Being involved in a bicycle accident can be extremely stressful, especially if you’ve sustained injuries. As more and more people move to North Texas, we have seen an unfortunate increase in the number of cycling accidents that take place. If you find yourself in this situation, it is imperative you know what to do in the immediate aftermath. Taking the appropriate steps to ensure you and anyone else involved follows the law is a must, as is seeking medical attention. One of the biggest mistakes bicycle accident victims make is failing to see a doctor, resulting in underlying injuries coming to the surface days, weeks, or even months after the incident. This is why it is so important to come into Premier Injury Clinics of DFW following a bicycle accident. Our experienced chiropractors and other medical professionals will provide you with a full evaluation and, if necessary, come up with a rehabilitation program that is right for you.
I’ve Been in a Cycling Accident – Now What?
Every single year nearly 1,000 bicyclists are killed in traffic accidents. Unfortunately, this number continues to rise for many different reasons. As you may expect, when an accident occurs between a cyclist and a motor vehicle, it is the cyclist that suffers the most. If you are involved in an accident as a cyclist, the first thing you should do is check yourself and others for injuries. If you have any noticeable injuries, be sure and seek immediate medical attention. However, even if you do not have any outward injuries, you should always get checked out by a medical professional.
This is because many of the most serious bicycle accident injuries cannot be seen by the naked eye or are masked by the adrenaline of the accident. Internal injuries are quite common with bicycle-car accidents, as are injuries to the spine, neck, and back. Fortunately, a chiropractor can help treat these common injuries, as long as you do not ignore your symptoms.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
The majority of bicycle accidents that result in injuries involve a motor vehicle, but other common causes include falling, a roadway or walkway that is in poor condition, and rider error or distraction. Let’s now take a look at the most common injuries that occur following a bicycle accident:
● Fractured clavicle
● Broken leg
● Strained muscle (such as hamstrings, knee muscles, or back muscles)
● Fractured hand
● Brain injury
● Head and neck injuries
● Nerve damage
● Joint damage or dislocation
● Dental and jaw injuries
● Paralysis
● Spinal cord injury
● Disc bulge or ruptured disc
● Neurological damage
Many of these injuries are obvious right away, while others are less clear and may present with various symptoms. We cannot reiterate how important it is for you to seek medical attention for ALL injuries, both those that are clear in the immediate aftermath and those that show up later.
Bicycle Safety Tips
To avoid the serious injuries that can occur following a cycling accident, consider the following safety tips:
● Always wear your helmet, regardless of whether you are riding on neighborhood streets or busy highways
● Pay attention to your environment as you ride (It is estimated that more than 80% of all bike accidents can be avoided by doing so)
● Make sure you are visible from all sides
● Use your hand signals
● Obey the same rules of the road as motorists
● Do not ride recklessly
● Wear bright-colored clothing
● Adopt a “share the road” attitude
● Always use lights at night
● Ride in the same direction as traffic
If you have been involved in a cycling accident, please contact Premier Injury Clinics of DFW today and schedule an appointment. Whether you have a muscle injury from the accident or a more serious injury to your spine, back, or neck, we can help.
