Injuries from bicycle accidents can range from minor cuts and scrapes to life-altering conditions that may permanently affect a person’s quality of life. While many cyclists recover after a period of healing, others experience severe injuries from which they may never fully recover.
At DiBella Law Office, our experienced Boston bicycle accident lawyer team frequently sees the following types of injuries:
1. Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries are among the most common and serious injuries in bicycle accidents. In Boston, it is estimated that 25% to 50% of cyclists involved in accidents suffer concussions or other forms of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Alarmingly, head injuries account for over 60% of all bicycle-related fatalities.
A head injury can range from mild bumps and bruises to more serious conditions like skull fractures and brain damage. A concussion, for instance, may result in a brief loss of consciousness and post-concussive symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and memory loss. More severe injuries like intracranial hematomas (blood clots in the brain) can be life-threatening.
Males aged 18 and older and children between 10 and 14 are particularly vulnerable to bicycle-related head injuries. This highlights the importance of wearing a properly fitted helmet to reduce the risk of serious injury.
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2. Spinal Cord Injuries
Cyclists involved in crashes are also at risk for spinal cord injuries. The impact of being thrown from a bike onto the pavement can cause fractures, nerve damage, or damage to the discs in the spine. These injuries can result in permanent loss of movement, sensation, and bodily functions below the site of injury.
Unfortunately, no amount of protective gear can fully shield cyclists from spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to paralysis, with affected individuals often facing significant physical, emotional, and social challenges.
Men, particularly those aged 16 to 30, are disproportionately affected by spinal cord injuries, accounting for approximately 80% of such cases.
3. Facial Injuries
Facial injuries are another common result of bicycle accidents, especially in collisions involving motor vehicles. Cyclists may strike their faces on the bike’s components, the vehicle, or the pavement, resulting in cuts, bruises, and fractures to the facial bones.
Some common facial injuries include:
- Broken noses: A broken nose can lead to disfigurement and breathing issues.
- Fractured jaws: A broken or dislocated jaw may require surgery, often restricting the patient to a liquid diet during recovery.
- Eye trauma: In severe cases, eye injuries can lead to permanent vision loss.
- Dental injuries: Teeth can be chipped, broken, or knocked out, requiring costly dental procedures.
Even minor facial injuries can lead to long-term consequences, including nerve damage, scarring, and infections. A well-fitted helmet can reduce the risk of facial injuries during a crash.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
4. Broken Bones
Cyclists navigating Boston’s streets are particularly vulnerable to broken bones due to their exposed bodies. In bicycle accidents, the most commonly broken bones include:
- Collarbones: This is the bone most frequently fractured in bicycle accidents, often when cyclists extend their arms to break a fall.
- Hands, wrists, and fingers: Cyclists often instinctively use their hands to protect themselves during a fall, leading to fractures in these delicate bones.
- Hips and pelvises: A hard landing on the road or a collision with a car can result in fractures in the hip or pelvis.
- Femurs: As the largest bone in the body, a broken femur typically requires surgery and a lengthy recovery.
- Arms and legs: Cyclists may fracture the humerus, ulna, or radius in their arms, as well as bones in their legs, feet, and ankles.
In severe cases, broken bones may puncture internal organs, turning an already serious injury into a life-threatening condition.
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Recovering From a Bicycle Accident Injury in Boston
Recovering from a bicycle accident injury can be a long and painful process. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Boston, the legal team at DiBella Law Office is here to help. We have the experience and dedication needed to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
To discuss your case and learn how we can assist with your injury claim, contact us today.
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