Cycling is great for getting outside, staying fit, and having fun, but we can’t ignore the fact that accidents can happen.
Even a minor fall can cause injuries that stick around longer than you expect. If you’ve had a bike accident, it’s important to know what kinds of injuries can come up so you can be prepared and get the right treatment.
Nonetheless, if these injuries were caused by someone’s negligence, it might be a good idea to talk to a bicycle accident attorney to understand your rights and what steps to take next.
Let’s go into the details of the most common injuries that can occur when you crash or fall off your bike.
When you fall or crash, your head is often the first thing that hits the ground. Even with a helmet, it’s still possible to get a serious head injury. Crashing hard can lead to concussions, bruising in the brain, or even skull fractures.
The scary thing about head injuries is that they aren’t always easy to spot right away. You might feel fine at first, but your brain could be dealing with some pretty serious damage.
Concussions, for example, don’t always show up on X-rays or CT scans. But they can mess with your ability to concentrate, your memory, and even your mood.
A concussion can lead to ongoing issues that mess with your day-to-day life. Failing to go to the hospital is one of the mistakes you should avoid after hitting your head.
Some fractures, like breaks in the wrist, arm, or collarbone, can take a long time to heal, and sometimes they don’t heal properly the first time around. You might think you can just shake it off, but some breaks need surgery, and recovery can drag on for months.
The collarbone is especially vulnerable in bike accidents. It’s not well-protected by muscle or fat, so it takes the brunt of many falls. Even if you’re able to walk away with a broken bone, the pain can stick with you long after the accident, making it hard to go about your daily routine.
Not all injuries show up on the outside, and that’s where the real danger lies. Blunt trauma from a bike accident can cause internal injuries that are hard to spot.
You might not see a bruise or a cut, but your organs or internal structures could be damaged. Internal bleeding, bruised organs, or even a punctured lung could be hiding beneath the surface.
Since internal injuries are not easy to detect and do not manifest quickly. It’s pretty easy to assume you’re fine and skip seeing a doctor. But these injuries can become life-threatening quickly.
If you’ve been in a serious crash and feel dizzy, have trouble breathing, or notice pain in your chest or abdomen, it’s very important to get checked by a professional, even if you don’t think anything is wrong.
If you’re thrown from your bike or hit by something, your chest can take a huge hit. Slamming into the handlebars or getting knocked down can cause broken ribs, bruised lungs, or internal bleeding. These types of injuries can make it hard to breathe and could take a long time to recover from.
The real risk here is that broken ribs can puncture your lungs, making it even more dangerous. You might think you’re just dealing with some soreness, but a broken rib can cause long-term problems, and sometimes you need surgery to fix it.
Your spine is the part of your body that holds your central nervous system, so damage here can lead to long-term issues like pain, loss of movement, or even paralysis.
Even if you’re able to move right after the crash, the injury can develop into something that takes months or even years to heal.
If you experience pain, numbness, or trouble moving after a crash, especially in your back, neck, or limbs, you should take it seriously.
Spinal injuries often require a lot of physical therapy, and recovery isn’t always guaranteed. Sometimes the damage is permanent, leading to lifelong complications.
