Whether one rides a bicycle for recreation, sport, or for exercise
it's a great way to get or stay in shape and its generally a safe way to get
around. Of course how a rider rides can dramatically increase or reduce the likelihood
of an accident though even among the best riders in the safest conditions there
exists the possibility for an accident. Bicycle accidents range from the rather
benign to the very serious and take many forms as well. Sometimes bicycle
accidents are the result of careless riding but other times accidents occur as
a result of negligence on the part of the manufacturer, an automobile operator,
careless pedestrians, and even other cyclists.
Scrapes and cuts - Fortunately most of the cyclists involved
in an accident find themselves having to do little more than apply some Neosporin
and band-aids to some minor cuts and scrapes. Some cuts may require stitches
but this is fairly rare and most of the cuts and scrapes from bicycle injuries
heal on their own in a matter of days.
Broken Bones - Cycling accidents most commonly involve a
rider falling off their bike though in some instance they can be thrown from
their bike, roll with their bike, or have their bike land directly on them.
Broken bones are often the result of such accidents and require immediate
medical attention. Most common among cyclists are broken arms and legs though
hands, wrists, and even collar bones tend to break as well in severe accidents.
Head Injury - One of the most common injuries that results
from cycling accidents are head injuries. These are extremely dangerous and
range in severity. Sometimes a cyclist may crack their skull, other times jaws
break, orbital bones are damaged, and in extreme cases brain damage
occurs. Head injuries may occur when
helmets aren't used or used properly and when helmets and other protective gear
fail.
Spinal Cord Injuries - It's not hard to imagine a scenario
in which a bicycle rider sustains a back injury. Riders thrown from their bikes
at high speeds or from great heights can and do land on their backs and even
when they don't they may tumble roughly which can wreak havoc on their spinal
cords. Though rare, riders breaking their backs is not unheard of.
Facial/Cosmetic Injuries - Falling or being thrown from a
bicycle almost always includes at least minor facial or cosmetic injuries.
Teeth can be knocked out, tongues can be bitten, faces can be scraped and cut
while eyes may be damaged as well. Noses can also be broken and some riders may
even require plastic surgery and/or expensive dental work to repair the damage
incurred in their cycling accident.
Death - In rare cases bicycle riders may be hit by
automobiles, knocked over by other riders or pedestrians, or may see their bicycles
and equipment fail. In such instances death can occur. Of course loved ones can
choose to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in scenarios where death occurred as
a result of negligence or reckless behavior. Litigation can help bring closure
and help them pay for funeral costs etc.
It's important for all cyclists, casual riders, and stunt
men and women to take great care when riding their bicycle. Proper protective
gear should not only be worn at all times but should routinely be checked for
cracks, breaks, and other faults that could cause them to fail. Much like
driving a car, riding a bicycle should only be done when one is alert, well
rested, and sober. Rider must not only look out for themselves but for motorists,
walkers, joggers, children, and other riders too.
