Pelvic Fractures in Bicycle Accidents

A bicycle accident pelvic fracture can occur when a cyclist experiences a high-impact collision, such as being struck by a vehicle or landing directly on the hip or pelvis. Pelvic fractures can be serious injuries that require immediate medical evaluation, treatment, and sometimes surgery.

When you get hurt in a crash, our Chicago bike accident lawyers can guide you through the claims process.

How Bicycle Accidents Cause Pelvic Fractures

Pelvic fractures typically occur during very serious collisions. Some of the most common causes of bike accidents that lead to pelvic fractures are collisions with motor vehicles, high-impact falls, road hazard crashes, and dooring accidents. Many motorists don’t realize bikers have the same rights as drivers per municipal code 9-52-010.

A side-impact collision with a turning vehicle can force a cyclist into the vehicle or pavement, while a fall that causes the rider to land directly on the hip can also result in a pelvic fracture.

Types of Pelvis Fractures

Several types of pelvic fractures could require significant treatment, surgery, or a long recovery process.

• Acetabular fracture: A break involving the hip socket, which connects the pelvis to the head of the femur.
• Pubic ramus fracture: A break involving the front portion of the pelvis near the groin area.
• Iliac wing fracture: A break involving the upper, flaring portion of the pelvic bone.
•  Sacral fracture: A break involving the sacrum, a triangular bone at the base of the spine.
• Open book fracture: A serious pelvic injury involving separation or widening of the pelvic ring.

Broken bones are typically categorized as either stable fractures or unstable fractures. Stable fractures occur when the bones are broken but still aligned. In unstable fractures, the bones are no longer in alignment and could grow further apart. Additionally, compound fractures refer to two or more breaks.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Pelvic Fractures

Some symptoms of a pelvic fracture will manifest immediately after the damage occurs. Severe pain, difficulty walking, swelling, and bruising are common after blunt force trauma in a bike accident. Such injuries can also cause internal bleeding and lead to dizziness, weakness, loss of bladder control, a rapid pulse, low blood pressure, and other complications.

If you notice any of these symptoms, they may be indicative of a serious injury, so seek medical attention immediately to determine the problem. Even if you experience mild pain, this lower-body injury could be life-threatening if untreated.

Treatment and Recovery After a Pelvic Fracture

Treatment for a pelvic fracture depends on the type and stability of the injury and whether other structures were damaged. Some stable fractures may be treated without surgery, while unstable or more complicated fractures may require surgical fixation to restore or maintain proper alignment. Medical sources note that fracture treatment can include immobilization or other measures to keep the bones properly aligned, with surgery sometimes used when a fracture cannot be adequately managed without it.

Recovery from a pelvic fracture varies significantly based on the fracture pattern, treatment, and the individual’s overall condition. A person may have weight-bearing restrictions during healing and may need physical therapy to restore strength and mobility. Some people can experience ongoing pain, limited mobility, or nerve-related problems after a serious pelvic injury. In cases involving nerve damage or related spinal complications, spinal cord injuries may also require additional evaluation and treatment. A treating physician or physical therapist should provide the appropriate recovery guidance for each patient.

A bicycle accident pelvic fracture may therefore involve substantial medical treatment and a lengthy recovery, particularly when surgery, complications, or lasting limitations are involved.

Legal Options for Cyclists with Pelvic Fractures in Chicago

If you experience pain in your legs or are forced into physical therapy from this serious injury, you may be eligible for compensation via a lawsuit. You must prove the legal elements of negligence to win your case, which include the following:

• The defendant had a duty of care to prevent your serious injury
• The defendant breached that duty
• There is a causal link between their actions and your accident
• You suffered legal damages because of the accident

Evidence that can help you prove liability will include photos and videos of the scene, eyewitness statements, police reports, expert testimony, medical records, results from X-rays, and footage of the incident.

Compensation for Pelvic Fractures in Chicago Bicycle Accidents

The value of a pelvic fracture claim can depend on factors such as whether surgery was required, whether hardware was implanted, whether the injury affects the person’s ability to return to their previous work, and whether permanent mobility limitations remain. Reviewing bicycle accident settlements can provide additional context about the factors that may affect the value of an injury claim.

If the patient dies from their injuries, a wrongful death claim could include funeral expenses and loss of consortium.

How a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Helps With a Pelvic Fracture Claim

If your pelvic ring or another area of this joint is damaged in a cycling accident, an experienced Chicago lawyer can help you seek compensation. They will calculate all damages, gather evidence, prove your losses, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for maximum compensation.

Because liability and damages can depend on the circumstances of the crash and the extent of the injury, legal guidance may help you understand your options.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Illinois?

In Illinois, bicycle accident claims have a statute of limitations. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you have two years from the date of the collision to pursue compensation. This general two-year period applies to personal injury actions, although different rules or deadlines can apply in particular circumstances, including claims involving government entities or minors.

Secure Expert Legal Counsel! 

Pursuing a legal claim while you heal from internal bleeding, a hip injury, or pelvic damage can be overwhelming. Our Illinois bike accident lawyers will ensure you have the best chance of winning compensation, whether your injury was life-threatening or you were forced to miss work for a while. 

Contact us today to request a free legal consultation about your pelvic fracture claim.

Legally Reviewed By
Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld

Reviewed by Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld The material on this page has been legally reviewed by Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC. Mr. Rosenfeld and his team have experience representing injured cyclists in bicycle accident cases in Chicago. With a focus on personal injury law, they help bicycle accident victims understand their legal options and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from their injuries.

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