The Most Common Bike Accident Injuries

Road Rash

One of the most typical bike accident injuries is “road rash.” This type of damage is much more than a minor scrape. 

Road rash occurs when the cyclist’s bare skin drags along the pavement or blacktop. Victims of road rash often suffer when debris or pieces of dirt get stuck in their wounds.  

This type of physical injury is incredibly painful and can lead to infections if left untreated. If you have sustained this type of injury, it is important to speak with an attorney about your legal rights and options.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Head injuries are common in bicycle accidents. All traumatic brain injuries are serious and require immediate medical care. 

Minor TBIs are known as “concussions.” These injuries can cause dizziness, confusion, and cognitive impairment.  

Most traumatic brain injuries result from the cyclist’s head colliding with the pavement during an accident. Because of the hazards associated with TBIs, you should always wear protective headgear while riding a bicycle.

Some of the ongoing side effects of moderate or severe TBI include:

• Loss of memory
• Long-term disability
• Long-term motor function issues
• Decreased brain function and cognitive deficiency
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• And more 

Some of these injuries can be treated successfully. Those with minor or moderate TBI may experience a full recovery. Sadly, other TBI victims may never regain their full cognitive functioning. 

It is vital to speak with an attorney about your traumatic brain injury. You should not bear the losses from a bike accident for which another party was responsible.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Like many accidents, broken bones and fractures are very common in bicycle accidents. If the cyclist is thrown from the bike and collides with the ground or a vehicle, they may sustain bone breaks. 

Some of the most fractured and broken bones in bike accidents are: 

• Legs
• Clavicles
• Arms
• Neck

Some bone breaks are minor and will fully heal with little medical intervention. However, other breaks are so severe that they require emergency surgery.  

Victims of broken bones may also need long periods of physical therapy to regain their range of motion and strength. Without immediate medical care, victims’ broken bones may not heal properly. This can lead to further medical issues. 

Internal Injuries

Finally, internal injuries are a common outcome of bicycle accidents. Because the rider is highly vulnerable to the surrounding environment, internal injuries can easily happen. 

Some of the most common examples include: 

• Pancreatic damage
• Spleen rupture
• Hernias
• Bowel contusions
• And more 

These injuries can be challenging to diagnose accurately, and the resulting damage can be severe. No matter the circumstances of your bike accident, make sure to seek medical attention immediately.