Virtually every child loves the feeling of freedom that only riding a bicycle has to offer. Regardless of if they are taking a trip around the block to a friend’s house, just seeing what’s going on in the neighborhood, or practicing a new trick they have learned, bike riding provides several hours of entertainment – no screen needed. Unfortunately, there is also inherent danger involved with bike riding for kids. Accidents can occur in many ways. They may involve the child flying over the handlebars when stopping quickly, hitting a car, or wiping out when trying to jump.
If your child is involved in an accident, do you know what to do? Keep reading to find out.
What Steps to Take After Your Child is Involved in a Bicycle Accident
After your child has been involved in any type of bicycle accident, you need to check for any signs of an injury right away. See if the child has any head injuries, broken bones, or if they are bleeding. Be sure to ice any sore muscles and keep a first aid kit at home.
Some other tips for handling this situation can be found here.
Don’t Panic
If your child sees that you are upset, it is only going to scare your child even more. Remain calm and ask your child a few open-ended questions about how they feel after being involved in the accident. Keep your mind clear so that you can remember what they tell you just in case they have to go to the doctor down the road.
If the initial assessment is good, be sure to watch them for the next few days.
Watch for the Signs of a Concussion
If your child fell off of their bike or if they were hit and knocked on the ground, it’s best to watch for the signs of a concussion. Some of the signs of this include:
- Issues with noise or light
- Memory loss
- Blurry vision or dizziness
- Talking slowly
- Loss of consciousness
- Dazed or acting confused
If you notice that your child is experiencing any of these issues, even if they believe they did not fall too hard, it’s best to seek medical attention immediately.
Make Sure the Accident Doesn’t Ruin the Fun of Biking
If you have a child who enjoys the time they spend on their bike, make sure that this one accident does not ruin this for them. Make sure that biking remains a positive activity and encourage the child to try again when they are ready.
In many situations, the child may have to seek counseling or another professional for help if the accident was somewhat traumatic. Make sure you listen to what the child needs and be encouraging and responsive.
Contact an Attorney for Help
If the child was injured because of someone else’s reckless or wrongful act, you have the right and ability to file a lawsuit to hold them responsible. At this point, it is best to contact a personal injury attorney to discuss the circumstances of the accident. Let us help. Contact Fetterman & Associates by calling 561-845-2510 to learn more.