What Are Common Bicycle Accident Injuries?

Bicycle-related injuries account for about 900 deaths, 23,000 hospital admissions, 580,000 emergency department visits and over 1.2 million physician visits per year in the United States, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. 

The result: an estimated annual cost of more than $8 billion.  

Below are some common bicycle-accident causes and injuries, as well as some safety tips. 

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries 

Bicyclists are vulnerable to their surroundings, including other vehicles on the road. Vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and trucks, are larger and heavier than bicycles and can cause massive damage to anyone who is riding a bike. 

According to some sources, most bicycling injuries occur to the upper or lower extremities, followed by the head, face, abdomen or thorax, and neck.  

Twenty-two to 47% of injured bicyclists have head injuries, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Such injuries can happen in collisions with motor vehicles. Head trauma is the cause of more than 60% of all bicycle-related deaths and most long-term disabilities.  

Here are some other common types of injuries suffered in bicycle collisions: 

• Head trauma 
• Spinal injuries 
• Facial injuries 
• Broken bones and fractures 
• Internal damage
• Contusions 
• Abrasions 
• Lacerations 

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents  

There are a few different types of bike-accident situations — some bicyclists can fall from their bikes after a collision or be struck and injured by a vehicle. Bike accidents involving cars can be extremely dangerous because the force of a vehicle’s impact can be immense on a bicycle’s smaller frame.  

Why do bike accidents happen? Bike accidents can happen due to a distracted driver, a driver who fails to obey traffic laws or signals, or a hazardous road or bike lane. Drivers who are intoxicated or fail to yield the right of way in traffic can also cause accidents with cyclists.  

Drivers should take caution during the summer months. NHTSA reported that bicyclist deaths are highest during the summer months between June and September. It’s also important for motorists to be extra careful when driving in urban areas when there is more traffic.   

Bike Riding Safety Tips  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has provided bicycle riding safety tips that may help reduce the risk of a bike accident. Some tips include:  

• Ride a bike that fits you and works  
• Wear protective equipment and clothing to make yourself more visible 
• Ride only one per seat  
• Plan your bike route  
• Ride in the same direction as traffic  
• Obey signs, signals, and road markings  
• Assume the other person doesn’t see you  
• Do not text or use other distractions  

For more bicycle riding safety tips, please visit NHTSA website.  

Injured in a Bike Accident? Call William Mattar, P.C.  

Bicycle accidents can be devastating. If you’ve been injured in one because of a negligent or reckless driver contact William Mattar P.C. Our bicycle-accident lawyers can help you receive maximum financial compensation for personal injuries. Schedule an initial case consultation today by completing our free online form or calling our offices, at (844) 444-4444.