Serious Risks of Traumatic Brain Injury Faced by Virginia Bicyclists

Rights and Responsibilities of Virginia Cyclists

You may be surprised to learn that Virginia doesn’t currently have a state-wide bicycle helmet law enacted. Some individual counties have issued ordinances requiring riders under 15 to wear a helmet while on city streets, sidewalks, or highways, however.

While helmets aren’t legally required in the city of Richmond, it’s important to remember other statewide laws affect people riding bikes just like motor vehicle drivers. For instance, while riding on the street rather than on the sidewalk, cyclists must follow the flow of traffic and remain in the proper lane.

On the other side of the equation, motorists also have a responsibility to drive safely and avoid collisions with bike riders. Negligent behavior, like drunk or distracted driving, can cause an accident resulting in brain injuries and long-term health consequences for a cyclist.

Bicycle Accident Traumatic Brain Injury Overview

While responsible cyclists use helmets even when they aren’t required by law, it’s still possible to sustain a traumatic brain injury while wearing a helmet. Bicycle accidents can involve a closed head injury, where no penetration to the actual brain occurs, or an open injury when the skull is fractured.

TBIs may occur when directly striking your head against the vehicle, a nearby object, or the pavement. Even if you don’t sustain a direct blow to the head, you can still suffer a TBI if your brain strikes against the sides of your skull during the sudden movement caused by a collision.

Some mild TBIs may only put you out of work for a short time. In other cases, there is a serious risk of long-term repercussions that can have a drastic impact on your daily life. Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury in a cycling crash may include:

Anxiety and depression
Cognitive impairment affecting memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills
Difficulty regulating emotions and sudden bouts of anger
Impaired speech and other language issues like difficulty recalling the meaning of words
Headaches
Loss of consciousness
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light or sound
Vision difficulties ranging from blurred vision to complete blindness

Cyclists may have suffered a traumatic brain injury even if they don’t lose consciousness or immediately exhibit other symptoms after the accident, however. Cognitive, behavioral, and physical symptoms may not appear for days or weeks, which is why you should always see a doctor after any bicycle accident to check for internal injuries.

Talk to an Attorney If You Were Hurt in a Bicycle Accident

A traumatic brain injury during a bike accident can turn your life upside down and leave you wondering how you are going to pay your bills while dealing with physical and emotional trauma. That’s why bicycle accident victims need the assistance of a skilled personal injury attorney to gather evidence proving their TBI was caused by the at-fault party. From there, an attorney can help in negotiating an insurance settlement or filing a lawsuit to recover damages covering:

Disability and loss of quality of life in cases of severe TBI symptoms
Lost wages while recovering and loss of future earning potential
Medical bills from the accident as well as future costs if you will still need additional treatment or therapy
Pain and suffering
Permanent disfigurement

Were you hurt in a bike accident and aren’t sure what to do next? Find out if we can help you protect your legal rights by providing us the basic details of your case and scheduling a consultation.

Related Links:

Serious Risks of Traumatic Brain Injury Faced by Virginia Bicyclists

Rights and Responsibilities of Virginia Cyclists

Bicycle Accident Traumatic Brain Injury Overview

Talk to an Attorney If You Were Hurt in a Bicycle Accident

Have You Or A Loved One Suffered A Traumatic Brain Injury In Virginia?

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