What Bicycle Accident Injuries Are Most Common in Florida?

Whether you bike for exercise or transportation, one thing is true: most towns and cities are designed for automobiles, with little thought to the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians. Unfortunately, the number of bicycle accidents is increasing, with many suffering injuries or fatalities. As such, familiarizing yourself with how these bicycle accidents happen and the common injuries you can sustain is critical. The following blog explores what you should know about these difficult times, including the importance of working with an Indian River County bicycle accident lawyer to help you explore your legal options.

How Do Bicycle Accidents Happen?

Unfortunately, as many cyclists know, drivers often assume that cars have the right of way on the road vis-à-vis a bicycle. As such, if a driver fails to yield to a cyclist, it can result in a serious accident. This is also the case if drivers fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes, open car doors in bike lanes without ensuring there are no approaching cyclists, or fail to maintain a safe distance between their vehicle and the rider.

In addition, distracted driving is one of the most common ways in which accidents occur, and collisions with bicyclists are no exception. When drivers are texting, eating, conversing with passengers, or interacting with their infotainment system, their attention is diverted from the road, which can result in a collision with a cyclist.

What Are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?

Unfortunately, if you are a cyclist and you are struck by a vehicle, you can sustain serious injuries. Among the factors that often exacerbate bicycle accident injuries is the two-impact issue. A crash between a bicycle and an automobile typically involves two impacts: the impact of the automobile striking the cyclist and the impact of the cyclist striking the ground.

Because cyclists lack the protection of a framed automobile, they are at high risk of head injury. While a helmet can help avoid an open head injury (such as a skull fracture), the helmet does little to protect against a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This occurs when you suffer a violent blow or jolt to the head, which then causes your brain to move and collide with the interior walls of your skull, resulting in damage to your brain. The most common form of TBI is a concussion or mild TBI, which can result in long-term cognitive issues.

Another common injury that bicyclists can suffer if they are struck by a vehicle is broken bones. Common breaks include arms, wrists, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Not only is this incredibly painful, but you may require surgery and physical therapy to recover.

If you have suffered injuries as a result of a driver’s negligent actions, it’s critical to understand your right to compensation. While you may assume that insurance only extends to other automobiles involved in collisions, this is untrue. As an injured cyclist, you can seek compensation through your own automobile Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance policy in addition to the negligent driver’s liability policy.

Suffering injuries after being struck by a vehicle can be incredibly overwhelming, which is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced personal injury attorney with Ullian Trial Law. Our team understands how difficult these matters can be to navigate on your own, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you recover the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact our firm today to discuss your circumstances during a free consultation with a member of our team.