Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents in Rolla

Despite being designated as a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community, accidents still occur in Rolla. Whether a vehicle driver is negligent or a bicyclist makes an error, the effects of a bike wreck can be deadly.

At AW Smith Law, we want you to know you have legal options if you or someone you love was involved in a bicycle accident. Our bike wreck attorneys understand the common injuries from bicycle accidents in Rolla and would like to help you seek compensation for your losses.

What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents?

Every bicycle accident is unique, and many factors may contribute to its cause. Because Missouri is an at-fault state, the cause of an accident may affect what compensation is available to those injured. Some possible bicycle accident causes include:

• Driver negligence, such as failure to yield, distracted driving, speeding, driving while intoxicated, and making unsafe lane changes
• Cyclist errors, including riding against traffic, failing to ride safely, riding on sidewalks, and not wearing protective gear
• Riding in unsafe conditions, such as inclement weather, when visibility is not good, or driving on roads with road hazards

Bicycle accidents can sometimes be traced back to a manufacturing defect. To avoid accidents, a bicycle rider should check their bike often for possible issues, ride only on designated bike paths, and know how traffic laws apply to them. Taking these safety precautions can help Rolla riders avoid the common injuries associated with bike wrecks.

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

When involved in an accident, bike riders can suffer extreme injuries. Recovery times vary, and some injuries may heal quickly while others take weeks, months, or years. Others may never fully heal.

Most injuries resulting from bicycle accidents in Rolla occur due to the impact of a fall or from hitting another object. Therefore, the most common injuries are:

• Road rash and other scrapes and bruises
• Fractures or broken bones
• Concussions or head injuries
• Crush injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage

Unfortunately, some bike accidents are fatal. The risk of serious injury increases if the bicycle rider is involved in an accident with another vehicle.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident?

Knowing what to do after a bicycle accident can save your life and help you build a claim against the at-fault party. Those involved in a wreck should prioritize their safety by moving out of the road, calling 911 to report the accident, and getting checked by emergency crews.

Beyond this, injured individuals should:

• Preserve photographs or videos of the accident scene
• Gather contact information from witnesses and others involved in the accident
• Avoid talking directly with the other party’s insurance agent or giving statements that could indicate fault to the police

The less you admit fault, the better. In Rolla, admitting fault could lower the compensation available to you if you proceed with a claim.

Contact a Rolla Attorney to Learn More About Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

There is a lot to process immediately after an accident. The skilled legal team at AW Smith Law could help you get the answers you need about what happens next. We offer free consultations and work with many clients on a contingency basis.

Contact us today to take advantage of our knowledge regarding common injuries from bicycle accidents in Rolla. We could help you seek compensation from those at fault for your injuries.