Broken Bones from Bicycle Accidents: Types, Treatment & Claims

Broken bones are the most common serious injury in bicycle accidents. The type and location of the fracture significantly affects recovery time, treatment costs, and case value.

Most Common Cycling Fractures

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Clavicle (Collarbone)

• Most common cycling fracture

• Usually from direct impact or bracing fall

• 6-12 week recovery

• May require surgery with hardware

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Wrist and Forearm

• From bracing against fall

• Scaphoid fractures common and slow to heal

• Often require surgery and physical therapy

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Hip and Pelvis

• High-energy crashes

• Elderly cyclists especially vulnerable

• Long recovery, may need replacement

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Leg Fractures

• Femur, tibia, fibula

• Often from direct vehicle impact

• Surgery usually required

• Months of recovery

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Facial Bones

• Cheekbone, eye socket, jaw

• May require reconstructive surgery

• Can affect vision and eating

Fracture Severity

Simple/Closed: Bone breaks but doesn't pierce skin Compound/Open: Bone breaks through skin (infection risk) Comminuted: Bone shatters into multiple pieces Displaced: Bone ends don't align

Treatment Costs

- ER visit: $1,000-5,000

• Surgery: $10,000-50,000+

• Hardware (plates, screws): $5,000-15,000

• Physical therapy: $100-300/session

• Total can exceed $100,000 for severe fractures

Long-Term Effects

- Chronic pain

• Arthritis

• Limited range of motion

• Permanent hardware

• Scarring

• Temperature sensitivity