Most common bicycle accident injury

Cycling accidents in New Mexico happen more often than many people realize. With busy urban centers like Albuquerque and miles of scenic routes drawing riders, hundreds of bicyclists are injured every year, many through no fault of their own. Whether the crash is caused by a distracted driver, poor road maintenance, or faulty equipment, the outcome can be life-changing. Learning about the most common bicycle accident injury is a crucial step in protecting your health and legal rights. At Parnall Law, we proudly represent injured cyclists and fight to hold negligent parties accountable so victims can focus on recovery.

Most common bicycle injuries

Bicycle accidents can result in a range of serious injuries, many of which require immediate medical care and long-term recovery. Here are the most frequent injuries we see from clients involved in cycling crashes:

Head injuries

The most severe and life-altering injuries often involve trauma to the head. Even when wearing a helmet, cyclists are at high risk for serious brain injuries due to the impact of a crash or fall. These head injuries can significantly affect every area of a person’s life, from work and memory to coordination and mood. Some of the most common head-related injuries include:

• Concussions
• Skull fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

These injuries might not be immediately obvious, but can have lasting consequences if not diagnosed and treated promptly. In some cases, symptoms emerge hours or even days later, making it crucial for any cyclist involved in an accident to seek medical evaluation right away.

Fractures and broken bones

Falls or collisions often result in broken bones, which are among the most common injuries sustained in a bicycle accident. When a cyclist is thrown from their bike or hits the ground with force, the impact can cause significant damage to the skeletal system. These injuries are not only painful but can also lead to extended time off work and limited mobility. Common fracture sites include:

• Wrists and arms (often from instinctively bracing against a fall)
• Collarbone (especially in over-the-handlebar crashes)
• Legs and hips

Bone fractures frequently require casting, surgical intervention, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, pins, plates, or rods may need to be surgically implanted to stabilize the bone and ensure proper healing.

Spinal cord injuries

In more severe crashes, cyclists can experience spinal trauma that can impact nearly every aspect of their daily life. The force of impact in a bicycle accident may compress the spine or twist the body in unnatural ways, leading to injuries such as herniated discs, pinched nerves, and damage to the spinal cord itself.

Facial and dental injuries

Even with a helmet protecting the skull, the face remains exposed and vulnerable during a crash. Impact with the pavement, a vehicle, or handlebars often results in severe facial trauma. Common injuries include:

• Broken jaws
• Lost or damaged teeth
• Lacerations requiring stitches

These types of injuries can lead to long-term pain, disfigurement, and complications that go far beyond the initial recovery period. Victims may require multiple dental procedures, jaw stabilization, or advanced reconstructive surgery to restore appearance and function.

Soft tissue injuries

Sprains, torn ligaments, bruising, and road rash are some of the most painful and frustrating outcomes, even if they seem “minor.” These injuries often interfere with work, driving, and day-to-day mobility.

Main causes of bicycle injuries

Many cycling injuries are preventable and occur due to a combination of unsafe infrastructure, limited enforcement of traffic laws, and careless driver behavior. In New Mexico, where bicycling is growing in popularity as both recreation and transportation, safety protections have not kept pace with the increased number of riders on the roads. This has created hazardous conditions in many parts of the state, particularly in urban centers like Albuquerque.

According to the City of Albuquerque, there are over 400 miles of bikeways designed to improve safety and encourage cycling. These include:

• Bike lanes that separate bicycles from motor vehicles with painted lines.
• Buffered bike lanes with a buffer space between bike lanes and vehicle lanes.
• Multi-use trails that are closed to motorized traffic and allow only bikes and pedestrians.

Despite these improvements, serious bicycle injuries continue to occur. Some of the most common causes include:

• Drivers failing to yield at intersections or check their blind spots
• Motor vehicles encroaching on designated bike lanes
• Poorly maintained roads, potholes, and debris are causing cyclists to lose control
• Inadequate signage or intersections without bike-specific traffic signals

Injuries are especially common during rush hour and in areas with inconsistent or poorly connected bikeways, where cyclists are forced to share space with fast-moving vehicles.

Damages you can recover from a bicycle accident

In New Mexico, personal injury law allows cyclists to seek compensation for the full impact of their injuries. This includes both economic and non-economic damages.

Here’s what may be recoverable:

• Medical bills: ER visits, surgery, medication, physical therapy
• Lost wages: Time off work due to injury or medical appointments
• Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort, emotional distress, and long-term trauma
• Property damage: Repair or replacement of your bicycle and gear

If your accident was caused by negligence, a personal injury claim can help you recover these losses. New Mexico law also allows for punitive damages in certain situations, especially if the at-fault party acted recklessly.

According to state statute Article 14 section 56-14-1, victims in civil actions may also pursue additional damages in cases involving financial loss or fraud. For instance, in a broader civil context, “a plaintiff may recover from the defendant damages in the amount equal to one hundred dollars ($100) or triple the amount for which the check is drawn, whichever is greater.”

Though this example is unrelated to bicycle crashes, it illustrates how New Mexico recognizes the importance of compensating victims fully.

Talk to a New Mexico bicycle accident lawyer today

If you’ve suffered a bicycle accident injury in New Mexico, our team is here to protect your rights. We understand how devastating these accidents can be physically, emotionally, and financially. At Parnall Law, we fight for full and fair compensation for every client we represent.

Call (505) 268-6500 today to speak directly with a bicycle accident attorney about your case. We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us help you move forward with strength and clarity.