Spinal Cord Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Bicyclists suffer severe injuries when hit by a motor vehicle. Some of the most serious are spinal cord injuries in bicycle accidents. Although many spinal cord injuries are not permanent, they often still require surgery and other medical treatment to heal. The most common cause of a bicycle accident is a negligent driver. When someone is injured by this negligence, legal action may be appropriate. Miami bicycle accident attorney Robert Dixon is dedicated to making sure victims receive the financial support they need, and are entitled to, in order to aid in their recovery. With clients in Miami and South Florida, our firm has the experience and knowledge to see you through the completion of your case. If you’ve been sustained a spinal cord injury in a bicycle accident, please contact the Law Offices of Robert Dixon today and schedule a free, no obligation consultation with a lawyer to find out more about your legal rights.

Even when wearing a helmet and other protective gear, bicyclists who are involved in a collision with a car can suffer serious spinal cord injuries. This type of injury results from a sudden, traumatic blow to a victim’s spine that can dislocate or fracture the vertebrae. Vertebrae are the bones comprise the spinal column and protect the nerves which communicate between the brain and body. Spinal cord injuries can sever these nerves which affects the victim’s movement as well as feeling in certain parts of their body.

Most injuries do not completely sever the nerves, but rather cause other damage. Complete spinal cord injuries result in loss of motor or sensory function below a certain point, while with an incomplete injury, the victim has some of these functions that are limited. Injuries to the cervical spine, near the top of the neck and back, cause the most serious injuries such as paralysis. Damage to the lumbar spine, lower part of the spinal cord, can lead to loss of hip or leg function, as well as bowel and bladder control issues.

The most severe spinal cord injuries may leave a victim unable to care for themselves. Long-term, round the clock care is, as you’d imagine, expensive. The psychological toll these injuries take on a victim is also significant. If another party’s negligence is the reason for your bicycle accident injury, that party should bear the financial responsibility and be held legally liable.

The majority of bicycle accidents are caused by a vehicle driver’s negligence. Motorists are negligent when they breach their duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would given the circumstances, and cause the victim’s spinal cord injury. Victims must also show that they suffered damages as a result of this breach. Some examples of a breach of reasonable care can include passing a bicyclist too closely, known as buzzing; failing to look for bikers or yield the right of way; and distracted driving practices.

When a driver fails to adhere to the rules of the road, and a bicyclist suffers the consequences, that driver should be held accountable. Some spinal cord injuries lead to permanent disability. In these cases, victims are unable to return to the life they once had. Even temporary loss of the ability to do a job or enjoy daily activities is significant. As such, a victim who suffers a spinal cord injury in a bicycle accident can be compensated for past and future medical costs, loss of income, and diminished earning capacity. In some cases, pain and suffering damages may be awarded as well.

It is important to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible following your accident. Although the statute of limitations for these claims in Florida is four years, immediate steps need to be taken in order to preserve your legal rights. A lawyer can help make sure proper evidence is collected, such as contacting any witnesses, obtaining any footage of the scene, consulting an accident reconstructionist, hiring experts and gathering all pertinent medical information.

When people suffer spinal cord injuries in bicycle accidents, the road to recovery is long. With numerous visits to doctors, rehabilitative efforts, and changes to your ability to work, recovery is also expensive. Attorney Robert Dixon is committed to making sure the party that caused your harm is the party who pays for it. Mr. Dixon and his team of lawyers offer comprehensive and compassionate legal support in all stages of your claim. We do not stop working for you until you receive the compensation you are entitled to. If you have questions about your legal options after being injured in a bicycle accident, please call our Miami office at 877.499.4878 or contact us online to set up a free, no obligation consultation today.