How a traumatic brain injury may affect bicyclists

On Behalf of | Feb 17, 2023 | Uncategorized |

A reckless driver can change the life of any bicyclist – even the experienced ones. An assortment of injuries is possible, but one of the most severe is a traumatic brain injury.

And the odds of getting a traumatic brain injury – even while wearing a protective helmet — are fairly good if you have been in a bicycling accident. Such an injury may drastically change a person’s life and even prove fatal.

Nearly 60,000 such injuries treated annually at hospitals

According to the report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bicycling accounts for the highest number of hospital visits for traumatic brain injuries among all sport and recreation-related activities.

During the decade from 2009 to 2018, nearly 597,000 hospital emergency department visits occurred for bicycle-related traumatic brain injuries in the U.S, noted the CDC. That is nearly 60,000 per year. Such hospital visits were highest among adult males, and children and teens aged 10 to 14 during those years.

A 2016 study published by The American Journal of Surgery reviewed the cases of nearly 6,300 patients injured in bicycling accidents. The study noted that more than 52% suffered severe traumatic brain injuries. Also, bicyclists who wore helmets had 51% reduced odds of suffering a traumatic brain injury.

An assortment of medical complications surface

Many medical complications may surface after a traumatic brain injury. Ongoing symptoms may include emotional, cognitive and behavior problems. The injured even may have to relearn to walk, talk and function independently.

Among other long-term complications from a traumatic brain injury include:

  • Frequent headaches
  • Seizures
  • Vertigo
  • Loss of memory
  • Struggles with verbal communication
  • Personality change

While your chances of recovering from a traumatic brain injury are good, it may take a long time to restore your life.

You deserve compensation

It is not fair what happened to you while riding your bicycle. The negligence of a motor vehicle driver has left you with a life-changing traumatic brain injury. You deserve compensation the guidance of an experienced and empathetic personal injury attorney.