Without teeth, it’s nearly impossible for a person to cut through food and properly digest it. When somebody is in a bicycle accident and suffers injuries to their teeth, those chewing and digestive processes can be affected. Dental injuries can result in significant physical and emotional issues.
The mouth is unprotected
Nearly all dental injuries from bicycle crashes result from an impact with the ground, an object, or both. Those usually occur when that impact or an abrupt change of speed propels a bicyclist over the bike’s handlebars. Since bicycle helmets do little to protect the chin and mouth, those parts of the face are terribly exposed to injury when a bicyclist is thrown forward. Any resulting dental injuries can be severe, especially to the front teeth. If you were injured in such a crash, and it was caused by a negligent driver or poor road maintenance, you might have a basis for a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Common dental injuries
Blunt force trauma with the pavement or another object can cause a variety of dental injuries. Those can include:
- The complete or partial loss (chip) of one or more teeth
- Fractured teeth
- Displaced teeth that have been forced out of their natural positions
Damages
Dental work is expensive. If you’ve suffered dental injuries from a bicycle accident, you’re not just going to be seeing your dentist or oral surgeon for a single visit. You’ll need to go back and back again. The good news is that if your injuries were caused by the carelessness and negligence of somebody else, you’ll be able to make a personal injury claim or lawsuit for your medical and dental bills. You’ll also be able to make claims for any lost earnings, pain and suffering or permanent disfigurement or disability that resulted from the crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sue someone if you chipped a tooth in a bike accident?
The law requires that if you are injured while riding your bike because of another person’s negligence, then you can be compensated for all medical treatment associated with the injury, including a chipped tooth. The person responsible will have to pay for dental procedures, pain and suffering and any other financial loss that came from the accident.
Can I get my teeth whitened as compensation for a dental injury?
The negligent driver is required to pay for all dental and medical procedures associated with the injury. In most cases, if you want something cosmetic done that’s not related to the injury, you will have to pay for it out of your own pocket. If you can prove the need for whitening is related to the accident, then it will be covered.
Do I need an attorney if I have a dental injury from a bike accident?
When you are injured in an auto accident, the driver’s insurance company will fight to pay you as little as possible, and they are experienced at doing just that. So even though the law doesn’t require you to get an attorney for a personal injury claim, you need someone on your side that knows the law and is experienced at getting maximum compensation under the law.
Contact Bay Area Bicycle Law
Fractured or missing teeth not only affect how and what you eat, but they also affect your appearance. They can require expensive crowns, implants or bridge work. If you believe that your bicycle accident and dental injuries were caused by one or more people or government entities, contact us right away by phone or email for a free consultation and case review. Our knowledgeable and respected bicycle accident attorneys already know that serious dental injuries are going to leave you with constant pain and emotional issues. Remember that the California legislature has implemented strict time limits on when victims can file claims or personal injury lawsuits, especially if your injuries were caused by a governmental entity. You’ll want to contact us sooner rather than later on any California bicycle accident.