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Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Facial Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
A bike accident face injury is a terrible experience for a Chicago cyclist. While many infrastructural elements, like bike lanes, are being developed, bicycle riders still face significant dangers when cycling on streets and pathways close to other types of traffic.
Our Chicago bicycle crash attorney team can help you win an injury claim for compensation.
Common Types of Facial Injuries in Chicago Bicycle Accidents
Injuries to the face are rather common in cycling accidents.
Broken bones, also called facial fractures, can take a long time to heal and cause significant pain under the skin. Some dental injuries could include broken teeth, which may require artificial replacements. Soft tissue injuries, such as lacerations, abrasions, or contusions, may seem less significant but could become infected or indicate deeper problems.
Eye injuries could result in impaired vision in severe cases. Scarring and disfigurement could be the result of road rash or bad skin conditions caused by infections. Trauma to the jaw may cause a temporomandibular joint injury.
Practicing safety is essential to prevent a bicycle accident and avoid these potential injuries. Since 2017, Pulaski Road has been the site of ten reported crashes involving bicycles and vehicles. Another concerning route is Michigan Avenue, which has had eleven crashes since 2016.
If you want to lower your risk of facial damage, traumatic brain injuries, or other serious consequences, be particularly cautious along these routes.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents Resulting in Face Injuries in Chicago
Bike collision causes play an essential role in a legal case if you decide to pursue compensation. You must be able to prove that the majority of fault lies with someone else.
Collisions with motor vehicles are one of the leading causes of head and face injuries for bicyclists, especially in busy arterials like Ashland Avenue and the Milwaukee Avenue Corridor. Dooring accidents occur when car occupants open their doors into the path of a biker.
Other crashes often take the form of left- or right-hook accidents in which the vehicle turns into the path of a biker without looking for them. Drivers may not know bikers have the same rights according to municipal code 9-52-010.
Falls can also occur because of road hazards. The most common road hazards in Chicago are potholes, uneven pavement, and streetcar tracks.
Bikers also face challenges from pedestrian and cyclist traffic, though the potential for traumatic brain injuries or other serious types of damage is lessened.
The Importance of Immediate Medical Care After a Facial Injury
No matter what type of injury you experience after a bike crash, you must seek immediate medical attention. Your health is always your top priority in these situations. Call 911 and make sure you receive care from emergency responders, especially for serious conditions. If your skin experienced cuts or road rash, you can apply petroleum jelly to protect the wound.
You should also schedule a medical appointment to be evaluated for other serious concerns, such as fractures that may require surgery. If your skin wound requires specialized treatment, a dermatologist may be needed.
The opinion of a medical expert is essential and could save your life. Often, the appearance of certain symptoms is delayed, especially for internal injuries. If you want to prioritize the healing process, it starts with a correct diagnosis from a doctor. Plus, records of medical treatment will play a role in your legal claim.
Legal Options for Chicago Cyclists with Facial Injuries
Whether you were hit by a negligent driver in the Downtown Loop or flipped over the handlebars because of a hidden pothole, you may have the option to pursue a legal injury claim against the at-fault party.
This process will involve establishing negligence with the help of a lawyer. An experienced attorney will help you gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, surgery bills, and other medical records. They will also deal with the insurance companies.
Your legal representative will guide you through the litigation process, including filing a complaint in an Illinois court.
Potential Compensation for Facial Injuries in a Chicago Bicycle Accident
If you have suffered a severe wound because of your bike crash, you may have a case for compensation for legal damages. Injuries eligible for compensation may be as minor as scarring on the skin, but they could also involve serious fractures.
Some of the most common economic damages include lost income, medical expenses, surgery bills, future medical costs, and property damage. Non-economic damages may include emotional distress, disfigurement from scarring, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel!
If you have suffered a severe skin wound or other type of facial injury, you should focus on healing your body. When you work with our law firm, we will handle the legal heavy lifting so you can worry more about healing. Our team will gather evidence, build a strong case, negotiate for fair compensation, and protect your rights throughout the claims process.
You should make an informed decision no matter what legal path you choose. Therefore, our Illinois bicycle crash attorney team offers a free case evaluation so you can ask questions about the legal process or your specific case.
Contact our office today to request a free consultation about your Chicago bicycle accident.
