When a car hits the back of another car, the damage and injuries caused are generally minor. This is largely because cars have seat belts, airbags, bumpers, hoods, and crumple zones1 that protect drivers and passengers. Bicyclists, on the other hand, have none of these protections when they are involved in a collision. Though the BC Motor Vehicle Act requires bicyclists of all ages to wear helmets2 (unless an exemption applies), helmets only protect riders from head trauma—and sometimes they are not even effective in completely eliminating head injuries.
Combined with the lack of protection, the physics of a rear-end bicycle accident also lead to particularly severe injuries. When a car hits a bicycle from behind, even at a slow speed, the back wheel generally comes up and sends the bicyclist face-first into the pavement. Even if a cyclist can get their hands up in time, it often does not soften the impact. For these reasons, bicyclists involved in rear-end collisions are at risk for severe injuries.
Common injuries sustained in rear-end bicycle accidents
The following are only some examples of injuries that bicyclists often sustain when they are hit from behind:
- Facial fractures
- Broken jawbone
- Severe damage to teeth
- Broken hands, wrists, and arms
- Various orthopedic injuries
- Broken ribs
- Head trauma
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Internal organ damage
These injuries can all require emergency medical attention and extensive treatment, including reconstructive surgeries, dental work, hospitalization, rehabilitative therapy, and much more. As you can imagine, bicycle accident victims can amass substantial medical bills and will likely also lose income from missing work during their recovery time. Some victims are left permanently disfigured or disabled as a result of the rear-end collision.
Call one of our highly experienced bicycle accident lawyers to discuss your case today
If a driver’s negligence led to your rear-end bicycle collision, you deserve to fully recover for any losses you suffered. At McLarty Wolf in Vancouver, we can help you hold negligent parties accountable and make sure you receive the care and assistance you deserve. Call today at 604-688-9542 for a free case evaluation.
References:
1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crumple_zone
2http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/LOC/complete/statreg/–%20M%20–/47_Motor%20Vehicle%20Act%20[RSBC%201996]%20c.%20318/00_Act/96318_05.xml#section184
