Bike Accident Injuries – Know Your Legal Options
A bicycle accident can be a serious incident. It can cause physical injuries and even loss of a limb. If you are injured, you may need to pursue legal options in order to receive compensation. Fortunately, there are many options available to you. Read on to learn about some of them.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving is a serious risk for any cyclist. It has led to a rise in bicycle accidents in recent years. Fortunately, distracted driving can be avoided. You can protect yourself by turning off your cellphone while riding.
There are many different types of distractions. These can include visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Manual distractions include eating or taking your hands off the wheel to operate the phone. Cognitive distractions involve daydreaming or other forms of distraction that take your attention away from the road.
Visual distractions include texting and viewing accidents on the side of the road. The CDC has a definition of visual distraction.
Cognitive distractions are those that distract your mind from making important decisions. They can include daydreaming or worrying about the future. Similarly, manual distractions take your hands off the wheel to do things like change the radio station or adjust the stereo.
Physical injuries
Bike accidents can be very serious, and can have long-term health consequences. These include physical injuries, emotional trauma, and organ damage.
Bicycle accidents are often caused by speeding, drunken driving, and unsafe road conditions. Those who have experienced these types of accidents may not be able to ride their bikes for months.
Many cyclists suffer from head, neck, and spinal injuries. Those with spinal injuries will need immediate medical attention. A spinal injury can lead to permanent paralysis or degeneration.
Common bicycling accident injuries include back pain, herniated discs, and neck pain. Traumatic brain injuries can also occur. The impact of an accident can lead to bruising, swelling, and internal bleeding. Depending on the type of injury, it may require surgery to repair or remove a damaged organ.
Nonsurgical treatments
There are several nonsurgical treatments for bike accident injuries. The best way to find out which treatments are right for you is to contact a doctor and get a full assessment.
Nonsurgical treatments include occupational therapy, which is a great way to regain mobility and confidence. Physical therapy is also important, especially for athletes.
If you are suffering from broken bones, then you may need surgery. This will depend on the severity of the break and the type of bone that is broken. Some fractures require metal plates and screws to hold the bone together.
For minor fractures, you may be able to get by with only a cast. In some cases, you might need a skeletal traction, which uses a gentle pulling motion to stretch the muscles surrounding the broken bone.
Loss of a limb
Losing a limb in a bike accident is a devastating event. It can affect your life forever. You may not be able to work, you may have to pay for expensive medical care, and you may need prosthetics.
If you are suffering from a limb loss, it is a good idea to speak to a personal injury attorney. These lawyers can help you gather evidence and negotiate a settlement. They can also explain your rights.
Depending on your situation, you can pursue a claim against the driver who caused the accident, the company that manufactured the product, or the medical professionals involved. However, you should act quickly after an injury. If you do not file a claim within the allotted time period, you may lose your right to a legal remedy.
Legal options
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, you need to know your legal options. You can sue the at-fault driver, file a claim with the insurance company, or seek help from an experienced attorney.
First, you should file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They will probably offer you a lump-sum settlement. Although this is a decent offer, it will likely not be enough to cover your losses. A lawsuit may be more effective.
Once you’ve recovered from your injuries, it’s time to figure out if you’re owed money. Your claim may include damages for missed work, medical costs, property damage, and more.
The CDC estimates that there are about 130,000 bicycle accidents in the U.S. Each year, the CDC publishes statistics on bicycle crashes. While many accidents are minor, some are devastating.
