A head injury is one of the most devastating injuries anyone can ever suffer. However, a head injury’s full, life-changing impact isn’t apparent until after an accident.
Imagine taking an afternoon bike ride, cruising through scenic areas and enjoying the breeze. All it takes is one distracted driver to ruin everything by slamming into you and causing a severe bicycle accident.
After a crash like this, you could be left with a head injury that changes your world forever. What if you had to learn how to walk, talk, and think all over again? What if you could never again enjoy the same lifestyle, relationships, or career?
Traumatic Brain Injuries From Bike Accidents
Bike accidents are associated with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) because cyclists’ bodies are openly exposed to the impacts of crashes. Although you can reduce your risk of injury by wearing a bicycle helmet, Indiana does not require adults to wear helmets.
Bicycle crash-related TBIs range from minor concussions to severe and disabling permanent brain damage. To further complicate things, the victim is often unaware of the extent of their injuries due to the brain’s inability to comprehend its own damaged state.
TBI/head injury symptoms include:
- Difficulty thinking or speaking clearly
- Headaches and neck pain
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurry vision
- Trouble standing up straight
- Memory issues
- Fluid draining from the ears
- Difficulty waking up
- Pupil dilation
- Convulsions or seizures
- Loss of consciousness
While a concussion is usually temporary, an injury involving a skull fracture, hematoma, or maxillofacial trauma is more likely to involve permanent damage. Never underestimate an open or closed head injury or assume it’s just a little headache. After a bike accident, seek an immediate medical evaluation and be prepared for a long road to recovery.
The High Costs of Head Injury Treatment
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a head injury brings a significant economic burden to anyone who experiences one. The total cost of head injuries to the U.S. economy is enormous at more than $14 billion per year.
Someone who’s hospitalized for a head injury can expect to owe a minimum of $2,000 and up to $400,000 or more, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This wide range depends on factors like what type of injury you’ve suffered and what kinds of surgeries and other treatments you’ll need.
For some severely injured patients, care continues for months, years, or forever. They may need lifelong speech, occupational, and/or mental health therapy that costs $10,000 per year or more. Ongoing nursing home care costs about $250 per day, according to Medicaid figures.
Could you and your family handle this kind of financial impact? What about the loss of your career, future earnings, hobbies, relationships, and the lifestyle you’ve always enjoyed?
When calculating your losses, work with an experienced personal injury lawyer and do a full calculation of your damages. Include things like:
- Loss of current income
- Lost of future/potential income
- Loss of your enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering from your injuries
- Emotional and mental distress
- Medical bills and copays
- Hospital bills
- Prescription medication costs
- Physical/rehabilitative therapy
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Transportation costs
- In-home care
- Nursing home/assisted living
It’s essential to calculate the full range of your losses because you won’t have a second chance at claiming accident compensation. Do yourself and your family the favor of working with a qualified bicycle accident lawyer who has the experience to calculate everything you deserve.
Bicycle Accident Head Injury? Contact Crossen Law Firm
After a bicycle accident with a head injury, contact Crossen Law Firm as soon as possible. We’ll help you investigate your bicycle crash, who’s responsible, and determine what types of evidence will strengthen your case.
Contact us at 317-401-8626 to learn more about your legal options and start your free consultation. You deserve to be fully compensated for your bicycle head injury.