Cyclists have little physical protection when they collide with a motor vehicle or are thrown onto the roadway.
One of the most devastating potential outcomes is a spinal cord injury. Damage to the spinal cord can permanently affect movement, sensation, and independence.
How Spinal Cord Injuries Happen
A cyclist may suffer a spinal injury when:
- A vehicle strikes the bicycle
- The cyclist is thrown from the bike
- The cyclist lands directly on the back
- The cyclist collides with a fixed object
- Another vehicle runs over the cyclist
The severity depends on the location and extent of the damage.
Paralysis Can Change Every Part of Life
A spinal cord injury can affect mobility and independence.
Some victims may require wheelchairs, assistive equipment, home modifications, and extensive rehabilitation.
Others may need help with activities that they previously performed independently.
Medical Costs Can Be Extensive
Spinal cord injuries can require:
- Emergency treatment
- Surgery
- Hospitalization
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Assistive equipment
- Home modifications
- Ongoing medical care
The financial impact can continue for decades.
Earning Capacity May Also Be Affected
A spinal injury may prevent a cyclist from returning to the same occupation.
Someone whose job requires physical activity may have especially significant limitations. Even office workers may experience substantial consequences if mobility or other physical functions are impaired.
Evidence Can Establish What Happened
Bicycle accident investigations may examine traffic signals, vehicle positions, damage patterns, witnesses, surveillance video, and roadway conditions.
Ponton Law has an established bicycle accident practice and has previously addressed Georgia bicycle safety issues on its blog.
Catastrophic Bicycle Injuries Require Long-Term Evaluation
A serious spinal cord injury is not simply an accident-related medical bill.
It can affect housing, transportation, employment, relationships, independence, and future medical needs.
If a negligent driver causes a bicycle accident resulting in spinal cord damage, the claim should account for the full scope of the injury and its long-term consequences.