Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, bicycling was the fastest-growing form of transportation for getting to work in the United States between 2000 and 2012. St. Louis is part of the growing trend, as many cyclists around the city and surrounding areas are biking to work. Cycling is a great mode of transportation and form of exercise. While cycling is unquestionably a healthy and efficient way to get around, it exposes riders to a significant risk of injury, especially when riding in areas with heavy vehicle traffic.

Minor bike accidents occur quite often, leaving the rider scrapes and bruises to show for it. Major bicycle accidents can result in more serious injuries or even fatal outcomes. Cyclists are largely unprotected when a collision occurs. Wearing a helmet and other pads will certainly help in some bicycle accidents, but severe injuries and deaths still occur.

Common bicycle accident injuries include the following:

Head and Brain Injuries – Bicycle accidents can often result in head lacerations, skull fractures, and even traumatic brain injuries(TBIs). While cyclists can mitigate these risks by wearing a helmet, there is still a substantial risk of injury if a rider hits their head with sufficient force. For this reason, riders who hit their head in a bicycle accident should seek immediate medical attention.

Neck Injuries – Collisions on a bike can cause sudden and severe changes of direction for a cyclist’s neck, resulting in injuries similar to whiplash.

Back Injuries – A fall from a bicycle, colliding with an object, or crashing into a vehicle can cause injuries to the rider’s back and shoulders.

Broken Bones – The hands, arms, and legs of a cyclist are all typically exposed when they are rising. This exposure creates opportunities for broken bones in a bike accident.

Internal Injuries – Collisions with vehicles or stationary objects can result in blunt force trauma, which can damage internal organs. A cyclist involved in a bike accident with a stationary object or with a vehicle should seek medical attention right away.

Call a St. Louis Bicycle Accident Attorney Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s important to contact an experienced accident attorney as soon as possible. Our accident attorneys at Page Law are committed to helping bicycle accident victims recover and get the financial compensation they are entitled to. Call Page Law today for a free consultation at 314-322-8515 or contact us online.

1 https://www.census.gov/hhes/commuting/files/2014/acs-25.pdf

2 https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/