Suffering a brain injury in a bicycle accident can lead to devastating physical harm, hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical care, and lifelong trauma. While the use of bicycles is on the rise throughout Dallas, riders continue to be struck and injured by careless or reckless drivers. Seeking legal assistance after an accident is the first step to securing compensation from a motorist that caused a crash. If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury in a bicycle collision, a successful legal claim may help alleviate financial stress due to mounting medical bills, anticipated costs of future care, and other related costs.
Due to the exposed nature of a bicyclist, they tend to suffer catastrophic injuries when struck by a motorist. The severity of injury plays a role in the amount of potential compensation recovered. In other words, the more catastrophic the harm, typically the larger the damages award. Medical assessment and documentation is a critical component of a strong personal injury claim. Injured riders are encouraged to seek medical assessment because injuries may not be immediately apparent.
The consequences of a brain injury may include:
Brain injuries range from a minor concussion to serious traumatic brain injury (TBI) and potentially lead to tragic consequences. traumatic brain injuries can be caused by bumps to the head, such as striking the sidewalk after being struck by a car. While concussions are the most common type of brain injury and are medically termed “mild,” they may result in permanent disability. A concussion results when an impact on your head causes movement inside your skull. This impact can occur when a bicyclist hits the pavement or collides with a vehicle.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a recent decrease in emergency department visits for bicycle-related TBIs. Improvements such as increased awareness among parents and interventions by states and local communities have helped. However, this study does indicate that bicycle helmets don’t prevent a concussion. A speeding driver can cause serious harm even when a bicyclist abides by the rules of the roads and wears a safety helmet.
After establishing that a motorist caused the accident, the type of compensation that may be recovered in a successful injury claim includes:
Future damages are often calculated by assessing the long-term limitations of a brain injury. For many people, this can include loss of vocational ability and ongoing medical treatment. Necessary home modifications may also be included in a damages calculation. For example, if you require a wheelchair, you may recover costs to renovate your house.
Professional testimony strengthens a claim for future costs. Medical doctors, physical therapists, and vocational experts can attest to the severity of the injury and expected treatment.
Unfortunately, bicyclists continue to be knocked down by careless motorists, suffering brain injury and other serious harm. A Dallas bicycle collision lawyer can diligently represent your right to compensation for expenses you have incurred as well as future, expected costs. The Law Office of Julie Johnson, PLLC is committed to maximizing recovery for clients. Reach out to our office for free consultation by clicking here or by calling 214-290-8001.