Bicycle Accidents

Many Philadelphia area bicyclists don protective gear when going out for a ride, but accidents can still happen. When you suffer a brain injury as a result of a collision with another motorist or other obstacle, the consequences can change your life. Beyond immediate medical care, you may require ongoing rehabilitation and possible surgery. Some victims of bicycle accidents never fully recover from their brain injury and require assistance.

Pennsylvania law allows you to recover financially for damages, but your compensation will depend on the type of brain injury you suffer and the impact on your life. The brain injury lawyers at Cohen, Placitella, & Roth, P.C. in Philadelphia have represented many clients in bicycle accidents, helping them obtain the highest amount of compensation under the law.

Types of Brain Injury Caused by a Bicycle Accident

A victim may suffer from various medical conditions when sustaining brain injury in a bicycle accident. Some of the more common types of harm include:

• Concussion: This is the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), which a victim suffers when there is an impact to the brain or a sudden jarring motion. The brain’s blood vessels stretch abnormally and the cranial nerves are disturbed, leading to temporary or permanent damage. Concussions from bicycle accidents are especially dangerous because a victim may remain conscious and not believe medical treatment is necessary.
• Contusion: A contusion is bleeding in the brain, so it’s a type of bruise to the delicate tissues. This type of brain injury commonly occurs when a blunt instrument strikes the head, such as might happen in a bicycle accident. In an extreme case, surgery is necessary to remove the damaged tissue.
• Penetration: When an object actually penetrates the tissues of the brain, having pierced the hard shell of the skull, the damage can be critical. A penetrating injury in a bicycle accident may be caused by a sharp object that forces hair, skin, bone particles, and debris into the brain.

How a Brain Injury Impacts a Bicycle Accident Victim

The effects of a brain injury vary based upon the region of the brain affected. If the brain stem is injured there may be issues with concentration and balance. The temporal lobes control hearing and vision, impacting these senses in the victim. An impact affecting the frontal lobe can result in memory loss, lack of motor skills controls, and problems with word association.

A Philadelphia Brain Injury Attorney Can Help After a Bicycle Accident

The type and severity of a brain injury due to a bicycle accident may vary, but the impact on a victim’s life can be extensive. You may suffer painful medical treatment and be out of work due to your injuries, and it’s possible you’ll never fully return to health. An experienced attorney can advise you on your legal options to recover financially for your losses, and will fight for your right to compensation. If you’ve suffered a brain injury in a bicycle accident please contact us. Our lawyers can answer your questions over the phone or schedule a free consultation at our Philadelphia office.