What injuries are common after bicycle accidents?

Our Middle Tennessee Injury Attorneys Discuss Injuries Bicycle Accident Victims Commonly Experience

With the rush of wind through your hair, cycling in and around the Nashville area can be a lot of fun. It can also be a more eco-conscious form of transportation, making for a greener commute to school or work. But, in an instant, that joy can turn to pain when a careless driver collides with your bicycle.

The impact of the collision can send you flying, with your body meeting the unforgiving pavement. Bike accident injuries range from mild to devastating, with possible long-term consequences. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced Tennessee bicycle accident lawyer to assess the full extent of your injuries and seek fair compensation for damages. Below, the Griffith Law team discusses the types of injuries that cyclists commonly suffer when involved in a collision.

Acute or Chronic Back Pain

Bicycle accident victims often experience back pain as a result of the collision. The force of impact in a bicycle accident can cause several different types of injuries that can lead to acute or chronic back pain.

Herniated discs. A spinal disc’s soft inner portion pushing through the tougher outer ring can cause pain and potential nerve damage.
Spinal cord injuries. In severe bike crash cases, spinal cord damage can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
Muscle strains. Even seemingly minor bicycle accidents can result in painful muscle strains that can limit mobility and diminish quality of life.

Partial and Full Bone Fractures

Cyclists’ bones often bear the brunt of the impact when bicycles and vehicles collide. Common fracture injuries in bicycle accidents include:

Collarbone breaks. The clavicle is particularly vulnerable in cycling accidents.
Wrist fractures. Instinctively reaching out to break a fall can result in broken wrists.
Leg and ankle fractures. The lower extremities are at high risk in collisions between bicycles and vehicles.

Painful Face and Dental Injuries

Facial and dental injuries are very common in bicycle-vehicle collisions. Bicycle accidents can leave riders with painful and disfiguring facial injuries.

Dental damage. Broken or knocked-out teeth can require expensive dental work.
Jaw fractures. Facial impact can result in painful mandibular fractures.
Facial lacerations. Deep cuts to the face may lead to permanent scarring.

Serious Abrasions and Road Rash

While sometimes initially dismissed as minor, abrasions from bicycle accidents and road rash can be quite serious.

Infection. Open wounds are vulnerable to bacterial infection.
Permanent scarring. Severe road rash can leave marks that never fully heal.
Pain and discomfort. Even minor abrasions can make daily activities painful.

Hidden Soft Tissue Damage

Not all bicycle accident injuries are immediately obvious or visible. Soft tissue injuries may hide beneath the surface and may worsen over time if left untreated. When you file a personal injury claim for damages, it’s important to account for the long-term implications of soft tissue damage.

Whiplash. Sudden jerking motions can cause whiplash, ranging from minor to severe.
Sprains and strains. Ligaments and muscles can be stretched or torn in a cycling accident.
Internal bruising. The impact of a bicycle crash can cause painful internal contusions.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Perhaps the most devastating potential outcome of a bicycle accident is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This type of injury ranges from mild to severe, affecting your ability to work, maintain personal relationships, and enjoy daily activities. You deserve to be compensated for the long-term care and support TBIs require.

Concussions. Even seemingly mild TBIs can have long-lasting effects.
Skull fractures. Severe impacts can crack the skull, potentially causing brain damage.
Diffuse axonal injuries. The brain shifts inside the skull, possibly tearing nerve tissue.

The Importance of Medical Care After a Bike Crash

The various injuries you may suffer after a bicycle accident can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Immediate medical attention is crucial for several reasons.

Hidden injuries. Doctors can assess for serious injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
Proper treatment. Early intervention can improve your chances of a full recovery.
Documentation. Medical records serve as important evidence in your claim.

It is equally important to keep up with ongoing care and doctor’s appointments, both for your health and the viability of your claim. Allowing concerns about medical costs to deter you from getting the care and treatment you need is a mistake. At GriffithLaw, our Nashville personal injury lawyers will advocate for the compensation you deserve to pay for these expenses.

How GriffithLaw Can Help You After a Bicycle Accident

Bicycle accident injuries not only cause physical pain but can also lead to emotional distress and loss of self-esteem. GriffithLaw understands the full impact of these injuries, and our Nashville, Tennessee, personal injury attorneys are here to help you recover damages and the fair compensation you deserve.

Assessment. We’ll evaluate your specific situation and explain your legal options.
Evidence. We’ll collect and preserve crucial evidence to support your injury claim.
Negotiation. We'll fight for fair compensation from insurance companies and at-fault parties.
Litigation. We're prepared to take your case to court to seek the justice you deserve.

Let our experienced Nashville bicycle accident lawyers guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve after being injured in a bicycle-vehicle collision. We're here to listen to your story, explain your options, and fight tirelessly to defend your rights.