How to Deal with Injuries After a Bike Accident

If you cycle frequently, you probably know what it’s like to deal with injuries after a bike accident. You may not have experienced something like a broken arm, but not all injuries have to be serious. Hopefully you don’t run into anything thing like the biker above, but knowing what to do after an accident can help in any situation.

Most bike accidents involve only one person: the cyclist. If you frequently ride alone, that may be a scary thought. But if you know how to check yourself for injuries, it doesn’t need to be.

Checking Yourself for Injuries After a Bike Accident

Take it slow

• Don’t get up immediately. Let your adrenaline and endorphin levels take some time to get back to normal.
• If you get up too quickly, you may pass out and make your injuries worse.
• If you are fully conscious (know where you are and what’s going on), check for obvious injuries like fractures or bleeding.

Check your helmet

• Brain injuries are some of the most common and serious injuries after a bike accident.
  • It can be impossible for you to recognize that you have a brain injury.
• Take your helmet off and check to see if it’s cracked or dented.
  • If it is, be very careful about doing too much on your own. Trying to get up, walk around, or even continue riding when you have a brain injury can have serious consequences.
  • If your injury is obviously very serious, call an ambulance. If you are in more stable condition, call a friend or family member to pick you up.

Get a feel for things

• Sit down and take a few deep breaths, and complete the previous checks.
• Start getting a feel for things. Check carefully for any pain that may be caused by broken bones, sprains, scrapes, or gashes.
• If you just have some scrapes and bruises and think you’re good to keep riding, use your best judgement.
  • Know that some internal injuries are not immediately recognizable, but appear later. If you have pain that you can’t identify, it may be best to stay put and seek medical assistance.
• All joints and body parts should have full ranges of motion and the ability to bear weight.

If in doubt, call for help

• If you’re in doubt about the seriousness of an injury, call someone to pick you up and take you to a doctor. If you feel disoriented or can clearly identify a serious injury, call an ambulance.

Bike Injury Resources

Check out apps for cyclists

• These convenient, free apps feature tracking, first aid, and safety tips for road cyclists and trail riders. Some of these apps, especially the First Aid app, could help you with injuries after an accident.

Get an ICEdot crash sensor

• This little yellow dot can save your life. The ICEdot crash sensor is placed on your helmet and measures impact during accidents. If it detects high impact, an alarm will notify your emergency contacts.

Recovering from Injuries After a Bike Accident

If you are injured in a serious accident, seek the proper medical help. Treatments and surgeries can be expensive, but they are necessary for a successful recovery.

If your injuries were caused by an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be able to recoup those expensive medical bills. We are committed to being the best bicycle lawyers in Utah, and can help you build and win an injury case. Contact us today and learn about how Utah’s Bicycle Lawyers can help you recover.