Bicycles are the primary mode of transportation for most people. Many prefer riding bicycles for exercise and fun as well. There are several injuries that can happen to bicyclists while riding. A significant amount of these injuries is attributed to head injuries, but there are several other severe injuries as well. Few of these injuries may turn out to be life-threatening depending on specific circumstances.
Bicycles are the primary mode of transportation for most people. Many prefer riding bicycles for exercise and fun as well. There are several injuries that can happen to bicyclists while riding. Significant amount of these injuries is attributed to head injuries, but there are several other severe injuries as well. Few of these injuries may turn out to be life-threatening depending on specific circumstances.
Avoiding Serious Injuries in New York Bicycle Accidents
It is a good thing that people are taking up cycling as a hobby and a way of life in a big way, given the many obesity-related health problems plaguing the country. Cycling is great as cardio and can go a long way in keeping blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol under control. However, people need to be cautious while riding a bike, especially on busy streets.
It is important to remember that nothing separates the cyclist from the road. This is why wearing a helmet and other protective gear is important. Helmets can help reduce the risk of a fractured skull and traumatic brain injury. Next, everybody needs to ensure they pay attention to their surroundings.
Drunk and distracted driving continues to play a major role in bicycle accidents in New York. The consequences of a bicyclist colliding with a motorist can be disastrous. Lastly, it is vital that riders avoid cycling at night as much as possible. In necessary cases, they should equip their bike with reflectors or a flasher and wear brightly colored clothing. This is to help other people see them.
Chances of Spleen Injury in Bicycle Accidents
People think that once you learn how to ride a bicycle, you can never forget it. However, there is always a strong likelihood of meeting with an accident regardless of how long you have been riding your bicycle. The spleen is under the rib cage on the left side of the human body. Ribs help in protecting the spleen to a great extent, but they are in no way invincible. It is easy to fly over the handlebars while falling off a bike.
The handlebars can cause significant impact underneath the ribs to cause a spleen injury. Such injuries can also take place when someone gets thrown on to the pavement. Landing on a ridge or on a rock on the right side of the rib cage can result in a spleen injury too.
Pain in the right side of the rib cage is a primary sign of spleen injury. Generalized abdominal pain and bleeding are other signs. People with mononucleosis are at an enhanced risk of developing spleen injuries because the virus tends to enlarge the spleen. This makes it a larger target. It may also cause the spleen to rupture on impact.
Spleen Injury Treatments in NY Bike Accidents
Spleen injuries are one of the few traumatic injuries that get overlooked in case of bicycle accidents. Splenic injuries can be quite serious, which makes it important to understand the basic characteristics. There are several treatment options that can be considered when someone sustains a spleen injury.
The first thing that needs to be ascertained upon sustaining a spleen injury is whether the spleen ruptured or not. Pain is common even when the spleen has not ruptured. However, it becomes a consideration in people that develop a large bruise under the right side of their rib. Feeling lightheaded, cold, clammy with failing blood pressure are indicators of a ruptured spleen.
Victims require emergency medical attention if there is a possibility the spleen may have ruptured. It can cause the person to develop internal bleeding and bleed to death in a rapid manner. The individual requires to be transported to a hospital quickly so that their spleen patency can be assessed. In case, it is established that the spleen has in fact ruptured, the victim shall be rushed to the operating room where life-saving surgical repair would have to be carried out.
Bicycle Accident Can Cause Liver Damage
The liver is an appropriately named organ being one of the most important parts of the body. It serves several vital functions and helps the human body in regulating nutrient levels in the tissues and bloodstream. The liver is also something that may get damaged in traumatic accidents, such as bicycle accidents.
In a recent interesting case report presented by a team of doctors to the hospital, a young teenager was found to have serious lacerations of the liver. The teen was riding down the local road on his bicycle when a car abruptly pulled out in front. The teen collided with the car’s hood and flipped over the bike’s handlebars. He landed on the car’s hood with extreme force.
