Facial injuries Caused by Bicycle Accidents in Fort Lauderdale

Cowen Edwards helps those injured in bicycle accidents across Fort Lauderdale. These incidents often result in various injuries, but among the most common involve injuries to your face. By working with our team, you can explore your legal options more fully. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Do You Even Need a Lawyer?

If you get hurt in a bicycle accident, especially if it affects your face, it can be upsetting. Whether you need a lawyer depends on how bad your injuries are. Small injuries might not need legal help, but if your facial injuries are serious, it’s worth thinking about hiring a lawyer. Our firm gives you personalized advice and help to make a strong case. Plus, we don’t charge you anything upfront–our fees come from what we win for you.

What Are Some Common Facial Injuries in Bicycle Accidents?

It’s not surprising that your face is so vulnerable in a bicycle accident. Think about it–even if you wear a helmet, your face is still exposed. Then, when you collide with a car, ground, or some stationary object, your face and upper body is usually the first point of impact. So then, being in a bicycle accident can leave you with any number of facial injuries. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some of the more common facial injuries in a bicycle accident can include:

Broken bones – Bones in your face such as the nose, cheekbones (zygomatic bones), jaw (mandible), or bones around your eye sockets (orbital bones) can fracture.
Injuries to your mouth – Teeth can be damaged, leading to pain and requiring extensive dental treatment.
Eye injuries – Facial trauma can cause injuries like corneal abrasions, orbital fractures, or more severe damage affecting vision.
Nasal injuries – The nose is particularly vulnerable and can suffer fractures, cuts, or dislocations during a bicycle accident. More severe accidents can impact your breathing and nasal passages as well.
Cuts and bruises – Many accidents cause cuts and bruises, ranging from minor scrapes to deeper lacerations requiring stitches.
Facial scarring – Severe trauma can lead to permanent disfigurement and may require reconstructive surgery.

What makes these injuries even more difficult is that, in all likelihood, they’ll be on top of other injuries that come with bicycle accidents. As such, this isn’t all you’ll have to deal with. But you do have options for making a recovery. The first step in that process, though, is figuring out who’s responsible.

Who’s Responsible For Injuries in a Bicycle Accident?

When you’re injured in a bicycle accident, a key part of the process is figuring out who’s legally responsible for covering your damages. In legal terms, this is known as “liability.” And the key to figuring out liability means establishing “negligence.”

In the context of a bicycle accident, liability can fall on any of the following:

Drivers, who have a legal duty to drive safely around cyclists. If they break traffic laws, drive distracted, or fail to yield, they can be responsible for accidents.
Other bicyclists, who can also be negligent if they do any sudden moves or reckless riding, They can be partially responsible for your injuries.
Local or state government agencies, who can be held accountable for not maintaining safe roads. Poor maintenance, dangerous designs, or inadequate signs can make them liable.
Bicycle manufacturers can be responsible if they make defective bikes or parts, like brakes or wheels, that cause accidents. Manufacturers may be liable for faulty designs or warnings.
Construction or maintenance crews can be responsible for hazards in work zones, like debris or uneven surfaces, that lead to accidents. Crews can be liable for inadequate safety measures.

Like any injury claim, establishing this legal responsibility is a huge hurdle for your case. It tells you who you’ll be filing it against, but more importantly, it tells you who will be paying for your damages.

What Are Your Damages in a Bicycle Accident With Facial Injuries?

Regardless of what your injuries are, the main legal protection you have is being able to file an injury claim against the responsible party. The main point of the legal process, then, is to help you recover your “damages.”

Bicycle accidents often lead to facial injuries like those mentioned earlier. However, each accident varies in severity, resulting in extensive medical care and expenses that can create additional financial, physical, and emotional challenges.

Whether you choose to file an insurance claim or lawsuit, you may be able to recover:

Medical expenses, like hospital and treatment costs, surgeries, and anything else related to the medical side of your accident.
Lost wages or income due to missed work
Compensation for pain and suffering
Damages for emotional distress
Loss of quality of life or companionship
Costs to repair or replace damaged property

Remember, in Florida, you have two years from the accident date to file your claim. If you miss this deadline, you might not be able to recover damages. Another crucial part of the process, though, is doing the right things to protect your claim.

How Can You Protect Your Bicycle Accident Claim?

Obviously, you don’t want to be injured in a bike accident at all. And while this is the ideal scenario, you unfortunately have very little control over that when you’re on a bike. Even if you do the right things, like wear a helmet and follow traffic laws, you’re still vulnerable. So when you’re hurt in your bike accident, here’s what you can do to protect your claim:

Call 911 – Once you take stock of your facial injuries, call 911 for an ambulance and police response. They’ll give you important medical care at the scene and help you gather important information. Your health is the top priority.
Document everything – Note the accident details and take photos. Capture the scene, your injuries, and bike damage.
Get witness information – Collect contacts and statements from witnesses who saw the accident.
Get more extensive medical care – Visit a doctor promptly, even if you feel okay. Record all treatments and medical expenses.
Keep track of your losses – Save receipts for accident-related costs like medical bills and bike repairs.
File a claim with your insurance – Tell your insurance carrier about the accident and file a claim. Keep records of all communications.
Follow your doctor’s advice – Adhere to your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and recovery to support your case.

More so that perhaps any other types of bike accident injuries, ones to your face can have immediate and lasting effects. This makes the legal process extremely important to your recovery, and can give you the financial leg up you need to make a recovery. And remember, our team will be there to support your claim from start to finish.

Facial Injury Victims in Fort Lauderdale Bicycle Accidents Can Trust Cowen Edwards

Dealing with facial injuries from a bicycle accident in Fort Lauderdale can be incredibly challenging. Beyond the physical pain, these injuries can alter your appearance and affect your well-being. At Cowen Edwards, we’re here to offer vital legal support and guidance. You don’t have to go through this difficult time alone and can trust our advice and counsel.