Assessing Yourself After a Bike Accident
People are involved in bicycle accidents everyday. One of the biggest concerns is a car versus bike accident, but these are not as common as you may think. Far more often, cyclists are involved in crashes with inanimate objects or because of roadway hazards. If you are involved in an accident with an object or simply take a spill, there are easy ways to assess yourself for possible injury.
1. Lie Still and Pay Attention
As soon as you are involved in an accident, you may want to jump up and grab your bike. This is a good idea if you are in the middle of traffic but if you are able to, lie still for a moment and just pay attention to your body. If you have a headache, your stomach hurts or you are visibly injured, seek medical attention right away.
2. Move Your Head
If you have no tingling in your fingers or toes, go ahead and try to turn your head to the right and left. Stop the moment you feel discomfort. The inability to turn your head comfortable could signify a spine or neck injury.
3. Feel Your Belly
Most of us have seen doctors palpate, or gently prod, patients’ bellies on popular medical dramas. You can do the same to yourself as you lay on the ground. Palpate your belly and note any areas that are more tender than others. If you have such a spot. you need to go see a doctor. Additionally, if your stomach becomes rigid or distended, get yourself to the ER; you may have internal bleeding.
4. Deep Breaths
Take a few deep breaths before you get up. If it is difficult or painful to breathe deeply, you may have a cracked or broken rib. Such an injury requires medical attention as soon as possible.
5. Stop the Bleeding
If you are bleeding from somewhere, apply direct pressure to your wound. Do not apply a tourniquet unless you have been trained how to do so. You can cause damage — including loss of limb — if one is applied incorrectly.
Being involved in a bicycle accident is, of course, a possibility any time you head out on two wheels. The goods news is that there are easy ways to assess yourself for injury should you be involved in a crash. Use the tips above as a guide to checking yourself out before you dial 911.
If you have been injured in a bike crash in Austin or the surrounding area, call our office. An Austin bicycle accident lawyer from our team will provide you with a free case evaluation and advise you of your options. Call now.