In today’s ever-growing urban mobility landscape, bicycles have emerged as a popular means of transport and a symbol of eco-consciousness and personal health. That said, pedaling towards this greener, healthier lifestyle in two-wheeled commuters has led to an alarming rise in catastrophic bicycle accidents. An estimated 1,000 bicyclists die each year, and more than 130,000 individuals suffer injuries in accidents.

A 2019 study found that although pedestrians and cyclists comprised fewer than 1% (0.4%) of the individuals involved in vehicular accidents in the state of Georgia, they were responsible for 17% of all traffic fatalities. In northern Fulton County, Georgia, Roswell City has witnessed a recent surge in alarming bicycle accident statistics. From shattered bones to life-altering traumas, these incidents are a stark reminder of the dangers lurking on the streets. Bicycle-vehicle accidents have a devastating impact, both for the aggrieved and their close ones.

If you’re a resident of Roswell, GA, and have suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, you must contact a Roswell bicycle accident lawyer to help you seek justice and compensation.

Types of Catastrophic Bicycle Injuries

Common causes of these bicycle accidents include reckless driving, improper lane changes, and lack of visibility. Some of the catastrophic life-altering injuries sustained by cyclists when they are involved in an accident with a vehicle or obstacle include:

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries stemming from bicycle accidents result in severe and life-altering consequences. Such brain injuries can be devastating, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and permanent disability or death.

2. Severe Fractures and Dislocations

Catastrophic bicycle accidents sometimes lead to severe fractures and dislocations that cause lengthier and/or permanent disability to the victim. On the same point, victims of these injuries face costly medical treatment, rehabilitation, and a loss of quality of life.

3. Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are listed among the top devastating consequences of bicycle accidents, causing permanent paralysis, loss of mobility, and a significant decline in the victim’s life quality.

4. Internal Organ Injuries and Damage

Internal organ injuries and damage after a bicycle accident can trigger life-changing issues. Impact during a collision or fall sometimes harms vital organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys. In serious cases, these injuries lead to life-threatening complications or long-term health issues.

5. Severe Road Rash, Lacerations, and Amputation

Severe road rash, caused by friction between the skin and the road surface during an accident, can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement. Lacerations are deep cuts or skin tears requiring extensive medical intervention to repair.

Amputation is another life-altering outcome of some bicycle accidents, resulting in the loss of a limb and thus requiring long-term rehabilitation and adaptive measures. Such injuries are indicative of the catastrophic nature of bicycle accidents that drastically impact the victim’s life quality.

Legal Remedies for Bicycle Injury Victims

In most cases, victims of bicycle accidents end up requiring compensation to cover the exorbitant medical expenses, ongoing rehabilitation, and necessary adaptive equipment. As such, seeking legal remedies to hold the responsible party accountable for the physical, emotional, and financial damages incurred is smart.

Looking to navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding these catastrophic injuries with confidence? Consult with attorneys specializing in bicycle accidents for proper guidance and representation. Legal remedies include:

• Personal injury claims—a legal recourse against the at-fault party, such as a negligent motorist, to hold them accountable for their actions. Personal injury claims help victims seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, plus pain and suffering.
• Product liability claims—these are filed to seek compensation from the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer responsible for the defective or faulty product, such as a malfunctioning brake system or a poorly designed helmet that is deemed to contribute to the accident. A skilled attorney determines if there is a viable product liability claim and assists in pursuing legal action against the responsible parties.
• Wrongful death claims—these claims compensate for the financial and emotional losses suffered by the surviving family members who have lost a loved one in a bicycle accident due to the negligence or misconduct of another party.

Build Solid Legal Claims

Pursuing legal recourse on the road to recovery is a great step towards getting you the justice and compensation you deserve. Engage a competent bicycle accident injury attorney in this process to help you gather evidence, establish fault, and negotiate a fair settlement on behalf of the victim.