The Most Common Cycling Accidents and Injuries In Ireland

The Most Common Cycling Accidents and Injuries In Ireland

More people than ever before are trading in their car for a bike, taking to the roads and cycling for fun and as a mode of transport. Whether you are going to work or out on a Sunday cycle, riding your bike is good for your health and can be exciting.

However, cycling accidents can happen when you are on the road. In particular, rush-hours are the time of day that you are most likely to injured by other vehicles. Three-quarters of cyclists that are hurt are male and over half are aged between 25 and 49.

It is important to realise that you can make a personal injury claim* if you are injured while you are cycling and the accident was not your fault. McSweeney Solicitors are a specialist personal injury and ligation law firm that can help you make a claim.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common cycling accidents and injuries*.

The Most Common Cycling Accidents

There are a lot more cyclist-friendly paths for you to explore. But it is popular for cyclists to join the traffic on the road to get to where they need to go. Of course, this means a higher risk of an accident with other vehicles. Here are some common scenarios were accidents can occur.

Cars Turning into a Cyclist’s Path

Unfortunately, cyclists can go unnoticed on the road. In particular, a common accident that is seen is a driver turning into a cyclist’s path. They either do not see the cyclist or underestimate the speed they are traveling. As a result, the cyclist cannot stop and will crash into the vehicle.

Coming Out of a Junction

Cars can make a lot of manoeuvres due to their speed. This can mean that they pull out into a junction thinking they have enough time and space. However, vehicles are known to underestimate where a cyclist is and they end up crashing into them. Of courses, vehicle drivers are usually unhurt from the accident. But a cyclist is a lot more exposed and can sustain serious injuries.

Swinging Open a Vehicle Door

This accident happens when a vehicle is stationary and the person swings their car door open. They do not check if there is any traffic and they hit a cyclist. This can knock them off their bike and cause them serious injuries.

The Most Common Cycling Injuries

All cyclists should be wearing a helmet and protective gear to keep them safe. But an accident can mean that they sustain bad injuries through no fault of their own. Here are some of the most common cycling injuries.

Road Rash

If a cyclist falls to the ground at some speed and skids, they can develop road rash. This can be uncomfortable for a few days but they should heal quickly with the right care. This should include antiseptic cream to ensure the scrapes and scratches do not become infected.

Soft Tissue Damage

Being involved in a bike accident can lead to soft tissue damage. In other words, you can sustain injury to the soft tissues, including sprains, strains and bruising. In particular, cyclists suffer from back and shoulder injuries, which can take a number of weeks to feel normal again.

Minor and Major Fractures

If you are involved in a serious cycling accident, you can sustain fractures to your bones. This is going to take several months to heal and a lot of recuperation time. Cyclists often break their collarbones, ribs, ankles and wrists during an accident with a vehicle.

Head Injuries

When a cyclist falls from their bike and is hit by a vehicle, they can suffer from serious head injuries. While mild concussions require some short-term rest, major accidents can lead to fatal brain damage.

Psychological Injuries

Not only will a cyclist suffer from physical injuries after an accident, they can also suffer from psychological injuries. This can include depression and panic attacks, as well as anxiety and paranoia. This can affect your quality of life and make everyday life more difficult.

If you have been involved in a cycling accident and have suffered, you may be able to make a claim*.

Call McSweeney Personal Injury Solicitors today for an initial consultation if you have been involved in a cycling accident.

*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage of any award or settlement.