Biking is one of the most popular outdoor activities enjoyed by people in the US. Not only does it promote physical activity, but it also reduces traffic congestion and pollution. In major cities worldwide, people are taking to biking more and more to get some exercise and to reduce their carbon footprint and also pollution levels. The League of American Bicyclists declared several cities Bike Friendly communities, and St. Louis has ranked at the silver level. Although cycling is a safe activity, some accidents can cause severe health problems. Of the 62 bike accidents the city of St. Louis saw in 2020, 52 victims suffered severe injuries. In such cases, the victim must get help seeking compensation after a bike crash.
But that’s not where it ends, this blog post further discusses how bike accidents can lead to serious health issues.
The Risk of Head Injuries
Head injuries are among the most severe consequences of bike accidents. When cyclists fall from their bikes or collide with a vehicle or other object, they may suffer head injuries such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Concussions are caused by blunt force trauma to the head and result in temporary damage to brain function. Depending on the severity of the injury, concussion symptoms may last anywhere from several days to several months.
TBIs occur when there is an abrupt and violent movement of the head which causes damage to the brain tissue. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and cognitive difficulties, which can last for weeks or months.
To avoid these injuries, always ensure that you wear protective gear like helmets before embarking on your biking journey.
Broken Bones
Another common injury resulting from bike accidents is bone fractures. The bones most commonly fractured during a biking accident include wrists, arms, legs, pelvises, and collarbones, among others.
It’s essential to seek medical help if you suspect any fracture after an accident, as it provides sound records if you decide to claim insurance compensation for damage done after an accident. Casts and braces can be used to stabilize broken bones while they heal; however, severe fractures might require metal parts called pins that hold them together.
Spinal Injuries
Severe spinal cord injuries during bike accidents harm long-term mobility and overall health status despite aggressive surgical management methodologies being implemented within hours after this kind of incident.
Spinal cord injury occurs when there is a compression or direct impact on the spinal column, causing injuries to the nerves running along it. These types of accidents can lead to paralysis in certain parts of the body, permanent disability, and long-term medical complications.
Road Rash
Like the stinging scrapes that you get when your skin rubs against a rough pavement after a bike spill, road rash is a gnarly yet less severe injury that bikers may endure in accidents. Though it can leave you sore and shaken, it’s not as brutal as other wounds.
Typically starting as abrasions manifested by redness and scrapes caused when your skin rubs against the pavement at high speed, road rash might progress over time, turning into blisters that require special care to prevent infection. Apply first aid kits immediately for minor cases but report them quickly to your local healthcare provider in worst-case scenarios.
Preventing Bike Accidents
The surefire way of preventing bike accidents begins with following safety protocols like always wearing protective gear, including helmets, being aware of traffic rules, and staying visible—using hand signals where necessary—especially at night hours.
You must be aware of where you are riding as well. Biking during rush hour or using busy highways could put you at greater risk of collision with other vehicles, such as cars or trucks, thus putting yourself at greater risk before any accident even happens.
What To Do If You Get In A Bike Accident?
If an accident occurs while cycling, the first course of action is seeking medical attention regardless of whether there seems to be no apparent immediate damage visibly sustained. It’s best if police records are also taken depending on severity so that personal injury claims may have some background material that allows compensation for physical damages.
When filing those reports, keep it concise and stick to the facts. Do not provide unnecessary details to describe what went down; only provide essential information. As for the rest, only relay what the officers need to know. If things get legally tricky, reach out to a professional who can steer you through the insurance claim maze. They’ll have your back and help you navigate the process smoothly.
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, bike accidents can cause serious health troubles, ranging from head injuries to spinal cord damage. As with any outdoor activity, safety measures must be followed to minimize or eliminate the likelihood of accidents occurring. Ensuring that you wear protective gear and following traffic rules are a few ways of guaranteeing your well-being when cycling.