Bicycling is a beloved way to travel, exercise, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Hawaii. However, even in paradise, bicycle accidents can happen in an instant, and they often lead to injuries that impact daily life. Whether you’re commuting on crowded streets or taking a leisurely ride along the coast, being aware of common cycling injuries is a must for every rider to prevent fatal accidents.
Bicycle accident fatalities rose by five percent nationwide in a recent year. The Honolulu Police Department reported four cyclist deaths in just nine months, compared to one fatality during the same period the previous year. That’s one person who never made it home after going out for a ride, and one family left to grieve.
At Recovery Law Center, our Honolulu bicycle accident attorney understands how serious and life-altering these injuries can be. From head injuries that require extensive medical care to spinal cord injuries that change how you move, each injury comes with its own challenges. Dental injuries and knee pain are also common, causing both physical and financial strain. Recovery can be long and costly, making legal guidance essential.
Cyclists who survive bicycle crashes often suffer severe injuries. That’s because bikes offer little protection against the force of impact in a collision. Here are some of the most common bicycle accident injuries in Hawaii.
Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle riders often face a wide range of injuries when involved in bike accidents. The nature of these injuries can range from minor bruises to life-altering trauma. Here’s a look at some of the most common cycling injuries.
1. Head Injuries
Head and brain injuries are among the most serious injuries for cyclists. A sudden impact can result in a concussion, skull fracture, or traumatic brain injury. Even with a helmet, the risk of a brain injury remains. Wearing proper head protection can reduce the severity, but it’s important to seek medical attention if any symptoms occur after a crash.
2. Knee Pain
Knee pain is one of the more common overuse injuries that cyclists experience. It can be the result of repetitive pedaling, poor bike positioning, or the impact of a fall. Damage to ligaments, tendons, or cartilage can occur, causing long-term discomfort and limiting mobility. Pain and swelling shouldn’t be ignored, and proper care is key to recovery.
3. Dental Injuries
Bike accidents can lead to facial injuries, including dental trauma. A fall or collision can chip teeth, knock them out, or even cause a broken nose. Facial injuries often need emergency dental work and, at times, reconstructive surgery. It’s a painful and lasting reminder of how hard the pavement can be.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries
A severe fall or a collision with a vehicle can result in spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spine can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the extent of the injury. Spinal injuries are life-altering and require immediate and ongoing medical attention. Protecting your spine is critical, and after any impact, it’s important to be checked by a doctor.
5. Road Rash
Road rash injuries occur when the skin scrapes against the asphalt. It’s a painful soft tissue injury that can range from mild scrapes to deep wounds needing stitches. Road rash can lead to infections if not cleaned and treated properly. Protective gear, like long sleeves and padded shorts, can help reduce the severity of abrasions.
6. Broken Ribs
Broken ribs can result from a direct impact to the chest, such as landing hard on the ground or colliding with another vehicle. The pain from broken ribs is intense, often making it difficult to breathe or move. Healing can take weeks and requires rest and, sometimes, medical imaging to ensure there’s no damage to internal organs.
7. Back Pain
Back pain can result from a crash or from long hours of poor riding posture. The impact of a fall can strain muscles or damage the spine. Chronic back pain may develop over time due to improper bike fit or repetitive stress. If back pain persists, it’s essential to see a doctor for proper assessment.
8. Foot Pain
Foot pain often arises from overuse injuries, poor foot positioning on the pedals, or impact from a fall. Injuries like plantar fasciitis or stress fractures are common among cyclists. This pain can be debilitating, making it essential to adjust your riding habits and seek treatment if needed.
9. Overuse Injuries
Cycling’s repetitive motion can lead to overuse injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or joint pain. These injuries develop over time, causing discomfort in the wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Proper bike adjustments and rest are essential to prevent them from becoming long-term problems.
Most Common Causes of Bicycle Injuries
Bicycle accidents happen for various reasons, but many of the worst injuries are due to collisions with motor vehicles. Common causes of bicycle accidents involving cars include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Aggressive driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Drowsy driving
- Dooring accidents
- Failure to check blind spots
- Unsafe lane changes
- Negligent reversing
- Poor road design or maintenance
Bicycle accidents may also arise from negligence by property owners, pedestrians, rental companies, and other parties.
What is the Process for Recovering Compensation for Bike Accident Injuries?
One of the most critical questions clients ask is how to obtain compensation after a bicycle accident. The answer depends on the facts of the case.
If you were hit by a car while riding your bike, you could recover up to $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits from the driver’s insurance company regardless of who was at fault for the crash. In that case, you would file an injury claim with the driver’s insurer to recover money for your medical expenses. However, PIP benefits do not allow cyclists to receive money for pain and suffering. Filing a bicycle accident lawsuit against the negligent driver is not out of the question, but your injury would have to meet certain injury thresholds set by Hawaii law. An experienced lawyer can determine whether your case meets the criteria.
If the at-fault party is not a driver, you will file a personal injury claim through the responsible party’s insurer. Let’s say your bicycle accident resulted from riding on a road littered with unrepaired potholes or missing guardrails. In that case, you could have a lawsuit against the state or municipal agency responsible for keeping those roads in good condition. Check with a bicycle accident attorney quickly if this situation applies to you. The timeline for filing a bicycle accident claim against the government is short in Hawaii.
What is the Time Limit to File a Bicycle Injury Claim?
In general, you have two years to file a bicycle accident claim under Hawaii law. The deadline may be shorter or longer, depending on the circumstances. For example, minors must file suit within two years of their 18th birthday. By contrast, someone suing the government has just six months to sue.
Does Wearing a Helmet Affect My Right to Compensation in Hawaii?
Hawaii law requires anyone under 16 to wear a bicycle helmet. In addition, the helmet must meet specifications set by agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the National Safety Council. But the failure to wear a helmet does not automatically mean you cannot recover compensation for your injuries. The insurance company may still use the lack of a helmet to push the fault of the accident onto you. Having a bicycle accident lawyer by your side can ensure you get fair treatment and the settlement you deserve.
Tips for Staying Safe on a Bike
You can do your part to prevent a bicycle accident by following these tips:
- Wear a helmet and bright protective safety gear.
- Follow all Honolulu bicycle laws.
- Maintain a safe distance between your bike and other motor vehicles.
- Make sure your bike has effective reflectors.
- Avoid riding at night or in low-light conditions.
- Watch out for vehicles and pedestrians entering the road unexpectedly.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals.
- Always ride your bike sober.
If you find yourself hurt in a bicycle accident, move to a safe space (if possible) and seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
Bicycle accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to serious trauma like broken bones or head injuries. Recovery can be difficult and often demands time, medical attention, and careful follow-up care. Wearing a helmet and taking necessary precautions can minimize risks, but even the most cautious riders can’t always avoid harm when sharing the road with vehicles.
When accidents do happen, understanding your rights and the steps to take for compensation is key. If you’re recovering from a bicycle accident, you shouldn’t have to deal with medical bills, lost income, or insurance battles alone. That’s where Recovery Law Center helps you with the legal procedures. As a Honolulu Bicycle Accident attorney, we focus on helping you rebuild your life and recover the support you deserve.
Schedule a consultation with us today to discuss your case. Let us handle the legal work so you can focus on healing.
