Northern California Lawyers for Facial and Dental Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

When a bicyclist is involved in an accident, the risk of injury is incredibly high. Injuries to areas such as the head can certainly be reduced when the cyclist wears a helmet, but the rest of the body remains susceptible to serious harm. Because of the size and weight differences between an automobile and a person on a bike, life-altering bodily injury is possible regardless of the speed at which the collision occurs.

One area that is at a particularly high risk of injury is the face. It is not uncommon for bicyclists to fly over their own bike’s handlebars during a collision or when they encounter a defective road condition. Even if the bicyclist attempts to break the impact with their hands or arms, there is a risk that their face may still strike another vehicle, the pavement, or another stationary object.

If you have received facial or dental injuries in a bike accident that wasn’t your fault, we can help. The experienced Northern California bicycle accident lawyers of Tiemann Law Firm will work to help you recover the compensation you deserve for the losses you have suffered. Call us today at (916) 999-9000 or contact us online for a free consultation and learn about your legal options.

Possible Facial Injuries in a Bicycle Accident

The bones of the face are fragile. When the face endures a traumatic impact, the result can be extensive damage to areas such as:

Jaw – The mandible bone (lower jaw) is unprotected by a helmet. The mandible can suffer a painful fracture or dislocation in a bicycle crash.
Teeth – A bicycle accident has the potential to result in chipped, fractured, or displaced teeth. Teeth can be damaged as an independent consequence of the crash or along with a severe jaw injury.
Nose – Because the nose protrudes from a person’s face, nasal damage is one of the most common facial injuries from bicycle accidents. A broken or injured nose can result in immense amounts of pain, sinus damage, and obstructed breathing passageways.
Eyes – The orbit bones around a cyclist’s eyes can be fractured in an accident, leading to significant pain and damage to nerves around the eyes. Furthermore, if a foreign object or a broken bone penetrates the eye, the cyclist might permanently lose vision.
Cheekbones – Cheekbones are also at risk of fracture in a bicycle accident. Along with fractures to the orbits of the eyes, these injuries may require wires, screws, or plates to help the facial bones re-join and heal properly.
Skin – The skin of the face may suffer scratches, lacerations, and burns that may lead to infection if left untreated. Furthermore, these injuries may lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement.

These injuries can also require numerous reconstructive surgeries, which can be both painful and expensive. Furthermore, even successful surgery may not restore the person’s facial features to what they were before the accident occurred. This can lead to mental health issues such as depression and social anxiety.

Bicycle Accident Facial Injury Statistics

A scientific study that analyzed facial injury patterns stemming from bicycle accidents found that:

Nearly half of bicycle accident-related facial injuries involved facial fractures
The most common dental injuries involved teeth being knocked out of the mouth entirely
Young men are the most likely demographic to receive facial injuries in bicycle accidents

You must seek medical attention as soon as possible after receiving facial or dental injuries in a bicycle accident. Getting treatment quickly will not only improve your chances of recovering from your injuries, but it will also strengthen your compensation claim. If you walked away from a bicycle accident in which your face or teeth were injured and did not see a medical professional immediately, contact Tiemann Law Firm for advice on what steps to take to protect your claim.

Compensation for Facial and Dental Injuries after a Bicycle Accident

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you might be able to recover compensation for expenses such as:

Medical bills, including reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, assistive medical devices, and prescription drugs
Lost wages
Lost earning capacity
Expenses related to household chores, childcare, and other necessary services if you are unable to perform them
Damage to personal property

You may also be eligible to recover compensation for non-economic losses. These losses may include:

Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Emotional distress
Physical impairment or disability

If you file a lawsuit, you may be eligible to recover exemplary damages. This type of financial award is intended to punish the defendant for actions involving oppression, fraud, or malice.

Statute of Limitations in California Bike Accidents

The statute of limitations for bicycle accidents in California allows a two-year timeframe to file a claim. If you wish to pursue compensation in court, you must initiate the lawsuit against the at-fault party within two years of the date of the accident.

Speak to an Experienced Northern California Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

The personal injury lawyers at Tiemann Law Firm have dedicated themselves to fighting on behalf of injured individuals since 1998. In that time, we have developed a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and financial strain that injury victims experience. We recognize the degree to which facial and dental injuries can upend your entire life, destroy your self-confidence, and put you in fear of financial ruin.

When you hire us, we commit to providing you with the individualized attention and service you deserve. We know the strategies required to represent our clients successfully, and you can rest assured that we are fighting for full and fair compensation for you at every step.

If you have suffered facial or dental injuries in a bicycle accident due to another party’s negligence, call us today at (916) 999-9000 or contact us online for a free consultation and find out your legal options.