Scooters have led to many accidents, especially in cities where most of the population drives them because they are convenient for their users.
Although scooters are dependable and fun, they leave their riders exposed to accidents.
Victims of scooter accidents must seek medical attention and, oftentimes, legal recourse if the negligence of someone caused the accident. If you intend to pursue a claim and secure fair compensation, you need to look for scooter accident attorneys.
Concussions and fractures are the two most common types of injuries seen in scooter accidents. In this article, we’ll be extensively reviewing both.
Concussions
Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain is jolted or shaken inside the skull. Concussions result from sudden impact, fall, or collision which is a result of a scooter accident.
How Do Concussions Happen During a Scooter Accident?
When you’re riding a scooter, there are a few ways a concussion can happen:
- Colliding with an Object or Vehicle: If you get hit by a car or crash into something while riding, the sudden stop can jolt your head, causing the brain to shake. This is one of the most common ways concussions occur.
- Falling Off Your Scooter: A fall, especially one where your head hits the ground hard, can cause the brain to bounce around inside your skull, resulting in a concussion. Even if you’re wearing a helmet, a bad fall can still lead to a serious head injury.
- Sudden Stops: Sometimes, the scooter comes to an abrupt halt because of an obstacle or a mistake while riding. That sudden stop can send shockwaves through your body, leading to a concussion.
Symptoms of a Concussion
The following signs are indicators of a concussion:
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Balance Problems
- Dizziness and Fatigue
- Sensitivity to Light or Noise
- Nausea and Difficulty Concentrating
Concussion Recovery Time
Some people can quickly recover from concussions. Others experience long-term medical problems or symptoms resulting from it which last for weeks or months.
Fractures
Fractures refer to breaks in bones that can occur in various parts of the body during a scooter accident. These fractures occur on the legs, collarbones, arms, wrists, and pelvis.
There are different types of fractures like simple fractures where the bone breaks without piercing the skin. A compound fracture occurs in a person leading to the bone breaking and protruding through the skin leading to an increased risk of infection.
Where Do Fractures Happen?
Fractures can happen almost anywhere on your body. If you’re unlucky enough to fall or get into a crash, you might end up with a broken bone in one of these common areas:
- Legs: These are probably the most common fractures you’ll hear about. A fall or collision could cause a leg break, leaving you in pain and possibly unable to walk.
- Arms & Wrists: Most people instinctively put their hands out to break their fall, which can lead to fractures in your arm or wrist. It’s that moment when you realize just how much force your body’s absorbing.
- Collarbones: Your collarbone’s a pretty vulnerable spot, and it’s easy to break if you land just wrong.
- Pelvis: Less common but much more serious, a fractured pelvis can occur in severe crashes, and it’s an injury that takes a long time to heal.
How Do You Know You’ve Got a Fracture?
If you’ve been in an accident, these are some common fracture indicators to watch out for:
- Bruising and swelling
- Severe pain
- Tenderness
- Deformity
- Inability to use the limb
How to Prevent Fractures
Scooter riders should prevent scooter accidents by taking preventive measures like wearing protective gear like helmets, which will prevent head injuries or concussions because, according to the Journal of Injury Prevention, 45% of scooter riders involved in accidents are not wearing helmets.
They should also use elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards. Riders should learn how to adhere to relevant traffic laws and regulations to minimize the risk of accidents.