A commonly occurring injury following a Florida bicycle crash is a broken wrist, also known as a distal radius fracture or Colles’ fracture. This injury typically occurs when the bicyclist falls onto his or her outstretched hand. Typically, this results in a broken radius bone, often towards the distal end. The following is an overview of this injury.
Unfortunately for the victims of a Sarasota bicycle accident, a broken wrist usually results in pain, swelling, and a deformity that makes the wrist appear to be bent. Symptoms of this injury include the following:
- Pain and swelling in the wrist
- Deformity in the shape of the wrist
- Bruising in the wrist area
- Numbness in the wrist area
- Fingers which lose color and are no longer pink
It is important for the victims of a Sarasota bike crash to seek treatment from a physician. If the pain is severe, some victims will go straight to the emergency room. This should always be the case if the pain is traumatic, the wrist is deformed, the wrist is numb, or the fingers are not pink. Others may go directly to an orthopedist or to their primary care physician. If the pain is not severe and the injury is not deformed, it is acceptable to wait until the next day to seek medical treatment. In the meantime, applying ice to the wrist, elevating it, and wrapping it in a splint can ease discomfort. The injury can be diagnosed by an x-ray.
If you or a loved one suffered a broken wrist following a Florida bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. For more information about potential claims, contact an experienced Sarasota car crash lawyer. Complete our online submission form or call our office at (888) 409-3805 for a free consultation.