Bicycle accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to serious conditions requiring extensive medical treatment. Cyclists have relatively little physical protection when compared with people traveling inside cars and trucks, so a collision can have significant consequences.
In Sherman Oaks and throughout the San Fernando Valley, bicycle accidents can occur in bike lanes, at intersections, on shared roadways, and when vehicles fail to safely account for cyclists. Collisions may involve distracted drivers, turning vehicles, unsafe lane changes, or vehicles opening doors into a cyclist’s path.
Understanding common bicycle accident injuries can help injured cyclists recognize the importance of obtaining appropriate medical attention after a crash. If another person’s negligence contributed to the accident, an injured cyclist may also have legal options for pursuing compensation.
Lionsgate Law Group APC represents people injured in bicycle accidents in Sherman Oaks and the San Fernando Valley, including cases involving bike-lane and roadway collisions, dooring accidents, distracted drivers, and electric bicycles and scooters.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
A bicycle collision can affect almost any part of the body. The severity of an injury depends on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the point of impact, whether the cyclist was thrown from the bicycle, and whether the cyclist struck another vehicle, object, or the pavement.
Common injuries include the following.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are among the most serious potential consequences of a bicycle accident.
A cyclist may strike their head against the pavement, a vehicle, or another object during a collision. Injuries can range from a concussion to more serious traumatic brain injuries.
Possible symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, memory problems, and changes in concentration. Some symptoms may not be immediately obvious following an accident.
Anyone who experiences possible signs of a head injury should seek appropriate medical attention rather than assuming the injury is minor.
Why Medical Documentation Matters
Medical records can document the nature and severity of an injury and the treatment recommended by healthcare professionals.
If a bicycle accident later becomes the subject of an injury claim, medical documentation can also help establish the connection between the accident and the injuries being claimed.
Facial Injuries
Cyclists can suffer facial injuries when they fall onto pavement or collide with a vehicle or another object.
Possible injuries include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Facial abrasions
- Nose injuries
- Jaw fractures
- Cheekbone fractures
- Dental injuries
- Swelling and bruising
Some facial injuries may require treatment from specialists and can result in scarring or other lasting effects.
Photographs taken after the accident, together with medical records, may help document the extent of visible injuries.
Neck and Back Injuries
A bicycle accident can place significant stress on the neck and back.
A cyclist may suffer muscle strains and other soft-tissue injuries, while more serious crashes can result in fractures or spinal injuries.
Symptoms may include:
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Limited movement
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Persistent discomfort
Because some injuries can develop or become more noticeable after an accident, cyclists should not ignore continuing pain or other symptoms.
Upper-Body Injuries
Cyclists frequently use their arms and hands instinctively when trying to protect themselves during a fall.
As a result, an accident can cause injuries to the:
- Shoulders
- Arms
- Wrists
- Hands
- Elbows
These injuries may include fractures, dislocations, sprains, and ligament or tendon damage.
An injured cyclist may have difficulty performing ordinary activities if an arm, shoulder, or hand is affected. Depending on the injury, treatment may include immobilization, physical therapy, medication, or other medical care recommended by a healthcare professional.
Lower-Body Injuries
The legs, knees, ankles, and hips can also be injured in a bicycle collision.
A cyclist may be struck by a vehicle, become trapped between objects, or land awkwardly after being thrown from the bicycle.
Common lower-body injuries can include:
- Knee injuries
- Ankle injuries
- Hip injuries
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Muscle injuries
- Road rash and abrasions
Depending on the severity of the injury, these conditions can affect a person’s ability to walk, work, exercise, or perform normal daily activities.
Road Rash and Skin Injuries
Not every bicycle accident injury involves a fracture or internal injury.
When a cyclist slides across pavement, friction can remove layers of skin. This type of injury is commonly referred to as road rash.
Although some cases may be relatively minor, deeper abrasions can require medical treatment and may become infected or leave scars.
A cyclist should not assume that an injury is insignificant simply because there is no broken bone.
Injuries From Dooring Accidents
A dooring accident occurs when someone opens a parked vehicle’s door directly into the path of a cyclist.
The cyclist may strike the door, fall onto the pavement, or be forced into moving traffic while attempting to avoid the collision.
Dooring accidents can cause many of the injuries discussed above, including head injuries, fractures, shoulder injuries, and road rash.
Lionsgate Law Group’s Sherman Oaks bicycle accident practice specifically includes dooring accidents.
Injuries From Distracted-Driver Collisions
A driver who is distracted may fail to notice a cyclist before changing lanes, turning, entering a bicycle lane, or approaching an intersection.
A collision with a motor vehicle can cause serious injuries because of the difference in size and protection between a bicycle and a car or truck.
Lionsgate Law Group states that it handles bicycle accident cases involving distracted drivers and can investigate evidence, including phone records when appropriate, to determine whether driver distraction contributed to the collision.
What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident?
