Bicycle accidents are a common occurrence in New York City. In 2017 alone, citywide, there were 4,805 bicyclists injured in an accident. Bicyclists don’t have the same protection and safety features that a driver or passenger in a vehicle might have. Instead, bicyclists are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries that can diminish their quality of life. Some common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents include:
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury, including concussions and more serious head injuries, are common in bicycle accidents. Even if a bicyclist is wearing a helmet, the impact of the head on the pavement can be severe. Helmets can help prevent penetrating head trauma and skull fractures, but the force of a collision can lead to other brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can leave a bicyclist with a lifetime of necessary medical care and rehabilitation.
Fractures
With no protection around their body, a bicyclist frequently sustains a bone fracture as a result of an accident. The most commonly fractured bones in a bicycle accident include the clavicle, wrists, hands, and arms. These fractures occur when a bicyclist reaches toward the ground in an effort to break their fall. Other common fractures include the legs, pelvis, and hip. Some fractures require surgery and can take a significant amount of time to heal properly.
Dental and Jaw Injuries
A bicyclist has little to nothing protecting their face. The impact of a bicyclist’s face on the ground can lead to serious jaw fractures, broken teeth, and other facial injuries. Jaw and dental injuries can lead to long-term pain and sometimes disfigurement.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Serious spinal cord injuries can also result from a bicycle accident, especially is a bicyclist is struck by a car from the rear. The impact of the car on the cyclist or the impact of the cyclist on the pavement can lead to vertebral fractures and spinal cord damage. Spinal cord injuries can have permanent, life-altering effects on a victim.
Contact a Trusted Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may want to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience representing injured New Yorkers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.