Bike Accident Lawyer Des Moines, IA

As a bicyclist, at one time or another you may find yourself having hit the pavement due to a car driver. The impact can be shocking, incredibly painful, and often results in soft tissue injuries of some kind. You may have also hit your head on the way down, which means you may want to take a trip to the emergency room for immediate medical care if it is needed. To help the healing process and prevent wounds from getting infected, you may want to follow the advice provided below. 

What is the first thing I should do to treat my physical wounds?

If your wounds are serious and you require stitches or other care that goes beyond your first aid kit, then a visit to the doctor is recommended. Clean the wound with cool running water, and a clean sponge or other material like a soft toothbrush. If you don’t have water readily available, then you can use a sterile saline wound rinse instead. The goal is to flush the wound and lightly remove any debris or dirt that could cause an infection. You can use baby shampoo for soap since it is so mild. Many people find it difficult to clean their own wound especially if it is deep, since this process can be painful. 

If the wounds have stopped bleeding after applying firm but gentle pressure, then you can move on to using hydrogen peroxide for just the first day. If you landed on the ground where there is dirt or just a gross street, then you may want to consider getting a Tetanus shot (if you haven’t within the past 10 years). 

At what frequency and amount should I apply antibiotic ointment?

Many people’s instinct after suffering a wound is to apply as much antibiotic ointment as they can. However, these ointments can be overused which can lead to skin reactions, particularly for those who have sensitive skin. If you do want to use the ointment in a beneficial way, consider these suggestions: 

• Only apply antibiotic ointment to a wound that has been cleaned and rinsed well, otherwise you could be sealing in bacteria.
• Use a thin layer of ointment, as this is enough to protect your wound. 
• When applying, do not smear on directly from tube as this can contaminate it and make things worse if you use it on any future wounds. 
• Apply the ointment 1-2 times daily, but clean the wound prior to each administration. 
• Stop using antibiotic ointments after a couple days, unless you see signs of an infection and need to see a doctor. 

Is there anything I should consider after my wounds have healed?

Yes, if you find that you lost money due to treating your wounds and other injuries, from missing work or getting your bike repaired, then you may want to consider suing the car driver who hit you. Victims of bike accidents may not realize that they have a legal case against the person responsible. A bike accident lawyer in Des Moines, IA from Des Moines Injury Law, LLP can help you get the money you need to financially and physically recover.