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Attorneys For Florida Bicycle Accident Victims

Bicycle Accident-Related Head Injuries

Head injuries are one of the most commonly sustained injuries among bicycle accident victims. These injuries can vary in seriousness from a small abrasion or laceration to a severe traumatic brain injury. Unfortunately, when it comes to cyclists who are injured in accidents, head trauma is rarely minor. Instead, cyclists, who are much more exposed to the road, and often travel at relatively high speeds, are more likely to sustain serious head trauma. It is, however, possible for cyclists who are injured in accidents because of someone else’s negligence, to recover compensation for their losses from the at-fault parties, so if you suffered a head injury in a bicycle crash, you should consider reaching out to an experienced Miami bicycle accident attorney for help.

Bicycle Accidents and TBIs

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when an outside force causes trauma to the head or brain. Although they can occur in a number of different ways, many TBIs are the result of car crashes, pedestrian accidents, and bicycle collisions. Collisions between vehicles and bicycles in particular, often have the most severe consequences, as more than ten percent of the cyclists injured in crashes with motorists require treatment for some sort of head trauma. Even more alarmingly, head injuries are thought to account for more than 60 percent of bicycle accident-related fatalities.

There are a number of different reasons for the increased likelihood that a cyclist will suffer from a traumatic brain injury. Cyclists, for instance, are much more exposed to the road than motorists and are more likely to be thrown onto the asphalt, or even into another vehicle. Even a significant change in speed could be enough to cause a head injury, with the brain striking the insides of the skull upon impact.

TBI Symptoms 

Cyclists who are involved in collisions with motorists and who suspect that they may have suffered a head injury should keep an eye out for certain symptoms, including:

• Bleeding from the nose or ears;
• Consistent headaches;
• Loss of consciousness;
• A loss of balance;
• Bruising on the face or head;
• Changes in pupil size;
• Slurred speech; and
• Repeated vomiting. 

Confusion, disorientation, or memory loss could also be indicative of a serious head injury. 

Long-Term Consequences of a Head Injury 

Even after obtaining treatment, a cyclist who sustained a head injury in an accident could suffer from permanent disability, including:

• Physical changes, like sleep disturbances, involuntary muscle movement, headaches, neck and jaw pain, limited physical activity, and weakness; 
• Personality and behavioral changes, such as mood swings, anxiety, depression, lowered inhibitions, and difficulty socializing; and
• Cognitive changes, including memory loss, an inability to communicate, trouble with critical thinking and problem solving, and a decreased capacity for multitasking. 

These problems can all have far-reaching consequences for a victim and his or her family. Fortunately, it is possible for accident victims to seek compensation from the at-fault party who caused their injury. 

Other Common Bicycle Injuries

Miami is a great place for cyclists. Bicycling allows you to enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise, and take in the gorgeous Florida coastline. When cyclists are out on their bikes, they have to interact with motorists who are driving much larger vehicles. Even though there are many cyclists in Miami, motorists still do not watch out for them or give them the same respect they do other drivers.

When drivers act negligently and cause a bicycle accident, it is always the cyclist who will sustain the most severe injuries. The injuries incurred are sometimes life-changing, and they are always extremely painful and costly to treat. Below, our Miami personal injury lawyer explains the most common injuries incurred after a crash.

What are the Most Common Injuries After a Miami Bicycle Accident?

Bicycle accidents rarely result in minor injuries only. The injuries bikers incur when they are involved in a collision are some of the most severe. The most common of these are as follows:

• Amputation: An amputation can occur during a bicycle accident in two ways. The first is accidental amputation, which happens when the force of the accident causes the loss of a limb. The other way in which an amputation can occur is surgically, which happens when a limb has to be surgically removed.
• Broken bones: During a bicycle accident, the cyclist’s legs are usually struck because they are on the same level of vehicles. The legs in the bones can then break. Cyclists often fall to the ground after being struck, which can result in broken arms, wrists, and fingers.
• Road rash: Bicyclists are usually thrown from their bike during a collision. As they fall, they may scrape across the pavement, suffering cuts and scrapes which are known as road rash. Road rash is very painful, and the cuts and scrapes always have the risk of becoming infected.
• Spinal cord injuries: A spinal cord injury could include anything from a slipped or ruptured disc to paralysis.

How are Bicycle Injuries Treated?

Any injury sustained in a bicycle accident requires treatment. Some of these are surgical while others are not. Sometimes, accident victims must wear a cast for many months, which can greatly limit a person’s mobility. Surgical treatment is usually necessary to correct tendon and ligament injuries, damage to internal organs, and broken bones.

Regardless of whether a bicycle accident injury requires surgery or not, any type of treatment will result in significant costs to injured individuals. They also prevent people from returning to work immediately following a crash. Injured individuals in Miami can seek compensation for these losses and more by filing a personal injury claim.

Compassionate Legal Help After A Florida Bike Accident

If you or someone you love has sustained any type of bicycle accident injury, our Miami personal injury lawyers can help. At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, our seasoned attorneys can fully evaluate all of your losses, and will work tirelessly to help you secure the fair settlement you are entitled to. 

For the support and financial resources you need to successfully move forward with life following a bicycle accident, call 305-371-2692, or complete our contact form. Your consultation is without cost or obligation. Our telephones are answered 24 hours daily.