Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

San Diego’s scenic beauty and bike-friendly climate make it a popular spot for cycling. However, the city’s high traffic and shared roads mean bicycle accidents are an unfortunate reality, often resulting in severe injuries. When a cyclist collides with a vehicle or falls at high speed, the injuries can be life-altering, requiring significant medical intervention and recovery time. Here, we discuss four of the most prevalent injuries among cyclists in San Diego: head injuries, spine injuries, fractures, and road rash.

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Head Injuries: A Leading Cause of Death and Disability Among Cyclists

Head injuries are some of the most severe outcomes in bicycle accidents and often occur even when cyclists wear helmets. The force of a crash can cause the brain to jolt within the skull, leading to traumatic brain injuries (or TBIs), which range in severity and impact. Common types of head injuries include:

• Concussions: A mild form of TBI, concussions cause symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and confusion. While some concussions resolve with rest, severe concussions can lead to long-term cognitive issues.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: A significant blow to the head can lead to severe TBIs, which may result in memory loss, impaired motor skills, personality changes, or even permanent disability. These injuries often require ongoing therapy and medical treatment.
• Skull Fractures: When the skull is fractured, it poses a high risk for further brain damage and may require emergency surgery.

Head injuries can have long-lasting effects that impact every aspect of a person’s life, from daily routines to career and personal relationships. Because of the high cost of treatment and rehabilitation, these injuries frequently demand legal intervention to secure adequate compensation.

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Spine Injuries: A Potentially Life-Altering Consequence of Bicycle Accidents

Spine injuries are among the most devastating outcomes of a serious bicycle accident. These injuries range from minor back strains to catastrophic spinal cord damage that can lead to paralysis. Types of spine injuries commonly seen in bicycle accidents include:

• Herniated Discs: The discs in the spine can slip or rupture, leading to chronic pain, numbness, and limited mobility. Treatment may require physical therapy, medication, or even surgery.
• Fractured Vertebrae: The vertebrae may fracture in a high-impact accident, which can lead to intense pain, nerve damage, or in severe cases, spinal instability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The most serious spinal injury, a spinal cord injury can result in partial or complete paralysis. Injuries to the upper spine often lead to quadriplegia (paralysis in all four limbs), while lower spine injuries may result in paraplegia (paralysis of the legs).

Spine injuries require extensive medical care and, in severe cases, lifelong assistance. Victims often face high medical bills, lost income, and a dramatically altered quality of life. Seeking experienced legal representation is critical for ensuring that a cyclist receives the compensation needed to cover these significant expenses.

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Fractures: Broken Bones Are Common and Costly

Fractures are common in bicycle accidents, often occurring in the arms, legs, or shoulders when a cyclist braces for impact or is struck by a vehicle. While some fractures may heal within a few months, more severe cases can lead to complex breaks that require surgery, physical therapy, or metal hardware to stabilize the bone. Common fractures include:

• Collarbone (Clavicle) Fractures: The collarbone is one of the most vulnerable bones in a fall, and fractures are often painful and may require surgical repair.
• Arm Fractures: Cyclists tend to instinctively put their hands out to break a fall, which can result in forearm fractures or broken fingers. These injuries may impact everyday functions, especially if they require surgical repair.
• Leg Fractures: Often occurring in the thigh bone (femur) or lower leg bones (tibia and fibula), leg fractures can be especially debilitating, often requiring surgery and extensive physical therapy.

Fractures can be life-disrupting, with long recovery periods and, in severe cases, permanent limitations on mobility or strength. Cyclists who experience fractures in an accident should seek both medical care and legal guidance to help them secure the compensation they need to cover their medical and rehabilitative costs.

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Road Rash: Painful Abrasions That May Lead to Infection and Scarring

Road rash occurs when a cyclist’s skin scrapes against the pavement, often causing painful abrasions. While road rash is sometimes considered a “minor” injury, it can lead to significant complications if not treated properly. Road rash injuries may include:

• Superficial Abrasions: These are less severe and may only impact the top layer of skin, though they’re still painful and can leave scars if not treated.
• Deep Abrasions: In severe cases, road rash can strip away multiple layers of skin, potentially exposing muscles and even bone. Such injuries may require medical cleaning, dressing changes, and possibly skin grafts.
• Infection Risk: Open wounds from road rash are highly susceptible to infection. Without proper care, these wounds can become infected and lead to further complications, such as cellulitis (a serious skin infection).

While road rash may seem like a minor injury, severe cases can result in permanent scarring and nerve damage. Treatment often involves multiple medical visits and may require plastic surgery to minimize scarring.

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Additional Tips: What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

If you’re injured in a bicycle accident, taking these steps can help protect your health and your rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, some injuries may not be immediately visible. Delayed symptoms, especially from head and spine injuries, can be dangerous if untreated.
2. Document the Accident Scene: Take photos, gather witness contact information, and keep any evidence related to the accident, including damaged property and torn clothing.
3. File a Police Report: A police report can be essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Be sure to get a copy for your records.
4. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Working with an experienced attorney ensures you have an advocate on your side who understands how to secure the compensation you deserve.

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Why Hulburt Law Firm?

At Hulburt Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a severe bicycle accident injury can take. Our founding attorneys, Conor and Leslie Hulburt, have years of experience fighting for justice on behalf of injured cyclists, helping them navigate the recovery process and secure the resources they need. Visit our San Diego Bicycle Accident Attorney webpage for more information. We believe that The Truth Demands Justice, and we’re committed to standing by our clients every step of the way.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in San Diego, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your options. Let us help you find a path forward.

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Related Content:

• Types of Bicycle Accidents in San Diego
• Bicycle Laws and Regulations in San Diego

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