Articles

Bicycle accidents can result in devastating injuries that have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Unfortunately, in New York State, personal injury claims arising from bicycle accidents are prevalent due to the high volume of cyclists sharing the roadways with motor vehicles. This article briefly reviews some of the most common types of bike accident injuries seen in personal injury claims in New York State. Understanding these injuries can help cyclists navigate the complexities of personal injury litigation and pursue fair compensation.

Head Injuries from a Bicycle Accident

Head injuries are among the most serious and common types of bicycle accident injuries. They can range from relatively mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even with protective gear such as helmets, cyclists are vulnerable to head injuries due to the forceful impact of collisions or falls. These injuries can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, mood disorders, and permanent disabilities. In personal injury claims, head injuries often result in substantial compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.

Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries

Fractures and orthopedic injuries are frequently encountered in bicycle accident cases. A cyclist landing awkwardly can cause broken bones, dislocations, and ligament damage. The most affected areas include: the wrists, arms, collarbones, ribs, hips, and legs. Fractures can be severe, sometimes requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. These injuries can have a significant impact on the victim's ability to work, engage in daily activities, and enjoy a quality of life.

Soft Tissue Injuries and “Road Rash”

Soft tissue injuries, such as bruises, sprains, strains, and lacerations, are common in bike accidents. An accident can cause the cyclist's body to collide with the ground, resulting in abrasions known as road rash. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to deep wounds requiring stitches. Road rash injuries can be particularly severe when contact with the pavement occurs at high speeds. In personal injury claims, compensation may be sought for medical treatment such as scar revision surgery, ongoing wound care, and psychological counseling to address the emotional distress caused by potentially disfiguring injuries.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Bicycle accidents can also lead to spinal cord injuries, which can have catastrophic consequences. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, spinal cord damage can cause partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired bodily functions. These life-altering injuries often require extensive medical care, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and lifelong rehabilitation. Personal injury claims involving spinal cord injuries aim to secure compensation for medical expenses, assistive devices, rehabilitation costs, lost earning capacity, and the immense physical and emotional suffering endured by the victim and their family.

Conclusion

Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, with varying degrees of severity. If you or a loved one has sustained a serious injury in a bicycle accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help. It is important to consult with a lawyer early to investigate your options and preserve crucial evidence.  For assistance with these matters, please contact us to learn more.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

About the author: Peter J. Gregory is a partner with MCCM Personal Injury Lawyers in Rochester, NY.  He is a trial lawyer with extensive experience resolving disputes in state and federal trial courts. As a personal injury lawyer, Gregory focuses on advising clients who have been injured or lost loved ones in accidents caused by the carelessness or recklessness of others. Please feel free to contact him directly at pgregory@mccmlaw.com or (585) 512-3506.

This publication is intended as an information source for clients, prospective clients, and colleagues and constitutes attorney advertising. The content should not be considered legal advice and readers should not act upon information in this publication without individualized professional counsel.

About MCCM

McConville Considine Cooman & Morin, P.C. is a full-service law firm based in Rochester, New York, providing high-quality legal services to businesses and individuals since 1979.  With over a dozen attorneys and a full paralegal support staff, the firm is well-positioned to right-size services tailored to each client. We are large enough to provide expertise in a broad range of practice areas, yet small enough to devote prompt, personal attention to our clients.

We represent a diverse range of clients located throughout New York State and New England.  They include individuals, numerous manufacturing and service industry businesses, local governments, and health care professionals, provider groups, facilities and associations. We also serve as local counsel to out-of-state clients and their attorneys who have litigation pending in Western New York courts.  For more information, please contact us at 585.546.2500.