When a bicycle gets into an accident with a vehicle, it can result in catastrophic injuries to the cyclist. Even if the bike rider wears a helmet, all too often, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and Houston bicycle accidents go together.
Head and brain injuries can have a substantial, long-lasting impact on a person’s life, personally and professionally. In many cases, those challenges can prove permanent. Reach out to our law office to speak with an experienced bicycle crash attorney when you or your loved one has suffered a TBI in a cycling incident.
How Brain Injuries Happen in Bicycle Collisions
Brain injuries occur when the head experiences trauma, often due to a significant impact. During a bicycle accident, the bike rider’s head often comes in contact with the road, the vehicle, or another object. Unfortunately, this means severe trauma can occur that can lead to bruising and bleeding of the brain.
Wearing a bicycle helmet can significantly reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury or decrease its severity. Unfortunately, it cannot completely prevent brain injury during a bicycle-vehicle crash, especially with a larger vehicle like a truck.
The Challenges Created by Brain Injuries
Some injured parties may suffer from immediate confusion and disorientation, which may worsen if brain swelling increases. After the accident, patients who suffer from moderate to severe TBI may have long-term symptoms that include the following:
- Memory loss, both short-term and long-term
- Changes in coordination and balance
- Difficulty with motor control function
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Inappropriate and increased emotional responses
- Challenges with impulse control
- Decrease in hearing or vision abilities
Patients with traumatic brain injury after a Houston bicycle accident may also suffer from higher rates of depression, anxiety, or aggression. In addition, they may have personality changes that can permanently influence their relationships with loved ones. For even minor traumatic brain injury, symptoms can linger up to a year after the accident. However, the effects could be permanent in more severe cases.
Potential Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injuries After a Bicycle Wreck
Traumatic brain injuries from a Houston bicycle accident often lead to the injured party having substantial financial and non-financial losses. A lawyer could help assess the extent of those damages and aid their client in filing a claim. Many traumatic brain injury claims after a bicycle accident will include the following:
- Medical costs, including the cost of physical or occupational therapy
- Anticipated future medical costs
- In-home or long-term care for ongoing supervision or support
- Lost wages, including the time missed at work because of a brain injury
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological trauma
While a lawyer cannot guarantee the compensation an injured party will recover, they can help explain the damages clearly.
Get in Touch With a Houston Attorney to Discuss Traumatic Brain Injuries and Bicycle Accidents Today
Traumatic brain injury after a bicycle accident can prove incredibly daunting and confusing. Many injured parties struggle to engage in normal activities or care for themselves following the incident.
When you find yourself struggling with the aftermath of a TBI, you do not have to do it alone. Call the Law Firm of Kinard, Garcia, and Saldana today. During a meeting, our team could discuss the compensation to expect after a traumatic brain injury in a Houston bicycle accident.