Bicyclists face serious dangers when they are on the road. California is one of the busiest states in terms of car traffic. There are several cars, commercial trucks, buses, and other vehicles on the road, and they often fail to see bicyclists. This is especially true during dawn and dusk when visibility is low.

While vehicle occupants are well protected by airbags, seatbelts, and large vehicles, bicyclists are much more vulnerable. They rely solely on a helmet to protect their head. It’s no surprise that a bicycle accident, similar to a pedestrian accident, can lead to serious and sometimes fatal injuries.

Common Injuries

There are several types of injuries that can happen from a bicycle accident. Some of the most commonly reported injuries include:

• Head injuries.

  Head injuries are a pretty broad term. They can include concussions, fractured skull bones, brain damage, internal bleeding, deep cuts, or open wounds. These are the most serious types of injuries, and they can have lifelong consequences.

  Neurological symptoms, including headaches, vertigo, dizziness, sensitivity to light, and memory loss, could be signs of post-concussive syndrome. Intracranial hematomas are blood clots in the brain that can be caused by a substantial blow to the head. Bicyclists should always wear helmets to reduce their chances of a major head injury during a crash.

• Spinal cord injuries.

  These could be fractures to the spinal cord, damage to the disks, or nerve damage. These injuries can often lead to permanent consequences. They can reduce an individual’s strength, sensation, and bodily function. Sadly, bicyclists are very vulnerable to these injuries and have little protection available. While a helmet can protect against some head injuries, there isn’t much protection against a spinal injury. These devastating injuries could lead to physical, emotional, and mental trauma for victims. In some cases, the injury is so substantial that it leads to paralysis or death.

• Facial injuries.

  Depending on how the impact occurs, it can cause the victim to strike their face against the pavement, bicycle, vehicle, or other object. They could suffer cuts, bruises, and fractures to the face. Facial injuries can be:

  • Broken or dislocated jaw. The jawbone is susceptible to dislocation or fracture during an accident. It may need to be wired shut for weeks to allow for healing, permitting the victim to only consume liquids.
  • Eye injury. Eye trauma and even the loss of eyesight are very possible in a bicycle accident.
  • Broken nose. This can be painful and cause disfigurement, sinus issues, sleep apnea, or trouble breathing. In severe cases, there could even be a loss of smell.
  • Dental injury. Teeth can be broken, chipped, or completely ripped out during an accident. Dental work can be painful and very costly. Implants and veneers may be needed.
• Broken bones.

  A bicyclist’s body parts are exposed and vulnerable to injuries during an accident. Victims could suffer injuries to their:

  • Collarbone. If a victim tries to break their fall by extending their arm, it could cause their collarbone to break. These injuries are pretty common. Repairing a broken collarbone could require a sling or surgery to implant metal plates or screws.
  • Femurs. The femur is the largest bone in the body and often requires surgery to repair if broken. There can be post-surgery complications such as blood clots or infections.
  • Arms. There are three main bones in the arm that are susceptible to injury during a fall from a bike accident: the humerus, ulna, and radius.
  • Wrists, hands, or fingers. These are delicate bones that can break when victims try to break their fall with their hands.
  • Hips. Victims can suffer hip or pelvic injuries when struck by a vehicle at high speed.
  • Feet and ankles. Feet and ankles are especially susceptible to injury. There are several small bones in each foot. Any forceful and abrupt impact could lead to serious damage requiring surgery, treatment, and even amputation, especially if the bicyclist’s feet are secured to the pedals.

Causes of an Accident

Bicycle accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common reasons for accidents are:

• Speeding. Speeding can be on the part of the vehicle or the bicyclist. Bicycles cannot travel at the speed of cars, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be aware of their speed. It’s important for car drivers to always go the legal speed limit. It’s equally important for bicyclists to travel at a reasonable and safe speed. Going at dangerous speeds could cause serious injuries.
• Distracted driving or riding. Drivers need to remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times when on the road. This means refraining from looking at mobile devices, eating, or talking on the phone. This applies to drivers and bicyclists alike.
• Riding too close to the car lane. Drivers should leave enough room between their vehicle and the bicycle. The California Three Feet for Safety Act, AB-1371, requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of space when passing a bicycle that’s going in the same direction.
• Lane merging or intersection. Accidents commonly happen at intersections. These are dangerous spots where all drivers must remain diligent and aware. It’s important to use turn signals and obey stop signs to ensure safety.
• Sidewalks. Sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots are other places that tend to have high chances of accidents. Riders must be extra cautious when going through these areas. You should never assume a car will stop for you.
• Weather and other road conditions. Inclement weather, debris in the road, or other unsafe driving conditions could cause an accident. When it’s raining, storming, or you’re going through a poorly paved area, the chances of an accident are increased. You should avoid going out during poor weather if you can. If it cannot be avoided, you should be extra cautious.