At least 64 million people in the United States have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) at some point in their life. If you’re a cyclist and you’ve been involved in a crash, you’re likely to be one of them. The staff at Bay Area Bicycle Law commonly see these injuries in cases.
Cyclists face high rates of TBIs in crashes due to the nature of the activity. Cyclists are often more exposed, even when wearing a helmet, and vehicles are often going much faster, creating more force upon impact. That’s an equation for injury, especially with the head.
Read More: Why Wearing a Helmet Won’t Always Prevent TBI
While they are common, TBIs are also complex. Symptoms vary from person to person. It can take months or years to recover, and even then, some symptoms linger and put you at a higher risk for other conditions, like dementia. TBIs also don’t always show up right away. For some, it can take days for ringing ears, dizziness, and headache to totally set in.
The confusion surrounding head injuries after a cycling crash is common, so it’s important to know what to look out for, what steps to take, and what resources to utilize. From health care to legal resources, acting quickly is important for recovery and recuperating the cost of the crash.
Symptoms to pay attention to
First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge how you’re feeling right after a crash and what symptoms may be worrisome. TBIs come in a wide range of experiences, from mild, which can resolve with just a few days of rest, to unconsciousness and coma. In severe cases of TBI, a person may never fully recover.
If you’re alert and able to walk away from a crash, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve escaped a brain injury. Mild TBIs can come with the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light and/or sound
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Issues with balance
- Confusion and/or memory loss
- Tiredness or grogginess
- Changes in sleep
- Issues with focus
- Mood changes, such as feelings of anxiety or depression
You don’t have to experience all of these symptoms to have a TBI, which is why you should consult a medical professional to best understand your injury and how to take care of it.
Read More: The Most Common Head Injuries in Cycling Crashes
Should you actually see a doctor?
Because symptoms can seem mild and inconsequential — like headache and sensitivity to light, for example — it can be common for cyclists involved in crashes to forgo seeing a doctor right away. But a timely diagnosis can make a difference in the long term.
It’s best to get checked out as soon as possible after a crash and keep up with care as necessary.
Additionally, keep notes of your symptoms as they evolve, resolve, or change in any way. Some symptoms, especially those related to mental health, can be more challenging to track physically. Mood changes, anxiety, and irritability can have big impacts on day-to-day life and should be addressed properly. Talking to your doctor about symptoms and how they may be related to a brain injury will be helpful to your long-term health. It will also be helpful in case of any legal action.
Seeing a doctor creates a clear path of evidence for an injury. Save notes, bills, instructions, and prescriptions from your medical care after a head injury.
Talking to the police and insurance
The moments after a crash can be a whirlwind. Once you’ve made it to a safe area, determine whether you need immediate medical attention. From there, make an effort to tell the police your experience of what happened, so that there will be written documentation of the crash.
While it’s tempting to talk through the crash with the other party after the crash, refrain except for sharing your ID, insurance, and contact information. Be sure to get their information, too.
Apologizing or confronting the driver could negatively impact your case, so it’s best to keep interactions to just the basics. You should also try to collect information from any additional witnesses. This can help the police case and potentially your legal case.
After you are safe and able to, take pictures of the damage of your property, road conditions, and any physical injuries you sustain.
Insurance companies will try to resolve the case right away, but it’s most important that you speak with an attorney before talking to an insurance representative.
Seeking legal advice
The best way to know if you need a lawyer for your case is to seek out a free legal consultation. Our staff members are happy to listen to the specifics of your case — at no cost — and provide an honest opinion of what your options are. It only takes a few minutes to get started.
Just as every injury is different, every legal case is different.
Read More: Suing For Concussions in Cycling Crashes
The benefits of having an attorney that specializes in bicycle law are wide-reaching. Bay Area Bicycle Law Staff know the ins and outs of how insurance agencies work, how common injuries affect daily life for cyclists, and how the road to recovery looks different for each individual.
Additionally, laws that affect cyclists in crashes can be nuanced and specific, so it’s best to work with an expert who knows what to expect, how to navigate the process, and who is looking out for your best interest along the way.
If you’ve had a brain injury from a bicycle crash, reach out today to get started. Click here for more information on free consultations and the process.