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A number of leg injuries occur as a result of bicycle accidents with cars and trucks. One of the common lower leg injuries that bicyclists suffer from is a tibia fracture. When direct force from a collision is placed on the tibia, fractures of the tibia are likely to occur.
Also known as the shinbone, the tibia is the strongest weight bearing bone in the body. For it to fracture at the knee or ankle joints means that serious force has occurred. When tibia fractures take place, it is also common that fibula fractures and ligament injuries also occur.
Whether a side impact collision occurs or a rider is ejected and lands on his or her ankle, it is likely that a rider’s ankle is extended and forced to flex in a way that causes tears to ligaments or broken bones. In fact, approximately 87 percent of bicycle and motorcycle accident victims have injuries to their lower extremities following traffic accidents, according to the national accident statistics and data. Tibia and fibula malleolar fractures were the most common of the injuries treated at trauma centers in the U.S.
The Seriousness of Tibia Fractures Following Bicycle Accidents
There are different types of tibia fractures in bike accidents which can include a closed fracture or an open fracture. While both types of fractures can be serious, it is critical that people with open fractures—those with bone fragments sticking out of the skin—seek medical treatment immediately. When the skin is open, there is a chance for contamination that could lead to infection of the bone and possibly to amputation.
When bicycle riders suffer this type of leg injury, they need to seek treatment as soon as possible. Depending on the type of fracture and the seriousness of it will depend on how long it will take a cyclist to heal from the fracture. However, most tibia fractures involve x-rays, a hospital visit, surgery, casting, and about 12 to 16 weeks of healing. Sometimes, injured victims can take up to six months to a year to fully heal.
Experienced Lawyers Can Ease the Burden
Because of the amount of time it takes a tibia fracture to heal, a victim may not be able to continue working, care for oneself properly, or participate in hobbies and activities he or she once did. As a result, an injured cyclist might not only suffer a physical injury but a financial injury as well. To ease the financial burden of such an injury, victims of bicycle accidents should contact a lawyer to pursue compensation from the person who caused the accident.
If you have suffered a tibia fracture or any type of lower leg injury following a bicycle accident on Tamiami Trial or on any other South Florida road, you may be entitled to file a claim for compensation. We can help you pursue such a claim. Call us today 888-409-3805 for a free consultation and to request a free copy of our book, What You Need to Know After a Florida Auto, Truck or Bike Accident.