Due to their inherent vulnerability compared to motor vehicle passengers, bicyclists run a high risk of serious injury when they are involved in an accident. The sheer size and weight difference between an automobile and a person on a bike can mean that the consequences of a collision can be life-changing or even fatal for a cyclist. Among the types of injuries a cyclist can receive, head and neck injuries are some of the most devastating.
The Northern California bicycle accident lawyers of Tiemann Law Firm understand people’s physical, emotional, and financial pain after being struck on the road while on their bikes. The required recovery time from head and neck injuries can be substantial, and those who sustain these injuries are often prevented from working while they heal. In some cases, they may never be able to return to work at all.
The legal team at Tiemann Law Firm knows what it takes to seek the compensation you deserve for the losses that you have suffered. Our experienced attorneys are committed to helping people injured in accidents through no fault of their own. We will do everything we can to recover what you are owed and hold the responsible party accountable. Call us today at (916) 999-9000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
What Are Head and Neck Injuries?
During an accident, the head is among the most vulnerable parts of a cyclist’s body. Even though wearing a helmet can help, it is always possible that a traumatic collision or being struck by a flying object can cause brain injuries. These may range in severity from mild concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries. While mild concussions may not be life-threatening, any brain injury should be treated with the utmost seriousness and requires immediate medical attention.
The neck is also vulnerable in a bicycle accident, partly because a helmet does not offer it the same level of protection. The neck may suffer injuries at the same time as the head or independently. The injury could take the form of a herniated disc, which can happen when the spine undergoes a significant amount of force.
Neck injuries can also be spinal fractures in the cervical (neck) vertebrae. Sometimes, a broken vertebra may affect the spinal cord itself, leading to the possibility of paralysis. In some instances, the fractures to the delicate bones in the cervical spine can cause a rupture in blood vessels that lead to the brain, which can cause a potentially life-threatening lack of oxygen.
Symptoms of Head and Neck Injuries
If you suffer minor injuries to the head and neck in an accident, you might not notice immediately. The body releases high levels of adrenaline in shocking events such as accidents, which can often prevent you from feeling pain. Nevertheless, you must visit a medical professional as soon as possible because even seemingly minor injuries to the head or neck can progress into something more serious very quickly.
If you have already been in an accident but have not yet received medical care, you must do so upon noticing any of the following symptoms:
Head Injury Symptoms
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Blurred or abnormal vision
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss of the traumatic event
- Difficulty thinking
- Sleeping problems
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Difficulty controlling emotions
- Personality changes
Neck Injury Symptoms
- Mild to severe neck pain
- Stiffness of the neck
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Upper back pain
- Headache
- Instability of the neck
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both arms
Seeking treatment early can help you improve your chances of physical recovery and strengthen your accident claim. If you realize that you have been injured but did not seek medical help immediately, you must speak to an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you take the necessary steps to protect your claim.
Types of Compensation Available
After being injured in a bicycle accident that is not your fault, you may be eligible to claim compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can help you understand how much compensation you are eligible to claim in the unique circumstances of your case.
Economic losses are both objective and verifiable. They include:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Prescription and non-prescription drugs
- Therapy expenses
- Assistive medical devices (wheelchair, crutches, braces)
- Transportation and accommodation expenses if you need to travel to seek treatment
Non-economic losses are more subjective and can be more challenging to measure. These can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your bicycle accident attorney can help you determine the value of your non-economic claims by comparing your situation with amounts that have been awarded in similar cases.
Do I Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney?
When you file a personal injury claim, the insurance company for the at-fault party will employ a skilled and experienced attorney whose main job is to protect their company’s financial assets. You must have excellent legal representation to protect your own rights and interests.
The legal team at Tiemann Law Firm comprises skilled negotiators who will work hard to get a fair settlement from the insurance company. We are prepared to fight for you in court if they are unwilling to compensate you adequately.
Contact Tiemann Law Firm Today for Help Getting Compensation
Contact the experienced Northern California bicycle accident attorneys of Tiemann Law Firm today if you suffered head or neck injuries in a bicycle accident caused by someone else. Our compassionate lawyers offer a free consultation and case evaluation in which we will review your case details and offer advice on your legal options. Call us today at (916) 999-9000 or contact us online for your free consultation.
