When you think about the world going ‘green’, the bicycle jumps out as the ideal mode of transportation. When you think about having trouble finding where to park your car, again it’s the bicycle that jumps out as the better solution. The bicycle has emerged as the ideal mode of transportation, especially if you live in a city with well-designed roads and bike lanes.

Regardless of whether it’s used as a hobby or a means of transportation, cycling has a positive impact on health, particularly for those with a sedentary lifestyle, office jobs, or limited physical activity.

But (unfortunately) with the increased number of cyclists, we’re bound to see an increased number of bicycle-related injuries. And one of those injuries has to do with sustaining damage to one’s face, and as an extension, the teeth.

Types of Facial Injuries Sustained While Cycling

In a bicycle accident, multiple types of injuries could be sustained, but we’re specifically looking at facial injuries:

• Nasal fracture
• Cheekbone (zygomatic) fracture
• Jaw fracture
• Soft-tissue damage (cuts/abrasions)
• Eye trauma
• Dental injuries

Out of all these, it’s the jaw injury and direct dental injuries that affect our teeth, so we’ll take a closer look at them.

Beyond the aesthetic damage, people experience significant pain from such injuries, and necessary dental repairs or restorative treatments can sometimes take years, or even multiple surgeries, to fully complete.

Financial Issues Regarding Injury and How to Overcome Them

We all know how expensive dental repairs are today, and not everyone can afford this luxury, especially those with limited health insurance coverage. 

That is why it’s very important for people who cycle, whether as a hobby or as a means of transportation, to be aware of the potential risks and to understand the seriousness of being super cautious on the road, as well as knowing what to do if an accident does occur.

If a bike-related accident does happen, please document everything as quickly as possible. The reason for that is that there are too many factors at play, the scene is still chaotic, and we don’t really know who’s at fault. Regardless, even if you’re sure it’s your fault, it’s best not to communicate anything that could be interpreted as an admission of fault. It may be your perception of how the events unfolded that is different from what really happened. Let a lawyer figure that out. 

And there are two prime reasons why you should let a lawyer handle this:

• Different states will have different laws regarding who’s at fault and how much:
  • Pure comparative negligence (e.g., New York, California)
  • Modified comparative negligence (e.g., Illinois, Colorado)
  • Contributory negligence (e.g., Virginia, Maryland)
• If you’ve suffered any damage in the accident (facial, dental, or otherwise), the recovery process could prove to be very expensive, and if your insurance won’t cover it, it’s good to receive rightful compensation to cover your medical expenses (at least that).

It’s also important to know where to seek the right kind of support. Just as doctors specialize in treating specific parts of the body, lawyers also specialize in particular types of cases. 

Let’s give a quick example of why that’s important:

If the bike-related accident you’ve been involved in happened in Chicago (under Illinois law), and you’ve suffered damage to your face because of the accident, it’s best to go with a law firm that is local and specializes in these types of accidents. Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers can help with bicycle-related facial injuries because they’re in the city, meaning it’s easier to coordinate and/or meet with them. They’re an example of a law firm that specializes in bike-related accidents and injuries, meaning they’ll know what needs to be done from the get-go because of the sheer amount of specialized experience they have in the field. 

Plus, they’ll know about Illinois law, more specifically about the modified comparative negligence, which means that as long as you aren’t 50% or more at fault, you’re allowed to seek recovery. And they’ll help figure that percentage for you.

It’s these types of details that’ll maximize your chances of winning a court case. 

Documentation is the key to getting compensation.

This means that photos, videos, medical records, police reports, witness lists and statements, and anything that would prove your innocence are indispensable when it comes to winning the case. 

How to Prevent Bicycle Accidents?

What can you do to prevent such accidents from happening in the first place? 

Many cyclists avoid wearing protective gear such as helmets, knee and elbow pads, or bright, high-visibility clothing because of aesthetic reasons. They may feel that this equipment looks unappealing or unnecessary.

However, once an accident occurs, there is no going back. No one cares about how you look; what matters is your physical condition and the amount of pain you are in.

Another important factor to consider is the route you choose when traveling from one place to another. In many areas, there are clearly marked bike lanes and parks designed for cycling. 

On the contrary, some places do not have proper conditions for this kind of activity, which means you need to be much more careful—pay attention to traffic signs, stay aware of the people around you, ride more slowly, and take extra caution. 

When it comes to safety, you can never be too careful. Safety first!

Emotional Recovery

Next to the physical pain and financial difficulties caused by the accident, lots of people experience significant emotional and mental challenges, some more intensely than others. 

It’s important to understand that you don’t have to go through these struggles alone, and there is no shame in speaking with a psychologist, especially someone who specializes in cases like these and can offer the right guidance to help restore your confidence and hope for a better life and a full recovery.

Furthermore, you can always turn to the people close to you. 

Although it may sometimes feel like you are facing everything on your own or that others do not understand you, simply talking about the problem and acknowledging what you are going through can be incredibly helpful.

Conclusion

Accidents such as bicycle collisions can cause not only bodily injuries but also facial injuries, which are extremely painful and can affect a person’s confidence due to their aesthetic impact. 

To prevent such incidents, it’s important to be extra cautious while riding, stay aware of your surroundings, stay alert, ALWAYS wear protective gear, and be informed about what steps to take if an accident occurs.

If a crash does happen, contact emergency services immediately, and then reach out to a legal company that can provide financial assistance and helpful guidance, especially if the accident was not your fault.

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