Due to the congested roads in Southern California, bicyclists often have a harder time on the streets and a higher chance of being injured than in most other states. If you are going to ride your bicycle on the overly-crowded roads of Southern California, then you should know the risks.
Bicyclists encounter many dangers on Orange County streets, such as car doors, road debris, dogs, other animals, and drivers of vehicles. Automobiles present the biggest threat and danger to bicyclists, because they can leave cyclists seriously injured following bicycle and car crashes.
When bicyclists get hit by cars, they typically suffer blows to their heads. Head and brain injuries are common injuries that bicyclists sustain. However, these injuries can range from mild to fatal. Minor injuries can include facial lacerations, bruising, bleeding, and contusions. Other more serious injuries include concussions, skull fractures, swelling and bleeding of the brain, and traumatic brain injury.
Anytime riders hit their heads, a concussion or skull fracture can occur. These are two of the most common head injuries that bicyclists suffer. Because it can be hard to tell the severity of your injury, it is important that you get examined by a medical professional. You may need a CT scan or MRI to detect your head or brain injury. If you experience any of the following symptoms after a bicycle crash in Orange County, then you should seek medical care.
- Vomiting
- Loss of memory
- Headache
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Bleeding and trauma above the collarbone
Some head injuries require surgery, so it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible following a car and bicycle crash in Southern California. Contact an experienced Orange County bicycle accident attorney at the Law Office of John P. Burns to get your legal questions answered. Call us today at (877) 320-1338 to schedule your free legal evaluation.