Concussions Are a Common Cycling Injury

April 08, 2021, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

When cycling helmets began to be widely adopted in the late 1980s they were much heavier and more uncomfortable than today’s versions. They looked and often felt heavy, bulky and warm. The concerns over head injury and cyclist safety were in their infancy.

How bicycling helmets are improving

In the last 40 years, we have learned a lot about concussions and TBI, and head injuries. Helmet technology has changed significantly since then including the use of MIPS technology. You cant read my article about that here. All of the research and knowledge has resulted in models that are lighter, airier, and most importantly more protective.

Rates of cycling are increasing particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic and the many restrictions on other forms of exercise, and restrictions and fears of using public transit. Adoption of cycling helmets has increased steadily just like in other high speed or high-risk sports (skiing and skating for example) and most of us don’t think twice about putting a helmet on before we start the activity.

Why wear a helmet

Cycling is a safe sport but any fall from a bike, especially one at speed or involving another cyclist, vehicle or road hazard (think a dog or railway tracks) can result in a blow to the head. While helmets don’t make the wearer immune from a TBI or concussion they do help to protect your brain and head from road rash, and open wounds that result from striking an object. They work by absorbing the initial impact. Most people are aware that once you have had an accident and your helmet has sustained a blow that helmet should be retired and a new one purchased. Some helmet manufacturers go as far as to take the accident helmets back and offer a discount on the new helmet.

Public education of the causes and signs of a concussion remains an important part of protecting cyclists. Peer pressure (seeing that all the other cyclists are wearing one), education, and cycling laws and by-laws all play a part in cyclists remaining safer.

Have you been injured in a bicycle accident?

If you have been injured in a cycling accident you may be eligible for accident benefits regardless of fault, or of whether the other cyclist or vehicle remains on the scene. If you have been injured in a bike accident contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Deutschmann Law as soon as possible for a free initial consultation today.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.