Florida Bicycle Accident Injuries are Common, Find Out How You Can Protect Yourself
Bicycling is a popular sport and form of recreation and a practical way to get around for many people. However, bicycling is not without its risks. Bicyclists face the risk of injury each time they ride, and therefore one should know a Florida bicycle accident lawyer in case of an accident. Some common injuries that bicyclists suffer include:
Shoulder Injuries
Injuries to the shoulder are particularly common for bicyclists because they can occur when a rider is thrown over the handlebars. If you suffer an injury to your shoulder, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment options. It’s also essential to take care of your injury since severe shoulder injuries can cause long-term disability, significantly if shoulder nerves or tendons are damaged.
Head Injuries
Riders can suffer a variety of head and neck injuries in a bicycling accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, head trauma is among the most common causes of death from bicycle accidents. Head injury – ranging from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries – typically occurs when a rider’s head strikes the ground, another bicyclist, or a fixed object. Injuries can also result from sudden movements of the head during an accident. Common types of bicycle head and neck injuries include:
Scrapes and Cuts
Some bicyclists suffer scrapes and cuts during an accident. However, these types of injuries are generally mild compared to other bicycle-related injuries. Common injuries include:
Torn skin – Skin injuries are common in Florida Bicycle Accident Injuries, usually on the rider’s arms or legs. During an accident, the skin may be torn by the pedals or handlebars of a bicycle, another bicyclist’s handlebars, or another object.
Road rash-This injury typically occurs when a rider’s body slides over the pavement after an accident. A bicyclist can suffer road rash on any part of his body that makes contact with the ground. Road rash can be more severe if it affects areas unprotected by clothing or equipment, such as hands, knees, and elbows.
Saddle Sores
Saddle sores are an infection formed under the skin by bacteria, fungus, or both. The sores can develop on parts of your body where skin contacts a bicycle saddle, especially if you’re not using cycling shorts. To prevent saddle sores, change positions frequently while riding and always wear proper clothing.
Concussions
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when you receive a strong blow to your head or body, such as an accident. Concussions can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of force involved. Symptoms of a concussion vary but may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
- Pupil abnormalities
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Slurred speech
- Mood swings or mood changes
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in eating habits
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems
- Confusion
Loss of consciousness for a brief period (less than one minute) is not typically considered a concussion. However, if you lose consciousness after a blow to the head, it’s essential to seek medical treatment.
Achilles Tendonitis
Inflammation or irritation of the Achilles tendon, located in the back of your ankle and connects your calf muscles to your heel. Achilles tendon injury is a common type of foot injury from bicycle accidents. In most cases, an injured bicyclist can recover from Achilles tendon injuries by resting and avoiding painful activities. However, severe injuries can cause permanent disability. Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis include:
- Pain with most activities
- Discomfort or pain when pointing your toes downward
- Weakness in the ankle area
Back Pain
Lower back pain (lumbar/sacral region) is one of the most common causes of long-term disability in bicycle accident victims. Many bicyclists suffer lower back pain after an accident because their body weight shifts suddenly when they fall and impact the ground.
The most common types of lower back injuries are strains or sprains caused by overstretching or over-contraction of muscles surrounding the spine. Fractures can also result from severe bicycle accidents. Symptoms of lower back pain include:
- Shooting pains down your leg.
- Muscle weakness.
- Soreness in the back and buttocks area.
- Pain when standing up from sitting or lying positions.
- Numbness or tingling in your legs, feet, or toes.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (incontinence) can signify more severe injuries, such as spinal cord damage.
Neck Pain
Bicyclists may also experience neck injuries during an accident. The most common type of neck injury is a sprained or strained neck. A bicyclist with this injury typically experiences the following symptoms:
- Sharp pain when you turn your head in one direction
- Tingling around your shoulder area
- Weakness in your arms
- Headaches
Symptoms of severe neck injuries may include:
- Loss of feeling in the arms, hands, or legs
- Numbness around your shoulder area
- Blurred vision or other changes in vision
- Difficulty breathing
Neck injuries can range from minor to life-threatening, so it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms listed above. If your injury is severe, you may need surgery to repair damaged bones or tissue. The longer you wait to have surgery, the greater your risk of permanent disability.
Collarbone Fractures
A broken collarbone is a common type of upper-body injury in bicycle accidents. If you think you may have a broken collarbone, it’s essential to see a doctor for an examination and x-rays. If your collar bone is broken, you will likely need to wear a sling until the pain goes away and the bone heals.
Symptoms of a broken collar bone include:
- Sharp pain that may range from mild to severe
- Bruising or swelling around the shoulder area
- Weakness or numbness in the upper body
- Stiffness in the shoulder area
- Difficulty moving or lifting your arms
How To Protect Yourself
Regardless of where you ride, always wear a helmet to protect your head from impact injuries. Helmets will not prevent all Florida Bicycle Accident Injuries, but they can reduce your risk of severe brain injury by as much as 85 percent.
If you are riding at dusk or after dark, be sure to have lights on your bike so other drivers can see you.
Avoid riding at dawn, dusk, or night because conditions are more difficult for bicyclists to see and avoid. Also, drivers are less likely to see you in these conditions.
When passing parked vehicles, always make sure the driver has seen you before returning to the lane. It is also essential to check for cars pulling out of or into a parking space.
If you are going to pass a parked car, do so on the left side. This way, you will have a clear view of oncoming traffic and avoid being hit by a car door that opens unexpectedly.
It is better to ride single file when riding with others. There should be about two feet between you and the bicyclist in front of you.
Always use hand signals when turning or stopping. If you plan to turn left, stick out your left arm straight ahead. To indicate that you are slowing down or stopping, extend your left arm out with your palm facing down.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, it is essential to speak with an experienced Florida bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Florida bicycle accident lawyer will advise you of your rights and let you know if you have a case. For more information about your legal options after a Florida bicycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact the knowledgeable staff of Florida lawyers to know what to do, including those injured in bicycle accidents throughout greater Florida.
