5 Common Injuries From Bike Crashes and What To Do Next

Nobody wants to think about what can go wrong on a bicycle ride, but crashes and resulting injuries do happen. In urban regions like the Bay Area, distracted drivers, busy intersections, and a lack of bicycle infrastructure can contribute to environments where crashes are more likely to happen.

Sometimes these injuries – such as scrapes and aches – are minor, but they can be more serious, too. Head injuries and fractured bones can leave marks for months or years. Both are fairly common occurrences that the attorneys at Bay Area Bicycle Law see from clients.

Remember to always wear the proper gear when on the road. The goal is to be prepared for a worst-case scenario. Helmets and reflective clothing can help prevent or minimize some injuries. You may not always be able to avoid a crash, but in case you do have one, you’ll want to minimize injuries as much as possible.

If you are involved in a bicycle crash, you may experience one of the common injuries listed below. Seeking the right health care following an accident is crucial and may give you the best chance of recovery.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can happen in an instant, but they often take months or years to rehab. Symptoms like anxiety and brain fog, can also manifest in unexpected ways long after the initial injury. As a result, health experts are now recognizing TBI as chronic conditions that are the result of a blow to the head.

In bicycle accidents, this can happen when your head hits the pavement or a sudden jerk causes the brain to hit the front of the skull.

In moderate cases of TBI, a person might experience the same symptoms as a mild TBI such as headache, fatigue, mood changes, and dizziness as well as:

• Loss of consciousness for several minutes or hours or coma
• Loss of coordination
• Profound confusion
• Slurred speech
• Dilated pupils

“The terms ‘mild,’ ‘moderate’ and ‘severe’ are used to describe the effect of the injury on brain function,” the Mayo Clinic explains. “A mild injury to the brain is still a serious injury that requires prompt attention and an accurate diagnosis.”

Mild TBIs are often referred to as “concussions.” Sometimes these receive less fanfare, but they can still have significant impacts on daily function and may continue to affect a person months or years later. Even if you’ve been diagnosed with a mild TBI, you may still be entitled to some compensation.

Bone fractures

Cyclists are prone to experiencing complicated bone fractures, which can require surgeries, physical therapy, and lots of patience throughout the healing process.

“Dooring”, as it’s known, occurs when an occupant of a car opens their door into a cyclist. The impact from bracing and hitting the door head-on can cause clavicle fractures (broken collar bones). Falling from a bicycle can also cause this injury, when the force of hitting the ground travels up the arms and to the clavicle, which buckles.

These injuries may become even more troublesome when a cyclist is traveling at high speeds.

Bone fractures, of course, can occur in any bone. Fractures may not always be obvious if they do not create a full break in the bone, but they can still cause long-term damage if not properly treated. If something feels off, it’s best to have it looked at to prevent any possible long term problems.

Road rash

In minor cases of road rash, the top layer of uncovered skin is scraped off by a hard surface like asphalt or concrete. Many cyclists have experienced this in a crash or fall, and while it can look unsightly, it can often be a manageable injury to heal.

However, in more serious cases, the abrasion may affect multiple layers of skin. If the abrasion is bad enough, a skin graft may be required to help with healing.

Keep an eye on road rash injuries because they can easily become infected if a piece of gravel or dirt remains in the wound. After a crash, clean the wound with water and a gentle antibacterial soap. Next, apply an antibiotic ointment and be careful not to remove any additional skin in the process. Seek out additional care if the road rash area looks infected or doesn’t improve after a few days.

Sprains and strains

Muscle and tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains, can vary in severity and cause long lasting damage, so even when they seem like minor injuries, remember to be mindful about care and seek treatment if necessary.

“The difference between a strain and a sprain is that a strain involves an injury to a muscle or to the band of tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone, while a sprain injures the bands of tissue that connect two bones together,” the Mayo Clinic explains.

A sprain or strain might happen as a result of a crash and can affect your ability to ride a bicycle. Rehabilitation may take a week or more for the tissue or muscle to repair. Rushing back into riding could cause reinjury or delay healing.

Facial injuries

Helmets can be an important part of protecting your head, but facial injuries sometimes occur in bike crashes when a part of the face that is uncovered hits the pavement. In fact, some researchers estimate that facial injuries occur at the same rate as head injuries among cyclists.

Broken noses, dislocated jaws, eye injuries, and dental problems are all common facial injuries that can happen during a collision. Each of these injuries require different and sometimes specialized care. A bone fracture around the eye, for example, can trap one of the six muscles around the eye and prompt emergency surgery may be needed to save eye function.

Dental problems, like a broken tooth, also require fast action, and injuries like a broken jaw or nose may take an extended amount of time to heal.

Getting compensation for injuries

Any injury sustained during a crash, including the ones outlined here, can be devastating for cyclists. They can impact not only a person’s ability to be on a bike, but also their everyday life. While some of these injuries are not visible (such as TBIs), some of them are. Facial injuries can alter appearance and impact a person’s quality of life for reasons not only related to the physical pain.

There are many reasons why it may be suitable to seek compensation when an at-fault driver causes injury to a cyclist.

The attorneys at Bay Area Bicycle Law can help you determine what’s best for your situation and can walk you through the process. Call (415) 466-8717 for a free consultation today.