Wearing a helmet when bicycling can significantly improve your chance of avoiding a serious head injury if involved in an accident. Common dangers to bicyclists include drivers opening the car door into the bike lane without checking for traffic, and pulling out in front of, cutting off, or side-swiping a bicyclist.

A Series of Injuries

The initial impact causes the first set of injuries such as broken bones and tissue damage when the body hits the vehicle. The bicyclist often becomes airborne, and the second set of injuries occur when the body lands.

A bike helmet should be strapped securely under the chin and cover the forehead. If the helmet does not protect the forehead, an impact to the handlebars can crush the forehead right below the edge of the helmet.

Helmets don’t entirely prevent traumatic brain damage (TBI), but help limit its severity. Because the body is usually moving with speed, the brain is violently shaken inside the skull when the body lands. The force of the body suddenly coming to a stop can tear important nerve tracts throughout the brain, causing diffuse swelling, temporary loss of consciousness and transient amnesia.

Lasting Symptoms

The effects of a mild TBI can last for years after the initial injury, while more severe head injuries may affect cognition and motor function. Depending on which nerve tracts in the brain were damaged, symptoms include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, headaches, personality changes, depression, sleep disturbances and vision problems.

Regardless of the severity of a head injury it’s a good idea to receive a free legal consult. Long term complications can directly affect quality of life and one’s ability to work. An early evaluation by specialists can start a rehabilitation program which will improve outcomes. Contact Dr. Vigna today to learn more about bicycle related injuries and your rights.