The Most Common Bike Accident Injuries

Bill Allen | October 30, 2023 | Bicycle Accidents

The Most Common Bike Accident Injuries

Riding a bike can be an excellent way to get fresh air, exercise, and commute in Florida. But riding a bicycle can also be dangerous, particularly due to the negligent behaviors of drivers you’re expected to share the road with. 

Bicycle accidents can cause severe injuries that require substantial medical care. This is one of the primary reasons to seek compensation when another party causes your collision and physical harm. If you frequently ride your bike in Florida, it’s important to know more about common injuries that can happen in bike accidents.

Bike Accidents Can Cause Significant Injuries

Any type of accident can result in serious injuries, but bicycle riders can face a higher risk of harm. 

Bicycles don’t offer riders any type of protection in the event of an accident, and Florida law doesn’t require helmets for riders over 16 years of age. Therefore, if a rider isn’t wearing a helmet or protective gear, they have an increased chance of experiencing extensive injuries.

When it comes to how to heal after bike accidents, the recovery process depends on the nature of your injuries. After a bike accident, small injuries present the greatest opportunity for a full recovery. But when the physical harm is substantial, your body may not heal completely, and you might experience long-term consequences. 

Seeking compensation after a bicycle collision is critical to afford your medical expenses and relieve some of the financial burdens.

Common Bike Accidents Injuries

Every bike accident is different, resulting in a wide variety of injuries. Some of the most common bike accident injuries include:

Road Rash

Road rash is a type of friction wound that the victims of bicycle and motorcycle accidents tend to suffer. This wound forms as the skin scrapes against a hard surface, like asphalt. 

Treatment for road rash is similar to that of heat and friction burns. Road rash can be painful and lead to permanent scarring. 

Fractures

The impact of a bicycle accident can result in broken bones. Any bone can break in a collision, but the bones in the arms, legs, and neck are often most affected. 

Head and Brain Injuries

Head and brain injuries are particularly common because helmets are not required in Florida. Therefore, the head is exposed and vulnerable.

Injuries to the head can affect the scalp, skull, and brain. Common head injuries include:

  • Scalp lacerations
  • Skull fractures
  • Concussions
  • Contusions
  • Hemorrhages

Traumatic brain injuries can be difficult to fully heal from. They may permanently affect a victim’s cognitive, physical, and behavioral functions. 

Facial Injuries

When you experience a bicycle collision, there’s a chance of hitting your face on an object or landing on your face. Resulting facial injuries could include broken facial bones — like the jaw or cheekbones — lost teeth, and eye injuries. 

Unfortunately, facial injuries can require uncomfortable, extensive medical treatment. Additionally, scarring and disfigurement from facial injuries are harder to hide and could even affect your mental health. 

Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is a structure that runs through the spine, sending messages from the brain to the body and back. It’s an integral part of the nervous system. 

When you sustain injury to the spinal cord, it can have a significant impact throughout the body, causing issues such as loss of movement, change in sensation, and trouble breathing. 

Filing a Claim for Bike Accident Injuries

After a bike accident, small injuries and serious injuries can both have a great impact on your quality of life. If you suffer any of these common bike accident injuries in a collision caused by another party, you may have a valid claim for compensation. 

It’s critical to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. An Ocala bicycle accident lawyer can review your case and accurately determine the best next steps to take.

Contact Our Ocala Personal Injury Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Firm, P.A. at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652