Stay Alert on the Road: The Most Common Injuries in a Bicycle Accident

Bicycle accident injuries, or crashes, happen more often than you might think in Florida. According to the FLHSMV there have been 8395 bicycle crashes during 2024, with 7893 people injured. Bicycle accidents can leave a wide range of injuries since the victims are virtually more vulnerable on the road than vehicle drivers.

Bicycle accident injuries span from minor skin abrasions to severe, life-altering injuries. For most cyclists, an injury is a temporary setback. After a period of healing, they bravely mount their bicycles again, ready to conquer the road. Unfortunately, this isn't the reality for every cyclist. Many endure catastrophic injuries, forever changing their lives.

Here at Injury Rely, our concern is to connect you with dedicated healthcare professionals who will help you in your recovery process right after a Bicycle Accident in Florida. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the common injuries that cyclists suffer from a crash. 

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

1. Head Injuries

Head injuries are a common cause of most bicycle accident fatalities. This is one of the main reasons why using a helmet is recommended since the head is one of the most vulnerable (and delicate) parts of the body prone to suffering a concussion during an accident.

A head injury is a broad term used to describe a wide variety of injuries to a person's skull or brain. Sometimes, we use the term “head injury” to refer to severe injuries like brain injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Head injuries are one of the most common causes of fatality due to the seriousness of the injury. Concussions to the head are also prevalent, causing loss of consciousness for a few minutes or even a few hours. 

While people riding bicycles are at risk of suffering head injuries, bicyclists and motorcyclists are more likely to require a visit to the doctor to discard the presence of a possible 

2. Spinal Cord Injuries

Direct damage to the spine may lead to Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI). These injuries often cause permanent changes to a person's life, permanently affecting their strength, sensation, and body function. 

SCI injuries are less common. Cyclists are often vulnerable to this injury but are less likely to have an impact that can lead to an SCI, especially when a motorcycle crash is involved. In most cases, the spine injury is not caused by the vehicle's impact but by the cyclist's impact against the road. 

Unfortunately, there is no protection against damage to the spine. That is why it is so important to be alert while riding a bicycle on cyclists' roads. Prevention is critical to maintaining considerable damage to the body. 

3. Facial Injuries:

Facial injuries are common when careless motorists crash with a cyclist. The direct impact of the cyclist´s face against the pavement can lead to facial cuts, bruises and even fractures to the bones of the face. 

Common facial injuries that bicycle riders suffer are:

• Broken noses: The noses are very likely to be fractured after a bicycle accident. A broken nose can cause breathing problems, sinus issues, and sleep apnea.
• Broken or dislocated jaws:  The jawbone is also prone to fracture or dislocation during a bicycle accident. A broken jaw may require weeks for optimal recovery.
• Eye injuries:  A bicycle crash can lead to eye trauma and loss of eyesight if the damage is severe.
• Dental injuries: Teeth can be injured in a bicycle crash. Dental work is required in these cases, which can be permanent or semi-permanent, with implants required.

Fortunately, bicycle helmets can reduce most facial injuries in cyclists. A good and reliable helmet absorbs most of the impact, reducing the risk of suffering from both facial damage and TBI. 

4. Broken Bones

Cyclists have exposed body parts that are vulnerable to impact injuries due to the nature of the activity; several bones can be fractured or broken depending on the seriousness of the accident. 

These are some of the bones more likely to be broken during a bicycle accident: 

• Collarbones:  Ccollarbone or clavicle fracture may be affected if the cyclist exposes this zone during the accident. Fortunately, treatment options range from immobilization in a sling to surgery. 
• Hands, wrists, and fingers: These bones are more delicate than you thought and can be broken if a cyclist falls off the bicycle and tries to avoid the impact using their hands. 
• Hips and pelvises: Bicycle accident victims can suffer a broken hip or pelvis if they are heavily struck by a car or experience a hard landing against the road. Thigh bones like the femur can also be affected during the accident.

Arms, feet and ankles: A fall from a bicycle can cause a fracture in one of the arm´s principal bones: the humerus, ulna, or radius. On the other hand, cyclists' feet are vulnerable to a bicycle crash. It is important to keep in mind that a cyclist's feet are vulnerable due to often being strapped or clipped onto the pedals, resulting in these parts of the body being injured during the accident. 

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Most of these injuries can be prevented if the cyclist is alert during their trip. It is not unusual for bicycle riders to break an arm, leg, or other bone during a crash. If you experience any damage, be it light or severe, while riding a bicycle, seek medical attention right after the accident to prevent further complications. If you or a loved one has been injured during a bicycle accident in Florida, contact us now to get the most efficient medical aid possible.