Common Auburn Bicycle Injuries
California is one of the nation’s leading states for cycling and in an area like Auburn, it is easy to see why. Long roads with lovely views of the Sierra Mountain Foothills make cycling a treat for locals. Furthermore, riding as your main form of transportation has a load of great benefits like saving on gas, getting exercise, and more. However, the sad truth is that cyclists are some of the most vulnerable individuals on the road. Because bicycles don’t offer cyclists any protection, cyclists are likely to suffer serious injuries when an accident occurs, even if the crash happens at low speeds. Those who frequently ride a bike in the Auburn area may want to learn about some of the more common severe injuries that cyclists can sustain.
Head Injuries
According to the American Association of Family Physicians, head injuries are one of the most common types of trauma that cyclists suffer and are involved in as many as 47 percent of bike accidents. Cyclists frequently suffer skull fractures, brain contusions, concussions, intracranial hemorrhaging, and other serious injuries. Head injuries are especially serious because there is a high risk of trauma affecting the brain, which can cause a wide range of serious symptoms.
When a head injury affects the brain, it is referred to as a “traumatic brain injury (TBI).” TBIs are sometimes less severe and only cause minor symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, mild headaches, and temporary confusion. However, it is possible for a TBI to cause more serious issues such as seizures, permanent memory loss, difficulty with language or fine motor skills, radical mood swings, and more. In the worst cases, a TBI can even be fatal.
It’s important to know that TBIs can seem minor at the scene of the crash, but gradually get worse as time goes on. For this reason, it is important to always get medical help after being involved in a bicycle accident. A physician will be able to help you prevent complications and secondary injuries.
Bone Fractures
Fractures are another very common cyclist injury. The most common types of fractures that cyclists suffer affect the extremities such as arms, hands, legs, and feet. The majority of these injuries are not fatal but can have serious consequences. Many cyclists who suffer major arm or leg fractures have to endure a long, painful recovery process and many are left with symptoms that affect them for the rest of their lives. These injuries frequently mean having to take time away from work in order to heal. For many, a serious fracture can even mean no longer being able to perform their job.
Skin and Soft Tissue
Cyclists almost always suffer scrapes and bruises and very frequently sustain lacerations as well. Skin and soft tissue injuries can cause severe pain and often leave permanent scarring. Because these injuries leave muscle, bone, and other tissue exposed, they can easily become infected, and infections can cause a large variety of serious symptoms. In the most severe cases, an infected scrape or cut can be fatal.
Getting Help
If you were seriously hurt while riding your bike, you may need help from an Auburn bicycle accident attorney. Even if you are unsure of whether or not you have a viable case, an experienced attorney can help you figure out what you may be owed for your damages. To get a better idea of what to expect from a personal injury lawyer, check out the below clip:
More by Ed Smith, Auburn Bicycle Accident Attorney
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Auburn Bicycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Auburn bicycle accident attorney. If a bicycle accident hurt you or a person that you love, call me and receive free, friendly advice. To call, use (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400, toll-free.
I’ve been helping the residents of Auburn claim fair wrongful death and personal injury repayments for 36 years.
Check out the settlements and verdicts I’ve obtained for my clients here and see my reviews on:
I am a Million Dollar Advocates Forum trial lawyer. To be in this forum, you must have won or else settled a case with a value exceeding one million dollars.
I’m the founder of Northern CA’s top auto accident and personal injury website, AutoAccident.com.
Common Auburn Bicycle Injuries: Ed Smith
Photo: ab/Common Auburn Bicycle Injuries
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