With summer right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start bike riding as a fun, healthy form of exercise. Riding is a great way to explore your area and get some fresh air without creating unhealthy emissions.
Despite all its many advantages, biking also comes with risks. You must always be careful of others who don’t follow all safety protocols. Carelessness comes from all angles, whether it be from other bikers, car drivers, or even pedestrians.
In this article, we discuss the potential harm that often results from bike accidents and what to do if you are hurt by one.
Head Injuries
Head injuries from bike accidents cover a wide range. They can be minor concussions or severe skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries.
Doctors and safety officials recommend always wearing a helmet when cycling to minimize the risk of brain injury.
Signs of a head injury can include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Slurred speech
If you hit your head in a biking accident, seek medical attention immediately. Head injuries can be life-changing without prompt treatment.
Neck and Spine Injuries
Neck and spine injuries, such as whiplash and herniated discs, are some of the most common injuries that occur during a bike accident.
Whiplash is caused by a sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
Herniated discs occur when the cushioning between the spine’s vertebrae is damaged. This can result in nerve damage, weakness, and chronic pain. In severe cases, a herniated disc can damage spinal nerves, leading to paralysis.
Bone Fractures
The bones most frequently broken in these incidents are the arms, legs, and clavicle.
A biking accident could cause a bone fracture in several ways. For instance, you could suffer traumatic force from an impact. You could hit a car, person, object, building, or even another biker.
If you do experience a bone fracture, see a doctor right away. Proper treatment can help prevent any further complications.
Road Rash
One of the most common injuries associated with bike accidents is road rash. This injury occurs when skin is scraped or torn away from dragging against the ground or pavement. Road rash can be painful and unsightly, and it takes time to fully heal.
Bruises are another common injury that can happen when you fall off your bike. These are caused by the impact of the body hitting the hard surfaces. While bruises are usually not serious, they limit your mobility for a few days or even weeks.
Internal Injuries
These injuries involve organ damage or bleeding. Such harm is not always apparent at first. This is why it’s crucial to seek medical attention after any biking accident. Internal injuries can be life-threatening, and prompt treatment can make all the difference.
Psychological Trauma
Bike accidents can leave a devastating impact on an individual’s physical and emotional well-being. These injuries are often overlooked or dismissed.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), however, is a well-known, legitimate psychological condition. It can affect anyone who experiences the trauma of a biking accident.
Symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Flashbacks
- Depression
- A constant state of fear
- Hyperawareness of your surroundings
These symptoms can persist for weeks, months, or even years. If you’ve suffered the trauma of an accident, you should seek a mental health professional for help.
Rehabilitation after a bike accident includes the physical aspect of healing, but it can require emotional healing as well.
If you’ve been hurt in a bicycling accident, Law Office of Pamela C. Bratcher is here to help. For a free consultation, call our office at (270) 783-8311 to set up an appointment, or contact us online.