Those who ride a bicycle as means of transportation, sport or leisure, should always be alert and wary of cars around them. At any time, a car driver may become distracted while behind the wheel and not notice you trying to make a turn or slow down to a halt. In the article here, we have answered common questions people may have about bicyclist injuries, seeking medical attention and pursuing legal action against the driver. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, always call 9-1-1 and request a medical evaluation. Injuries can be serious and may need immediate care.
What are common injuries a bicyclist may suffer from?
If a bicyclist was to get struck by a vehicle, a variety of very painful injuries may ensue. The faster the car was going, the more likely the rider may be to suffer life-threatening injuries. If you compare the hard outer shell of a vehicle versus the more fragile exterior of the human body, you can imagine just how critical the injuries can become. Some of the more serious and common cyclist injuries can include:
- Concussion
- Fractured skull
- Brain swelling and/or bleeding
- Broken ankles, wrists, elbow, hands
- Shattered knee cap
- Road rash
- Impalement from bicycle part
- Facial wounds
- Deep cuts & bruising
- Emotional trauma
- Neck & back injuries
- Dislocated shoulder
- Fractured pelvis
When should a bicyclist seek medical attention?
If a rider is ever hit by a car, he or she should always call for medical attention while at the scene. Even if you believe you feel fine enough at the time of the impact, hours later you could realize something more serious has occurred. It is important to exchange information with the driver just as you would if two vehicles got into a car accident. Never permit the driver to leave the scene without first getting their personal details, and a police officer has dealt with the situation accordingly.
Do drivers ever try to get away from the scene?
Sadly, some drivers may attempt to flee the scene of an accident if they were to hit a bicyclist. Their motivations behind wanting to get away are to escape the potentially expensive and long-term consequences of striking a bicyclist. If it appears that the driver is nervous, is looking around frequently and does not readily get out of their car, try to memorize the driver and license plate number then call the police immediately.
Can bicyclists sue to the driver who hit them for financial compensation?
Yes, if the car driver is at-fault for the accident happening, then the rider can pursue a civil lawsuit for compensation. When a person is injured, they not only accumulate medical costs but may also have to get their bike repaired, lose pay due to missing work for recovery, and more. If you are interested in finding out more about your legal options, it is recommended that you make an appointment with a Las Vegas bicycle attorney sooner rather than later.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Nadia Von Magdenko & Associates for their insight into bicycle accidents.
