If your child was hit by a car while riding their bike, an attorney can help you demand accountability.
From fractured skulls to broken bones, over the past 20 years, more than 1 million U.S. children and teens have suffered these severe injuries due to bicycle accidents.
A recent Children's Hospital of Philadelphia study says that all children are prone to bicycle injuries, but those most likely to break a bone in an accident are boys ages 10-15.
Helmets and other protective gear could reduce the risk of injury, but the study found that boys in the 10-15 age group did not like wearing protective equipment.
"The results of our study suggest that continued efforts teaching road safety and promoting helmet use should be targeted towards all children, but with additional efforts being directed towards the most affected population, namely 10- to 15-year-old boys," researcher Dr. J. Todd Lawrence, of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), said in the article published by HealthDay. "Municipalities should continue to evaluate traffic patterns on their local roads to improve bike safety for children."
At Szantho Law Firm, we see the devastating impact New Mexico bicycle accidents have on families when a child is hit by a car. The risk of bone fractures and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be reduced by using bike helmets and pads. As a longtime Albuquerque bicycle accident lawyer, our legal team encourages everyone to wear a helmet and other safety gear when riding a bike. We also urge drivers to share the road with pedestrians and cyclists, as their safety primarily lies in the hands of motorists. If you or someone you love was hit by a car in Albuquerque, contact us today for a free consultation to review your potential legal options.
Skull fracture after a bicycle accident
Every year, an average of 50,975 people under age 18 are treated for bicycle accident fractures.
A skull fracture is one of the most severe injuries sustained by children in bicycle accidents. And for children who get into accidents without wearing a helmet, the risk of a TBI is very high.
After analyzing 20 years of data, Children's Hospital researchers say that about 87 percent of children who sustain a fractured skull in a bicycle accident were not wearing helmets. Skull fractures can cause long-term problems and life-threatening conditions, such as:
- Bleeding in or around the brain.
- Brain damage.
- Infection.
- Seizures.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaking.
An Albuquerque bicycle accident attorney can fight for the results you deserve.
Riding a bicycle has health and environmental benefits, but the risk of injury is high, especially for young cyclists. It's common for a child to fall from their bike from going too fast or over a rock, but many bicycle accidents involve negligent drivers.
If your child was hurt in a New Mexico bicycle accident, you deserve answers and accountability. Unfortunately, medical expenses can pile up quickly, and lowball settlement offers from insurance companies can leave you searching for answers on what to do next.
You need an experienced bicycle accident lawyer to fight for your child's rights. The legal team at Szantho Law Firm has years of experience recovering maximum compensation for clients in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and communities throughout New Mexico. We do everything we can to help our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Find out how we can help you. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.