Cycling brings a sense of freedom and efficiency, but it also comes with risks—especially when sharing the road with cars in a city like Chicago.
Sideswipe accidents, where a vehicle grazes or collides with a bicyclist from the side, can lead to severe injuries, leaving victims with both physical and emotional challenges.
These incidents often take place due to driver inattention, improper lane changes, or narrow bike lanes, putting cyclists in harm’s way. If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident while biking in Chicago, it’s crucial to understand the possible injuries the victim may suffer. From fractured bones and traumatic brain injuries to cuts and road rash, the impact of a sideswipe accident can be severe and often requires substantial recovery time.
In such instances, a Chicago sideswipe bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, fight for a fair settlement, and hold negligent drivers accountable. As one of Chicago’s top law firms, Abels & Annes, P.C. has been protecting victims of bicycle accident victims from the cunning tactics of insurance adjusters. The expertise and experience of the legal professionals at Abels & Annes, P.C. has helped many clients get just compensation for their losses.
This article explores the types of injuries commonly sustained in sideswipe accidents.
Fractures
One of the most immediate and painful outcomes of a sideswipe accident is a broken bone. When a cyclist is hit from the side, the sudden impact or a fall onto the pavement can easily lead to fractures. The areas most affected include the arms, wrists, collarbone, and legs—areas cyclists often use instinctively to break their fall.
Recovering from broken bones may require months of immobilization, surgery, or even physical therapy. For many, this downtime means missed work, financial stress, and limited mobility. In such cases, a bicycle accident advocate can assist you in seeking payment for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care, allowing you to focus on healing without added financial worries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Even with a helmet, cyclists involved in sideswipe accidents are at risk of traumatic brain injuries. The sudden force of impact can jolt the head or cause it to hit the ground, resulting in concussions or more severe brain injuries.
TBIs are particularly concerning because symptoms may not appear immediately but can include dizziness, memory loss, and mood changes that persist for months or years.
For those dealing with TBIs, securing compensation is crucial, as these injuries often lead to extended medical treatments and therapies. An experienced attorney can assist in proving the extent of your injury and advocating for fair compensation, especially when insurance companies may try to downplay the severity of such injuries.
Road Rash and Soft Tissue Damage
Sideswipe accidents frequently lead to “road rash,” a painful abrasion that occurs when the skin scrapes against the pavement. While road rash might seem less severe than fractures, multiple layers of skin may be affected. The injury may require skin grafts if it is severe.
In addition to being physically excruciating, these injuries often leave visible scars, causing emotional distress and impacting self-confidence.
Soft tissue injuries, such as bruising, sprains, and ligament tears, are common in sideswipe accidents. These injuries can be deceptive, as they may not seem serious initially but can cause chronic pain if untreated.
Working with a bicycle accident lawyer can help you receive compensation for these often-overlooked injuries, ensuring you aren’t left with unpaid medical expenses or lasting discomfort.
Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries
The jarring force of a sideswipe can put immense strain on a cyclist’s neck and spine, leading to injuries like whiplash, herniated discs, or even spinal cord damage. Such injuries can limit mobility, cause severe pain, and potentially lead to long-term disability. In extreme cases, spinal injuries may require ongoing therapy, assistive devices, or even surgery.
As spinal cord and neck injuries often demand long-term care, it’s essential to pursue a comprehensive claim to cover future expenses. A qualified attorney can help outline the full impact of these injuries and work to secure adequate compensation, which is especially important when future treatments are likely.
Conclusion
Sideswipe accidents are a stark reminder of the need for safer roads and better awareness among drivers. For bicyclists affected by these accidents, knowing their rights and taking steps to seek justice is crucial.
