What Are Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents and How to Pursue Compensation?
Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation and recreation. It offers physical, economic, and environmental benefits. However, when bicyclists share the road with motor vehicles, accidents can occur, and the consequences can be catastrophic.
Cyclists face a much higher risk of serious injury or death, even in low-speed collisions, because they lack the protective features of cars, such as seatbelts, airbags, and a steel frame. Bicyclists are especially vulnerable in collisions due to the lack of physical protection compared to drivers in enclosed vehicles.
The aftermath of a crash can involve extensive medical treatment, time away from work, and emotional distress. Understanding the most common injuries in bicycle accidents and how to pursue compensation is critical for victims and their families seeking justice and financial recovery.
Here, we’ll discuss common injuries in bicycle accidents and how our personal injury attorneys at Palmer Law Group pursue compensation for clients in Topeka, Manhattan, and Lawrence, Kansas.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Before discussing injuries, it's helpful to understand how these accidents typically occur. Bicycle accidents are often caused by:
Driver negligence: Distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and driving under the influence frequently contribute to collisions.
Dooring incidents: When a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist.
Poor road conditions: Potholes, gravel, and a lack of bike lanes can create dangerous riding conditions.
Failure to obey traffic signals: Cyclists and drivers alike may cause accidents by ignoring stop signs or traffic lights.
Inadequate visibility: Low-light conditions, a lack of reflectors, and dark clothing can increase the risk of an accident.
While not all accidents are caused by motorists, they’re often at fault in vehicle-bicycle collisions. When negligence is involved, injured cyclists may be entitled to compensation under Kansas law.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Injuries sustained in bicycle accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering or even fatal injuries. Here are some of the most common types:
Head Injuries
Even with a helmet, cyclists are at risk of head trauma during a collision. Head injuries can include:
Concussions
Skull fractures
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
TBIs are particularly serious, as they may lead to long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and mood disorders. Victims with brain injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A blow to the back or neck can damage the spinal cord, potentially causing:
Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
Chronic pain
Reduced mobility or function
Spinal injuries are life-changing and may permanently affect a person’s independence, career, and quality of life.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Fractures are among the most common injuries in bicycle crashes, often involving:
Wrists and arms (from trying to break a fall)
Clavicles (collarbones)
Ribs
Legs or hips
While some broken bones heal with rest and immobilization, others may require surgery and physical therapy.
Road Rash
When cyclists are thrown from their bikes, they can slide along the pavement, causing skin abrasions known as road rash. These injuries can vary in severity:
Minor scrapes that heal quickly
Deep abrasions that may require skin grafts
Severe cases may also result in infections, scarring, or nerve damage.
Facial Injuries
Without the protection of a windshield or airbags, cyclists are prone to facial injuries in a crash, such as:
Broken noses or jaws
Dental injuries
Eye injuries
Facial lacerations and scarring
These injuries may require reconstructive surgery or lead to permanent disfigurement.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Ligament sprains, muscle strains, and tendon injuries are also common, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and knees. These injuries may seem minor at first but can cause lasting pain and reduce mobility.
Internal Injuries
Some of the most dangerous injuries are internal and not immediately apparent, such as:
Organ damage (e.g., liver, spleen, kidneys)
Internal bleeding
These injuries can be fatal if not treated promptly, which is why all bicycle accident victims should seek immediate medical attention—even if they feel fine.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Kansas
If you’re involved in a bicycle accident, taking the right steps afterward can significantly impact your health and your legal case.
Call 911: Always report the accident to law enforcement and request medical assistance if needed.
Get medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to be checked out by a healthcare professional.
Gather evidence: If you’re able, collect information from the driver, take photos of the accident scene, and note any witnesses.
File a police report: Make sure an official accident report is filed and get a copy for your records.
Avoid discussing fault: Don’t admit guilt or make statements that could be used against you later.
Consult a personal injury attorney: An experienced Kansas personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and work through the claims process.
Taking these steps helps protect your health and makes it easier to pursue compensation.
Pursuing Compensation After a Bicycle Accident
If another party’s negligence caused the accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Under Kansas law, there are several types of damages you can pursue.
Medical expenses you can seek compensation for include:
Emergency care
Hospital stays
Surgeries
Medications
Physical therapy
Ongoing or future medical treatments
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for:
Time missed from work
Loss of future earning potential
Reduced earning capacity due to disability
You may require compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident, such as:
Anxiety or depression
Loss of enjoyment of life
Chronic pain or discomfort
You may be reimbursed for damage to your bicycle and any other personal property, such as:
Helmet
Phone
Clothing
If a loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, certain family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Compensation may include:
Funeral expenses
Loss of companionship
Loss of financial support
Regardless of the type of compensation you seek following an accident, working with a qualified attorney is critical to improve your odds of a positive outcome.
Comparative Fault in Kansas Bicycle Accident Cases
Kansas follows the comparative fault rule. This means that if you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionally, according to the American Legislative Exchange Council.
For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault, your damages would be reduced by 20%. However, if you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages altogether.
An experienced attorney can help you contest unfair fault determinations and advocate for your best interests.
Why You Need a Kansas Personal Injury Lawyer
Dealing with the legal process after a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may try to minimize or deny your claim. A Kansas personal injury lawyer can help by:
Investigating the accident
Gathering medical records and other evidence
Identifying all responsible parties
Calculating the full value of your damages
Negotiating with insurance companies
Representing you in court if needed
Having strong legal representation greatly improves your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact Palmer Law Group Today
Bicycle accidents can result in serious, life-altering injuries that affect your health, finances, and future. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, our personal injury attorneys at Palmer Law Group are here to help you understand your legal options and fight for the justice you deserve. With offices in Topeka, Manhattan, and Lawrence, we serve clients across the state of Kansas.