Head trauma, or traumatic brain injury, is one of the most serious injuries suffered by victims in bicycle accidents in New York City. Such injuries often result in death or life-long disability and can cost victims and their family members hundreds of thousands of dollars over time. However, thanks to the increasing use of bicycle helmets among younger riders, there is some good news. A new study that examined nationwide bicycle accident statistics found that the number of serious Traumatic Brain Injury is decreasing in children.
The study, conducted by researchers at The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control—a division of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control—found that between 2009 and 2018 the number of TBI in bicycle accident victims between the ages of 10 and 14 decreased by nearly fifty percent (48.7%). Researchers suggest that the improvement is a result of a combination of factors including improvements in the construction of children’s bicycle helmets and outreach programs to increase the use of those helmets.
However, the results of the study were not all positive. The study found that the number of TBI in adult victims of bicycle accidents had not decreased nearly as much. In fact, bicycle-related deaths in adult populations actually increased during that same time period.
One interesting piece of information uncovered during the study was that male riders (Regardless of age) were at much higher risk of injury and death in bicycle accidents when compared to female riders. Indeed, the disparity was as high as 30%, meaning that men and boys are three times more likely to suffer Traumatic Brain Injury.
Regardless of age or gender, the majority of bicycle accidents in New York City involving automobiles are still caused by the driver and not the rider.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured while riding a bicycle, contact an experienced New York City bicycle accident lawyer without delay. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 for your free consultation today.