Bicycle Accident Injuries – Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Help

Our lawyers fight for injured bicyclists in Chicago and throughout Illinois

The bicycle accident attorneys at Keating Law Offices, P.C. have handled many cases involving serious injuries. A crash can change your life in an instant. If you were injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you deserve financial compensation so you can get the medical treatment you need. We can help you get a settlement for your bicycle accident back and neck injury.

Your top priority after being involved in a crash is always your health. Always seek medical attention as soon as possible if you were in a bicycle accident, even if you seem to feel OK. You may be suffering from internal injuries that need to be treated. A medical professional can also document your injuries, which can help as you pursue your claim.

In 2015 the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) analyzed data and found that bicycle-related injuries increased by 28 percent from 1998 to 2013. During the same period, hospital admissions resulting from bicycle accidents increased by 120 percent. Most significantly, the percentage of bicycle injuries occurring on the street increased from 40 percent to 56 percent of overall bicycle accidents.

Some of the common injuries seen in bicycle accidents include:

Neck injuries

In an accident, a bicyclist traveling at a high rate of speed can either be hit directly or thrown over the front of the bicycle and onto the ground. The impact can cause serious injuries in the head and neck region, even if the bicyclist is wearing a helmet. These injuries can include damage to muscles and tendons in the neck, displaced or herniated discs, pinched nerves, and fractured discs.

Concussions or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

During a bicycle accident, a bicyclist’s head may be hit by a car or make contact with the ground. In some cases, the impact can cause a sudden jarring of the head. In either case, the brain can crash up against the skull, causing a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). While a helmet provides some protection, bicyclists may still experience dizziness, nausea, memory loss, trouble with balance and other symptoms.

Paralysis or nerve damage

Nerves connect different parts of the body to the brain. A bicycle accident can result in nerve damage. As a result, a bicyclist may have difficulty controlling arms, legs, fingers, hands or other parts of the body. The symptoms of nerve damage can include severe pain or sensitivity, a tingling sensation, loss of strength, speech difficulties and paralysis.

Dislocations or fractures

When a bicyclist is hit directly by a car or thrown onto the ground after losing control of their bicycle, the force of impact can cause tremendous damage. Bicyclists may suffer a dislocated shoulder, elbow, knee, hip, jaw or fingers. Other injuries can include a broken arm, leg, hip, wrist or collarbone, or fractured teeth.

Lacerations and contusions

Lacerations are deep cuts that break the outer skin and into the upper layer of body tissue. These are serious injuries that need to be treated promptly and may lead to disfigurement. Contusions, or bruises, are bleeding under the skin after an injury to muscle, bone or body tissue. They can be very painful and impact a person’s mobility in parts of the body.

Recovering financial compensation for your injuries following an accident can be complicated. Negligent parties deny responsibility and insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible. That is why you need an experienced bicycle accident attorney on your side. We know how to build strong cases that get results. We can help you get a settlement for your bicycle accident back and neck injury.

If you suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, learn more about how our law firm can help with your case. One of our bicycle accident attorneys can go over your legal options during a free consultation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.