Posted in Wisconsin Workers Compensation Related News
Bicycle riders get hit by car drivers all too often. Every day drivers get on the road and are rushing to work, distracted by their phones from incoming texts and calls, or are simply not watching out for others on the road. Bicyclists can suffer the physical, emotional and financial repercussions of a driver’s negligence. A bicyclist must watch out for drivers that are speeding around corners, changing lanes without looking, or otherwise driving without regard for safety. Getting struck by a car can be one of the worst and most painful things a rider may go through.
In the article below, we have provided information in a question and answer format about common bicycle accident injuries, what to do if you get hit, and why you may want to seek the assistance of an attorney, like a bicycle accident lawyer relies on. It is important that a bicyclist understands his or her rights if an accident were to happen.
What are the most common injuries for a bicyclist who has been hit by a car?
The majority of bicyclists who are hit by a car end up with moderate to severe injuries. It is rare for a bicyclist to walk away with no injuries at all. The most common injuries a rider may endure include the following:
- Road rash
- Shattered knee cap
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Sprained or broken ankles, wrists
- Cuts & bruises
- Facial injuries
- Fractured skull
- Brain injuries
- Back & neck injuries
- Shoulder dislocation
- Jaw fractures
- Ruptured discs
- Neurological damage
- Spinal injuries
- Nerve damage
- Emotional difficulties
Is seeking medical attention always necessary?
It is recommended that any person who has been hit by a car should seek medical attention right away, even if they believe they feel okay at the time. It is possible that a bicyclist has sustained injuries that are not yet outwardly visible. For example, if a rider has a traumatic brain injury, there could be internal brain swelling or bleeding without the bicyclist even knowing. Such inflammation can be life-threatening if not attended to immediately. It is better to be safe and get examined by a doctor right away, than to realize later an injury has grown in severity due to not getting treatment soon enough.
When should a bicyclist seek the help of an attorney?
If injuries require medical attention from a doctor, a bicyclist may want to consider consulting with an attorney about legal options. A bicyclist may be able to sue the driver at-fault for financial compensation, including medical costs, bike damage and missing time at work for recovery. An attorney can help the bicyclist decide whether this is the right choice to pursue.
What can a bicyclist do to prepare for an appointment with an attorney?
A rider should gather and bring along all paperwork related to the accident. Useful documents can include copies of medical bills, out of pocket expenses, diagnostics, prescriptions, incident reports, photographs and witness contacts. The more information a bicyclist has about the accident and subsequent injuries, the better. If in doubt, bring anything that may be helpful and an attorney can decide what is influential to the lawsuit.