Getting appropriate medical attention should be a priority after a bicycle collision, particularly if you have suffered visible injuries or are experiencing pain, dizziness, confusion, or other concerning symptoms.
When it is safe to do so, you should also consider preserving information about the accident.
Document the Accident Scene
If your condition and surroundings allow, photograph:
- Your bicycle
- The vehicle involved
- Visible injuries
- Property damage
- Road conditions
- Bicycle-lane markings
- Traffic signs and signals
- Relevant surroundings
Do not place yourself in danger to obtain photographs.
Collect Contact Information
Obtain the driver’s name, contact information, insurance information, and vehicle details when possible.
If people witnessed the collision, their contact information may also be useful.
Keep Your Medical Records
Keep documentation relating to medical appointments, treatment, prescriptions, diagnostic testing, and other accident-related care.
These records can help establish the nature and extent of your injuries.
Be Careful With Insurance Communications
After a collision, an insurance company may contact you about the accident.
Avoid guessing about details you do not know or minimizing injuries simply because symptoms initially appear manageable. If the circumstances are complicated or your injuries are significant, consider discussing the claim with a bicycle accident attorney before accepting a settlement.
How a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Determining what caused a bicycle accident may require more than simply looking at the damage to the bicycle or vehicle.
An attorney can review available evidence and investigate questions such as:
- Where did the collision occur?
- Was the cyclist traveling in a bicycle lane?
- Was the driver turning or changing lanes?
- Was the driver distracted?
- Did a vehicle door open into the cyclist’s path?
- Were there witnesses?
- What injuries resulted from the accident?
- What medical treatment has been required?
- Are there potentially responsible parties other than the driver?
Lionsgate Law Group APC represents cyclists injured in Sherman Oaks and throughout the San Fernando Valley. According to the firm’s current bicycle accident service page, its cases include bike-lane and roadway collisions, dooring accidents, distracted-driver collisions, and accidents involving electric bikes and electric scooters.
The firm also states that it pursues compensation for losses that may include medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, depending on the circumstances of the claim.
Can You Recover Compensation for Bicycle Accident Injuries?
An injured cyclist may be able to pursue compensation when another party’s negligence caused the accident.
Potential losses can include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage, depending on the facts of the case and applicable California law.
The severity and duration of an injury can be important when evaluating the losses associated with an accident. For example, an injury requiring ongoing treatment may have different consequences from one that resolves after a short period.
Because every bicycle accident is different, the potential value and outcome of a claim cannot be determined from the injury alone.
Preventing Bicycle Accident Injuries
Cyclists cannot control the actions of every driver, but they can take reasonable precautions to reduce certain risks.
Wear Appropriate Safety Equipment
A properly fitted bicycle helmet can help protect the head during certain crashes. California also has specific helmet requirements for riders under 18 and certain electric bicycle riders.
Cyclists should make sure their helmet is properly fitted and secured.
Follow Traffic Laws
Cyclists generally have many of the same rights and responsibilities as drivers when riding on California roadways.
Obey traffic signals and stop signs, ride in accordance with applicable traffic laws, and use appropriate signals when turning or changing position.
Stay Visible
Use required bicycle lights and reflectors when riding at night. Wearing visible or reflective clothing can also make it easier for drivers to notice you.
Watch for Turning Vehicles
Pay close attention to vehicles approaching intersections and driveways. A vehicle turning across a cyclist’s path can create a sudden collision risk.
Watch for Opening Car Doors
When riding alongside parked vehicles, leave appropriate space when possible and remain alert for doors that may open unexpectedly.
When Should You Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Not every bicycle accident requires legal representation. However, speaking with an attorney may be useful when:
- You suffered serious or ongoing injuries.
- The driver disputes responsibility.
- An insurance company disputes your claim.
- You are unable to work because of the accident.
- You have substantial medical expenses.
- Multiple parties may be responsible.
- The collision involved a bicycle lane or roadway dispute.
- The accident involved a distracted driver.
- The accident involved a dooring collision.
- You are unsure what compensation may be available.
Getting legal advice early can also help you understand what evidence should be preserved and what deadlines may apply to your claim.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Sherman Oaks
Bicycle accident injuries can affect your health, employment, finances, and everyday life. The first priority after a collision should always be appropriate medical care and personal safety.
If another person’s negligence contributed to your accident, you may also have legal options for seeking compensation for your losses.
Lionsgate Law Group APC represents bicycle accident victims in Sherman Oaks and throughout the San Fernando Valley. The firm’s practice includes bicycle accidents involving bike lanes and roadways, distracted drivers, dooring accidents, electric bicycles, and electric scooters.
The firm’s Sherman Oaks office is located at 15303 Ventura Blvd, Suite 1050, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. The current bicycle accident page lists 818-574-5494 as its telephone number and states that the firm offers a free case review.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, call Lionsgate Law Group at 818-574-5494 to discuss your case.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every bicycle accident case is different, and no particular result is guaranteed.
