Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents in Columbia

Columbia is a city that has become increasingly bicycle-friendly over the years. In fact, the League of American Bicyclists recognized Columbia as a Bicycle Friendly Community because of the efforts of the city to create bicycle-friendly infrastructure. Despite this, bicycle accidents do still occur and can result in injuries that range from minor to life-threatening. To learn more about common injuries from bicycle accidents in Columbia, reach out to us today. Our knowledgeable bike crash attorneys can help you recover compensation after a collision.

Understanding How Bike Injuries Happen

Bicycle injuries can happen for a variety of reasons, from rider error to poorly maintained roads and infrastructure. Unfortunately, one of the most common causes of bicycle injuries is the negligence of other drivers on the road. Drivers in Columbia may not look for bicycles before making a turn, ignore bike lanes, or fail to yield to cyclists at intersections. All these common errors can lead to serious injury for cyclists, including broken bones, head trauma, and even death.

According to recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, cyclists suffered 49,000 injuries and 846 fatalities as a result of crashes involving motor vehicles in 2019.

What are Common Bike Injuries?

Bicycle injuries in Columbia can range from minor scrapes or bruises to more serious, life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common bike crash injuries include:

Head and Brain Injuries

Head and brain injuries are some of the most common, and dangerous, bicycle-related injuries. Helmets are essential to protecting cyclists from head trauma, but riders can still be susceptible to serious injury in a crash even when wearing protective equipment.

Contusions

Contusions occur when soft tissue is damaged by blunt force trauma or compression. These bruises can range from minor scrapes to more serious, internal injuries.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Fractures occur when bones are broken or fractured due to the force of impact in a bicycle crash. These fractures can range from minor breaks to more serious compound fractures that require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

Whiplash

Whiplash is common in any kind of motor vehicle accident, and this common injury is also common in bicycle crashes. Whiplash occurs when the neck is thrust forward and back quickly due to an impact, resulting in painful stretching of the soft tissues and ligaments.

Neck Injuries

Neck injuries can range from minor strains to more serious spinal cord trauma. Neck injuries are common in bicycle crashes due to the force of impact and can result in paralysis or even death.

Road Rash

Road rash is common in bicycle accidents and occurs when the skin comes into contact with the pavement or ground. Road rash can range from minor scrapes to serious lacerations that require medical attention.

How Can a Columbia Personal Injury Lawyer Help Bike Crash Victims?

Bike crashes can occur anywhere in Columbia including streets and roads, or even on the popular Katy Trail or MKT Trail. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident and another party was at fault or negligence was involved, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. This can include compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. A personal injury lawyer in Columbia will take steps to recreate the accident scene, interview witnesses, and gather the evidence necessary to build a strong case for compensation. They will also help with filing a personal injury claim and ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the entire process.

Contact an Attorney in Columbia to Discuss Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Columbia, Missouri, the Law Offices of Chris Miller is here to help. We understand the complex legal issues that can arise in bicycle injury cases, and we fight hard to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Our team of experienced bike crash attorneys will work to ensure that the responsible party is held accountable and that you receive the compensation you need for a successful recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and to discuss common injuries from bicycle accidents in Columbia.