Most Common Injuries for Cyclists in Brooklyn

Cyclists are vulnerable to various injuries in Brooklyn. However, some of these injuries are more common than others. Regardless of your specific bicycle injury, you should be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses and missed earnings. If someone else caused your crash and you suffered serious injuries, you may also recover compensation for emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages. Continue this conversation with a bicycle accident lawyer in Brooklyn for more information.

Injuries to the Upper and Lower Extremities 

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) states that most bicycle injuries affect the lower and upper extremities. In other words, these injuries affect the arms and legs. Most of these injuries are “superficial,” involving abrasions, contusions, and lacerations. One might also describe these injuries as scrapes and bruises.

Road rash (friction burn) is perhaps the most serious type of abrasion a cyclist might suffer. These injuries occur when cyclists skid across the road. The friction of this skidding motion tears or “burns” away layers of skin, sometimes all the way to the bone.

Fractures to the upper and lower extremities are also relatively common. A cyclist might break their fingers, wrist, arms, legs, or ankles after falling from their bike.

The Most Dangerous Bicycle Injuries Affect the Head

The AAFP notes that although injuries to the upper and lower extremities are most common, injuries to the head have the highest chance of causing fatalities. These head injuries are also relatively common, and up to 47% of all injured cyclists complain about head trauma. Head injuries are responsible for 60% of all injuries and permanent disabilities among cyclists. Often, these head injuries are caused by collisions with vehicles.

Off-Road Cyclists Are Much Less Vulnerable to Head Injuries

An interesting statistic is the fact that off-road cyclists are much less likely to suffer head injuries. These mountain-bikers and trail-riders often wear full-face, “motocross-style” helmets that offer much more protection than average bicycle helmets.

However, this only partially explains the lower risk of head injury among off-road cyclists. The real reason is simple: These cyclists are not sharing the road with motor vehicles. The most severe head injuries are caused by collisions with motor vehicles, and these vehicles are often operated by negligent individuals.

Key Takeaways

• Serious injuries are common for cyclists in Brooklyn
• Common bicycle injuries include head injuries, fractures, and death
• Bicycle injuries can lead to personal injury lawsuits in Brooklyn

Can a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn Help Me?

Regardless of which injury you’re dealing with, a bicycle accident attorney in Brooklyn may be able to help after a crash. These legal professionals understand how life-altering bicycle accidents can be, and they can help you hold negligent drivers accountable. Even if you caused your own crash, you should be able to recover compensation for medical bills and lost earnings. Learn more by contacting Cohan Law, PLLC today.

Source: 

aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2001/0515/p2007.html