Unfortunately, accidents involving bicyclist happen far too often. In urban areas like Los Angeles, bicycle accidents are even more common.  A study done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that 75 percent of all the fatal bicycle accidents that occurred in 2017 (the latest year with available data) happened in urban areas. The mix between heavy traffic and cyclists can truly lead to deadly accidents or accidents causing serious injuries.

When a bicyclist is hit by a car, it is truly frightening—most often times the cyclist suffers serious injuries, as the cyclist has little protection against the force of a vehicle. Even minor injuries caused by this type of accident can be very painful and take a long time to fully recover from. As such, if you are injured in a bicycle accident due to the fault of a driver, it is important to reach out to an experienced Los Angeles bike accident personal injury attorney who can help you get compensation for your injuries.

Three common injuries that occur when a bicyclist is involved in an accident include:

1. Road Rash: When a bicyclist is hit and falls to the ground, they are often subject to road rash. This is because there is no buffer between a cyclist and the ground and their skin is left exposed to the asphalt. Road rash is a rubbing off of the skin and abrasions and can result in skin damage that can be very painful. While road rash is generally a minor issue, it is important to make sure it is treated correctly and does not get infected as it could cause scarring. After a bicycle accident, it is always important to get even minor injuries checked by a doctor to be sure they don’t get more serious.

2. Breaks and Fractures: Breaks and fractures are another common injury in a bicycle accident. A collision with a car can make the cyclist fall or fly up onto the car. Hitting the hard surfaces of either asphalt or a vehicle can cause bones to break or fracture. This can occur in the legs if they are hit by the car or in the wrist or arms when victim uses their wrist and arms to brace their fall. A break or a fracture should be attended to by a physician and serious breaks could result in surgical treatment. Recovery from breaks or fractures can be lengthy.

3. Head Injuries: Unfortunately, head injuries are also very common in bicycle accidents and can be very serious. This is especially true if the bicyclist is not wearing a helmet. Although a helmet cannot guarantee there will be no injury in a bike accident, it can greatly reduce the risk of serious harm. When a cyclist suffers a head injury after being hit by the car, it is likely they will need immediate medical attention. A head injury can have significant consequences on a person’s life and as a result often means a long road to full recovery.

Anytime a cyclist is injured by a vehicle in an accident, it can put the victim through significant pain and suffering. Victim’s of bike accidents can be compensated for their injuries by bringing a personal injury claim against the party responsible. If you or a family member has been injured in a Los Angeles bicycle accident, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Walch Law can help. Our lawyers offer a free consultation to see how they can help you get the compensation you deserve for your bicycle accident injuries. Time is of the essence so get in touch with us today.