The driver of the car immediately exited the vehicle and called emergency personnel. First responders quickly evaluated the teen required medical attention and transported him to the local hospital in an ambulance. He was evaluated for blunt force abdominal trauma. The physicians were concerned about the internal rupture of organs. They ordered an imaging scan which showed his liver had serious lacerations with a potential capsule rupture.
He has quickly transported to the operating room for exploratory surgery. His liver was repaired and the bleeding stopped. He was taken to recovery afterward where his bruising healed eventually. The bruising took a long time to heal, but he did recover.
Recovery and Treatment of Liver Injuries
Liver damage is a common abdominal injury for cyclists. Unfortunately, unlike kidneys, chronic liver failure does not have the option of dialysis as a treatment. Alcoholism and hepatitis are the two most common causes of liver damage. However, traumatic liver injuries prove to be a serious concern as well. When presented with bruising of the abdomen, it is important for doctors to ensure there is no concern for the rupture of internal organs.
Emergency surgery becomes necessary where there is a rupture to repair and stop the leakage of bodily fluids, such as blood into the abdominal cavity. In case of no rupture, the victim is required to give rest to their abdomen, so that it can heal on its own. This can take anywhere from a few days to weeks. They may even have to go several days without ingesting food. The patient in such a situation shall receive essential nutrients artificially through intravenous transfer.
Common Abdominal Injuries in Cycle Accidents
Pancreas
These can be injured when there is massive trauma to the abdomen following a bicycle accident. The pancreas is often injured when the bicycle rider hits the handlebars hard after colliding into an object. Doctors examine the pancreas to search for fluid around it.
Kidneys
Your rib cage partly protects your kidneys. But, it can still get injured in a traumatic accident. Contusions and lacerations are possible. Bloody urine is a common indicator of kidney injury. It is possible for the urine to leak into the abdomen as well.
Small Intestine
The small intestine usually gets injured in a penetrating injury. This organ is a major part of the viscera. Bowel perforation is a major problem with air showing up on a CT scan or a plain film. Bowel injuries may result in bowel abscess or obstruction, requiring surgery.
Look for vomiting, nausea, fever, or blood in the urine to identify an abdominal injury. These are some other signs:
- Vertebral injury
- Abdominal distension
- Abdominal pain and tenderness
- Rigidity to the abdomen
- Abdominal guarding
- Lack of bowel sounds
- Pneumoperitoneum
- Rib fractures
- Evisceration in penetrating trauma
- Abdominal wall injury
Hospitalization is Imperative in Serious Bicycle Injuries
You may end up with exorbitant medical bills if you are required to spend a significant duration in the hospital following any serious injury. You may end up scrambling at rope ends to keep your household expenses together while facing time off work. It can get difficult (financially, mentally, physically, and emotionally) when facing a serious bicycle injury.
Legal consultation from attorneys that are both skilled and compassionate can help you figure out a way to keep your family expenses together. You can understand your options for paying your bills, dealing with the stress of your injury, and going where everyone needs to go. All you need to do is ask for help. There are several help groups and legal firms that are willing to listen. Do not be hesitant in asking an experienced bicycle injury attorney for help.
Legal Aid for Severe Bike Accident Injuries in NYC
Recovering from your bicycle-related injury is not the only hurdle you need to overcome. You need to focus on many other issues, especially if filing a claim. This includes:
- Visiting the accident scene
- Reviewing the accident report
- Interviewing witnesses
- Insurance claims
- Looking over physician documents and medical records
- Assisting with logistical issues
- Making phone calls
- Completing paperwork
It can get challenging for families sometimes to make ends meet after a serious bicycle accident in New York. The skilled and qualified bicycle accident attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff LLP can help families examine their available options. We take care to remove the stress from filing a lawsuit so that you can focus on the important task of helping your loved one recover. Get in touch with us today by calling us at 212-344-1000. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with us today!
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