Bike riding is a popular childhood pastime, and as the fall approaches, more children are out on their bikes. However, it’s important to be aware that bicycling can be just as dangerous, or even more so, for children as it is for adults. Studies show that hundreds of kids are injured in bicycle accidents every day. While these injuries may have been caused by a child falling off of a bike, a significant number of injuries were caused by a vehicle striking a child.
Children don’t always know the rules of the road. However, bicyclists have the same right to the road as cars. Children present a smaller, lower profile and therefore, may be more prone to being struck by a driver who is not paying attention. Drivers have an obligation to drive carefully and pay special attention when they are around children on bicycles.
Common Injuries in Child Bicycle Accidents
When a child on a bicycle is struck by a car, severe injuries can result. The most common injuries include:
- Fractures—a child’s bones are not as solid as an adult’s because they are still growing. Severe fractures can result from bicycle accidents. Fractures to the upper extremities are the most common as a child tries to break his fall.
- Traumatic Brain Injury—in New York, all children on bicycles are required to wear helmets. However, even helmets cannot prevent all brain injuries. This is the worst injury that can happen in a bicycle accident and unfortunately, the most common.
- Spinal Cord Injuries—bicyclists don’t have the protection that a car has. Therefore, children in bicycle accidents are more prone to serious spinal cord injuries.
- Lacerations—serious lacerations from hitting the pavement can lead to permanent scarring.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney
If your child was injured in a bicycle accident, you should have your case evaluated by an experienced personal injury attorney. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have been helping the victims of bicycle accidents for over 50 years. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.