Los Angeles is a city built for cars, but many residents are discovering the joys of cycling. The city has 7.6 million registered cars, nearly 6 million parking spots, and 650 miles of freeway, yet cyclists still find a way.
The bustling streets of Los Angeles are a breeding ground for bicycle accidents, frequently caused by motorists who are not paying attention. The situation is worsened by the negligence of motorists and the presence of motorcyclists who ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Urban spots with heavy traffic and inadequate cyclist facilities pose a greater risk of serious injuries.
If you are an accident victim, contact reputed law firms like Wilshire Law Firm bicycle accident lawyers to recover the damages you have suffered. Let us see some of the severe injuries bicyclists are susceptible to.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Before we look at the serious injuries bicyclists are vulnerable to, let us first see what causes the accidents. Here are the common causes:
- There are no bike lanes in most parts of Los Angeles
- Failing to wear a bike helmet
- Cycling under the influence
- Overspeeding
- Mechanical failure of the bicycle
- Roadway hazards like loose gravel, potholes, or poor roadway maintenance
- Inexperience riding on public roadways
- Negligent motorists
Now, let us talk about the severe injuries.
Common Injuries
Some common injuries that most bicyclists experience include:
Spinal Cord Injury
The spine is a very important part of the human body, and if it is injured while riding a motorcycle, it can cause several complications, such as:
- Damage to the nerves
- Fractures
- Disk injury
You can never be too safe while cycling, as it is risky, especially on the highway. The leading cause of the injury is the force of the hit with the ground or curb, not the vehicle itself. You can lessen the impact of head injuries by buying a helmet that is fitting and of good quality.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do regarding a spinal cord injury, regardless of the protective gear they use. The injury causes long-term effects on the victim, and their lives are never the same again. Common signs that will indicate the spinal cord is injured include:
- Inability to move a body part, such as the leg.
- Breathing complications.
- Excess pain.
Most spinal cord injuries are fatal. According to research, males are more likely to suffer from spinal cord injuries than females. A bicycle accident lawyer is crucial, as they will negotiate the compensation terms on your behalf.
Injury to the Head/ Concussions
Head injuries are the main cause of death due to bicycle accidents. If the skull, brain, or scalp is affected, it is categorized as a head injury. These head injuries are the major causes of disability and death.
The impact of the injury will vary from mild to moderate to severe. A mild head injury shall consist of the following:
- A bruise
- A bump
- A small cut
Moderate to severe injuries include:
- Deep cuts
- Concussions
- Broken skull
- Open wounds
- Brain damage
- Internal hemorrhage
If the injury to the head causes you to be unconscious, we term that a concussion. Some neurological symptoms that might appear after a concussion include
- Light sensitivity
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Memory issues
There are times when a bicycle accident victim develops blood clots. Because of the severity of this injury, one should consult a qualified lawyer in this sector to get maximum compensation and medical attention.
Victims are also vulnerable to facial injuries like dislocated jaws, dental injuries, eye injuries, and broken noses.
Conclusion
Bicyclists are prone to serious injuries while cycling on the busy streets of Los Angeles. This is especially true if they are not wearing protective gear. You must consult a bicycle accident lawyer who will fight for your rights and ensure the defendant pays for the medical costs and any other damages you have suffered.
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