Did you know that it is illegal to ride bicycles side by side when passing pedestrians or a parked car in New York? Not only do you put yourself at risk when you do this, but other people’s lives will be as risk too. It is an accident waiting to happen.

 

Sadly, bicycle accidents are not rare in New York – especially in the city. If you own a bike or you are planning to purchase one, please be very careful when you ride on the streets. Bicycle riding does not come without responsibility. It is your job to make sure that you wear the proper safety gear and stay aware of your environment. Make sure that you take all the necessary precautions to stay safe.

 

Unfortunately, many bicycle accidents happen even when cyclists are attempting to ride safely and follow all the rules. Many cyclists who get into an accident with a car end up in the hospital – some have even died.

Bicycle Accident Injuries to Watch Out For

 

Here are some of the most common injuries that cyclists experience from bike crashes.

 

1. Damage to the Skeletal System

If you get hit while riding your bicycle, you can experience severe damage to your skeletal system. Whether it is a broken bone, a dislocated joint or even a strain, these types of injuries are quite common in severe bicycle accidents. You should note, too, that the chances of these injuries occurring increase significantly if speeding is involved.

 

2. Head Injuries

A helmet is perhaps the most important piece of safety gear when riding a bicycle because it protects your head and brain. However, even if you do wear one, there are some cases where your helmet may get knocked off and expose your head to several types of injuries. Some of the most common types of head damage include brain contusions, concussions, and damage to the skull.

 

3. Injuries to the Abdomen

Unfortunately, there are no safety gear requirements for the abdomen. This leaves it exposed in the event of an accident. Although there are not many types of injuries that can occur on the abdomen, they can be very serious. The two main types of wounds that you may get on your abdomen are lacerations and ruptures. Of the two, ruptures tend to be more life-threatening.

 

4. Face and Eye Injuries

Although your head is protected by a helmet when you ride a bicycle, it does not usually protect your face and your eyes. Needless to say, if you have a bicycle accident, this area is vulnerable. Whether it is a contusion or a fracture, damage to the eyes and face is not uncommon.

 

5. Skin Damage

One of the most common places to get damaged in a bicycle accident is the skin. No matter how severe the accident is, the skin usually has a tale to tell. In less severe cases, riders may experience varying degrees of contusions. However, lacerations are not rare.

 

Although the possibility of getting into a bicycle accident is scary, do not let it deter you from riding a bike. Just be sure to exercise caution when you do, and if you end up suffering an injury due to another’s negligence, be sure to reach out to a New York bicycle accident attorney with a track record of success as soon as possible.