There are many reasons why a bicycle accident can occur. Some of them are rear end collisions, left cross collisions, and even musculoskeletal trauma. Whether you are the driver or a passenger, there are steps you can take to avoid a bike crash. Similarly, you can also learn how to recover damages.
Left cross collisions
One of the most common types of bike crashes are left cross collisions. They occur when a motorist makes a left turn in front of a cyclist. Usually, the driver of the car is at fault. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to avoid being hit by a left turning vehicle.
First, you should ride with traffic. If you’re riding on a sidewalk, it’s unlikely that a left-turning motorist will see you. However, you should still pay attention to your surroundings and check for traffic signals. This will allow you to be ready to give way to oncoming traffic, so you don’t risk getting hit from behind.
Another tip is to practice evasive maneuvers. In the event that you are struck, you will need to be prepared to slow down or change direction quickly to avoid being mangled.
Rear end collisions
Rear end collisions in bike accidents can be very serious. You can be seriously hurt and the injuries can be debilitating. The damage may include broken bones, internal bleeding, and a traumatic brain injury.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over two million rear end collisions occur annually on American roads. These crashes can cause a variety of injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and a spinal cord injury.
Generally, the driver of the leading vehicle in a rear-end crash is at fault. However, the law allows for some comparative negligence. This means that if you are injured in a rear-end motorcycle accident, you may be able to get some compensation.
Most rear-end motorcycle accidents occur at stoplights or intersections. This is because the car in front is usually unable to see the bike in the rear.
Facial injuries
When someone is involved in a bicycle accident, there are a number of different facial injuries that may occur. These include lacerations, fractures, and abrasions. While some of these can be treated at home, other facial injuries require immediate medical attention.
One of the more common types of facial injuries is a broken nose. This can cause great pain and breathing problems. It can also lead to sinus issues. The bones in the nose are not as strong as those in other parts of the body, so they can break easily.
Another common type of facial injury is a broken eye socket. Orbital fractures can affect a person’s ability to see. Also, people may report losing their sense of smell.
Some other common facial injuries are teeth knocked out or fractured. People may need reconstructive surgery, which can be costly.
Musculoskeletal trauma
If you’ve experienced a bike accident, you might be experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain. This type of injury can be very complicated to treat. It’s important to have it investigated as soon as possible to get the right treatment.
Bicycle crashes can cause significant facial injuries, broken hands, wrists, and legs. If you’re a biker who’s hit on the side, you might also suffer a dislocated shoulder. As part of the treatment process, your physician might suggest adjustments to your bike components to allow you to move it properly.
Musculoskeletal trauma is an incredibly common injury. Over 10 million people suffer from musculoskeletal injuries every year. The number is expected to increase in coming decades. However, despite the prevalence of musculoskeletal trauma, the health-care system in many developing countries lacks the resources to treat them.
Recovering damages
If you have been injured in a bike accident, it is important to understand your rights. An experienced bike accident attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure that you are properly compensated for your injuries.
Insurance companies will try to minimize the value of your claim, so don’t accept their first offer. Instead, allow a lawyer to calculate the value of your damages for you.
The medical cost is the most obvious, but it’s not the only type of financial compensation you can receive. For instance, you may be able to recover damages for your lost income.
Pain and suffering is also a type of monetary compensation you can seek. This includes physical and emotional pain, as well as other long-term health impacts.
