these vulnerable parties.
At Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP, our experienced attorneys have handled a wide variety of cases for those who have been injured, sometimes those due to serious bicycle accidents. Bicyclists might not always be aware of the many dangers that show themselves in these horrific accidents and the effects that they might face as a result. It is important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can help you defend your rights in your time of need. Contact us today for more information on your case at 917-730-7151.