Bicycles offer absolutely no protection to their riders when cars, trucks, or SUVs hit them. Common injuries from bicycle accidents in Huntsville range from minor scrapes to life-changing trauma that could affect you forever.
A talented bike accident attorney at Siniard Law, LLC could help injured cyclists, so please call today.
What Types of Head and Brain Injuries Can Bike Crashes Cause?
Head injuries are highly likely to occur in Huntsville bike crashes because your head is the most vulnerable part of your body during this type of collision. Traumatic brain injuries happen when your brain slams against the inside of your skull from the impact.
A concussion is the mildest form of brain injury, but that does not mean it is a minor injury. Symptoms include headaches, confusion, memory problems, and sensitivity to light. Some people develop post-concussion syndrome that lasts months or years.
Severe brain injuries cause cognitive problems, personality changes, and physical disabilities. Victims might need lifelong care and never work again. Helmets reduce the risk significantly, but they cannot prevent all brain injuries.
Skull fractures occur when the impact breaks the bone protecting your brain. These injuries often require surgery and carry high risks of complications. Head and brain injuries can change lives permanently.
Spinal Cord Damage
In a Huntsville bicycle accident, spinal cord injuries are also common. Your spine controls everything from breathing to walking. Damage to the spinal cord can paralyze you partially or completely. Some victims lose feeling and movement below the injury site permanently.
Even incomplete spinal injuries can cause serious problems. You might lose strength, coordination, or sensation in your limbs. Chronic pain could become a daily struggle. Many victims need mobility aids and cannot return to their previous jobs.
Vertebrae fractures in the neck or back cause severe pain and instability. These breaks often require surgery involving rods, screws, and fusion procedures. Recovery can take months, and there is no guarantee of full healing.
Broken Bones
The impact of hitting pavement or a vehicle can easily cause broken bones, so this type of injury often results from cycling collisions in Huntsville. Fractures in the arms and wrists happen when cyclists instinctively extend their arms to protect themselves during a fall. These injuries might seem straightforward, but complications frequently occur.
Compound fractures break through the skin and risk serious infections. Some breaks require surgery, with metal plates and screws needed to heal the bone properly. Physical therapy often becomes necessary to regain full function.
Collarbone and shoulder breaks are extremely common in bike crashes. These areas absorb the most impact when riders go over the handlebars.
Leg and ankle breaks can be devastating. Some fractures never heal quite right, leaving victims with chronic pain and limited mobility. Cyclists who earn their living on their feet may be unable to predict whether they are able to continue in that career.
Road Rash and Soft Tissue Damage
Sliding across asphalt injures the skin, tearing it away in layers, and this is very frequently a result of Huntsville bicycle crashes. Deep road rash can remove skin down to muscle, which may require skin grafts. These wounds can scar permanently and risk infection during healing.
Torn ligaments and tendons in the knees, shoulders, and ankles cause instability and chronic pain. Some tears need surgery to repair. Others never fully heal and leave victims with permanent limitations.
Muscle damage from the impact of a crash can cause pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion. Some cyclists develop compartment syndrome, a dangerous condition where swelling cuts off blood flow to the affected area.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma can damage organs without leaving any external signs. Internal injuries are a common concern when assessing the injuries sustained by Huntsville cyclists who have been involved in a crash. Liver and spleen injuries might cause internal bleeding that can be fatal without emergency surgery. Kidney damage sometimes leads to permanent dysfunction.
Broken ribs can puncture lungs, causing them to collapse. Chest trauma might damage the heart. These injuries require immediate medical attention and extended hospitalization.
Facial Injuries
Faces often hit handlebars, vehicles, or pavement during Huntsville cycling accidents, which can cause devastating damage. Broken jaws require wiring shut for weeks. Shattered cheekbones and eye sockets frequently need reconstructive surgery. Dental injuries can result in knocked-out teeth, broken jaws, and damaged gums. Repairs can cost thousands and take months.
Discuss Common Bike Crash Injuries With a Huntsville Attorney
Common injuries from bicycle accidents in Huntsville can cost enormous amounts in medical bills, lost wages, and pain. Siniard Law, LLC, fights for cyclists who have suffered as a result of a cycling accident. We hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue what you deserve for your recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
