Cyclist riding down the street

Common Injuries Sustained After a Bicycle Accident

By Jose Ceja
Managing Attorney

Bicycles are a great mode of both exercise and transportation. They’re also great for the environment. However, they don’t come without their own inherent risk. When you are involved in a bicycle accident, it can result in serious or even life-threatening injuries. Here are common injuries sustained after a bicycle accident.  

1. Road Rash 

One of the most common injuries that occurs from a bicycle accident is road rash. Road rash happens when a bicyclist is thrown from their bike onto a hard surface for an extended period of time, with the friction causing an abrasion to your skin. Those with road rash can experience scrapes, cuts, and bruising. While road rash will usually go away without lasting injuries, it can be extremely painful and take a long time to heal. 

2. Soft Tissue Injuries

The force of being thrown from your bike and/or colliding with a hard surface often causes a variety of soft tissue injuries, such as muscle sprains, muscle strains, and bruises. Soft tissue injuries can also be very painful and make full mobility difficult for a period of time – until it finally heals. 

3. Fractures and Broken Bones

If the cyclist collides with a hard surface with enough force or at the right angle, it can result in fractures and broken bones. This commonly occurs in the legs, feet, arms, and hands. These broken bones can require serious medical treatment, including surgical intervention and physical and/or occupational therapy. 

4. Head Injuries

One of the most serious common injuries that occurs after a bicycle accident is a head injury. These traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can vastly range in severity from minor concussions to catastrophic head trauma resulting in permanent cognitive impairment or even death. 

5. Spinal Cord Injuries

Another very serious common injury that occurs from bicycle accidents is a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries can cause long-term or permanent physical limitations, such as paralysis. 

Since bicycle accidents aren’t rare and they can be very serious, it’s imperative that every bicyclist wears a helmet and other protective wear so that they can minimize the risk or severity of injuries. Additionally, bicyclists should always be aware of their surroundings and wear reflective clothing at night – unless nighttime rides can be avoided.

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine. Injuries can often take days or even weeks to present with symptoms. By getting yourself checked out, you can ensure that you aren’t injured and can establish a medical record should you turn out to be. 

The Attorneys at Ceja Law Firm Help Those in Houston Who Have Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident

If you were injured in a bicycle accident due to the recklessness or negligence of another, it’s vital that you understand what you are entitled under the law. With this information under your belt, you can make the important decisions regarding how you want to move forward. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced Texas personal injury attorney.

At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we understand the impact that an accident can have on many parts of your life and the importance of properly dealing with such negligence or recklessness. That’s why we will work to get you the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!

About the Author
Jose Ceja is the managing attorney of Ceja Law Firm. He has practiced law since 2007 and has devoted his career to the practice of criminal law. Mr. Ceja began his legal career as a felony drug prosecutor, where he prosecuted drug, gang, and violent offenses. Now in his career as a defense attorney, he regularly obtains dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and grand jury “no bills” in a wide variety of cases for his clients.