Preventing the Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Head Injuries

Head injuries are often the most serious consequences of a bicycle accident. When a cyclist is thrown from their bike or struck by a vehicle, the impact can cause a concussion, fractured skull, or even a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries can have life-changing repercussions.

Wearing a helmet is the single most effective step you can take to protect yourself on a bicycle. Research shows that helmets drastically reduce the risk of head injury. While Minnesota does not require cyclists to wear helmets, the risks are simply too high to ignore.

PRO TIP: When choosing a helmet, look for one that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards. For added protection against rotational forces, consider a helmet with a multidirectional impact protection (MIPS) liner. Replace your helmet after any significant impact, even if there is no visible damage.

Facial Injuries

In a crash, a cyclist’s face is usually entirely exposed. When a rider goes down or is struck, the face can make direct contact with the pavement, handlebars, or another object. Common facial injuries include:

• Broken nose
• Fractured jaw
• Lost teeth
• Eye damage
• Lacerations that can cause permanent scarring

A standard helmet provides some protection for the upper and mid-face, but not much. For greater coverage, consider a full-face helmet or a helmet with a detachable face shield, especially if you ride at higher speeds. Cycling glasses or goggles also protect the eyes from debris.

Road Rash

Road rash happens when bare skin gets dragged across pavement, gravel, or other rough surfaces. Road rash is one of the most common bicycle injuries and can range from minor scrapes to serious injuries. Many cases are extremely painful, slow to heal, and prone to infection. In warmer months, when riders are more likely to wear shorts and short-sleeved shirts, the risk increases.

Because hands are often the first point of contact with the ground, wearing gloves on every ride is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself. Long sleeves and pants also reduce exposed skin. Padded cycling apparel made from abrasion-resistant materials will give you even more protection.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Fractures are extremely common in bicycle crashes. When a rider goes down, the instinct is to extend the arms to break the fall, which often leads to fractures of the wrists, forearms, and collarbones. In more severe collisions with vehicles, cyclists can also suffer broken ribs, legs, or pelvis injuries that require surgery and extended recovery.

Gloves and wrist guards offer some protection in lower-speed falls. Elbow and knee pads can reduce impact on joints. The most effective prevention, however, is defensive riding. Be sure to always:

• Maintain a safe distance from vehicles
• Remain alert
• Stay visible
• Avoid road hazards like potholes and gravel that can cause sudden loss of control

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and contusions. These injuries can also be caused just by riding.

Warming up before longer rides and wearing supportive footwear can help reduce the risk of common strains. Proper bike fit also matters, as an ill-fitting bike puts unnecessary stress on joints and soft tissue. The ankles, wrists, knees, and shoulders are the most likely places to be affected, so take note of any discomfort you feel there after an accident.

Spinal Injuries

A collision or hard fall can cause serious damage to the spine, including:

• Herniated discs
• Fractured vertebrae
• Nerve damage
• Paralysis (in severe cases)
  

These injuries are particularly serious because adrenaline can mask symptomsmask symptoms at the scene. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs after a crash are warning signs that should never be ignored.

Unlike head injuries, no protective gear can fully shield the spine from an impact. The best protection is avoiding the crashes most likely to cause spinal trauma. Try to:

• Ride defensively
• Choose routes with bike lanes where possible
• Maintain your bike to ensure reliable braking
• Never ride distracted
  

Staying alert and making smart choices gives you the best chance of avoiding a serious impact.

Internal Injuries

Like spinal injuries, internal injuries are not always visible or immediately apparent. High-impact collisions can cause internal bleeding as well as damage to the spleen, liver, or lungs. Being thrown into the handlebars can cause blunt abdominal trauma even in lower-speed crashes.

If you experience abdominal pain or swelling, chest pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, or dizziness after a crash, seek emergency medical attention right away. These can be signs of serious internal damage that will worsen without treatment.

Injured in a Bicycle Accident? SiebenCarey Can Help.

Even when you do everything right, accidents happen. If someone else caused your injuries, you may have grounds to seek compensation. Legal action can cover your medical bills as well as any lost income or pain and suffering you’ve experienced.

SiebenCarey has decades of experience representing injured cyclists in Minnesota. Contact us for a free case evaluation, and let us help you understand your options.