After A Motorcycle Accident Look Into The Following Possible Injuries, Some Have Life-Changing Consequences
Motorcycle accidents can change your life forever. To protect yourself from them, you need to know the most common types of injuries for motorcycle drivers. This article will teach you what you need to do to prevent these injuries. Plus, you can learn about possible compensation after an accident occurs.
Broken Bones
The force of impact can seriously injure a motorcyclist’s bones in collisions with other vehicles or accidents involving only one motorcycle. Different parts of the body are susceptible to broken bones. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, this could include the arms, legs, ribs, spine, or pelvis.
The severity of shattered bones or fractures can vary from small hairline fractures to more serious compound fractures, where the bone pierces the skin. Regardless of the type of fracture, these injuries can be excruciatingly painful and may require a lengthy course of medical care, which may include operations, cast or splint immobilization, and rehabilitation.
Brain Injury
Due to motorcycles’ lack of physical protection, riders are particularly vulnerable to head injuries in the event of a collision or fall. Head trauma can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that result in long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
In personal injury law, head trauma or brain injury cases require careful consideration and specialized expertise. The impact of such injuries can be devastating, often resulting in extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. The injured party may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and even permanent disabilities. In legal terms, a motorcycle accident victim with head trauma or brain injury may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Lacerations
Lacerations are deep cuts or tears in the skin that can result from the impact of the accident, contact with objects, or contact with the road surface. Due to motorcyclists’ exposed nature, their bodies are susceptible to direct contact with various hazardous objects during a crash.
Road Rash and Abrasions
Road rash and abrasions are common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. Road rash refers to the abrasions and lacerations when a motorcyclist’s skin touches the road surface during a crash or fall. The friction between the body and the road causes layers of skin to be scraped away, resulting in painful, raw wounds. Road rash injuries can range from mild cases where only the top layer of skin is affected to severe cases where deeper layers of skin, muscle, and even bone may be exposed.
Abrasions are similar injuries. They are characterized by superficial skin damage, with the outer layer of skin being scraped away. While typically less severe than road rash, abrasions can still cause significant pain, bleeding, and risk of infection if not properly treated.
Burns
In motorcycle accidents involving fire, explosions, or contact with hot surfaces, the rider may suffer burns of varied degrees. Based on the extent and severity of tissue damage, burns are divided into three primary categories: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree.
The least severe burns, first-degree burns, only impact the epidermis (the outermost skin layer) and result in redness, discomfort, and swelling. Second-degree burns cause blisters, excruciating agony, and maybe scarring because they penetrate further into the skin. The most serious type of burns, called third-degree burns, penetrate all layers of skin, harm nerve endings widely, cause numbness, and may even result in disfigurement. During motorcycle crashes, Burns may result from contact with hot engine components, hot exhaust pipes, or hot road surfaces.
Internal Organ Damage
Due to the high speeds involved, motorcycle accidents can create considerable impact forces, which can cause physical injuries. Internal organs may be crushed, damaged, or even ruptured as a result of the abrupt acceleration or impact that occurs in a motorcycle accident.
Internal organ damage can affect several organs, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, and intestines. The injury’s severity depends on the specific organs involved and the power of the accident. If it is not recognized and treated quickly, internal bleeding brought on by organ injury can be fatal. Body parts other than the abdomen or the chest may experience internal bleeding. If left untreated, it can lead to shock and organ failure.
Amputations
Amputations are severe and life-altering injuries frequently seen in motorcycle accidents, often resulting from the forceful impact or crushing of limbs. These accidents can lead to losing fingers, hands, arms, toes, feet, or legs. The consequences of amputations extend beyond physical limitations, profoundly affecting an individual’s mobility, independence, and overall well-being.
Rehabilitation efforts, including physical therapy and the utilization of prosthetic limbs, play a crucial role in helping amputees regain functionality and adapt to daily activities. Moreover, psychological support is vital to assist individuals in coping with the emotional challenges and grieving process associated with limb loss.
Back and Neck Injuries
A collision’s impact forces can put a lot of strain on the rider’s neck and spine, which can result in a variety of injuries, including fractures, sprains, and even spinal cord damage. These wounds may lead to long-term disability, persistent discomfort, and restricted movement.
Back injuries sustained in motorcycle collisions frequently include the spine’s vertebrae, discs, and supporting tissues. Vertebral fractures or dislocations can result in spinal cord compression and instability, which can induce partial or total paralysis. A crash can cause sudden acceleration or deceleration forces that might result in neck injuries, including whiplash or cervical fractures. These wounds may result in discomfort, stiffness, restricted motion, and neurological problems.
Mental or Emotional Trauma
A motorcycle accident can cause emotional damage in many different ways. Continual flashbacks or dreams about the tragedy may affect survivors, increasing stress and emotional suffering. Due to the trauma they have gone through, individuals may also acquire a fear of riding or find it difficult to go back on a motorcycle. Individuals may struggle with the loss of mobility, independence, or changes in their appearance, which can further exacerbate the physical impairments incurred in the accident.
What To Do if You’re Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
If you are hurt in a motorcycle accident, it’s critical to follow specific procedures to maintain your well-being and legal rights. First and foremost, put your safety first. Next, get help right away. Even if you believe your wounds are minor, it’s still vital to have them examined by a medical professional because certain wounds may not be visible immediately. In addition to ensuring good care, prompt medical attention also helps to document your injuries, which may be necessary for insurance claims or legal actions.
Take pictures of the crash site, capturing the positions of the other automobiles, your motorcycle’s damage, and any obvious wounds. Obtain the contact information of any on-site witnesses. Additionally, call the police and request a copy of the accident report because it will contain crucial information about the incident. Next, even if you think the accident was not your fault, let your insurance company know about it. You should speak with a personal injury lawyer with experience handling motorcycle accident cases to preserve your rights and consider legal options.
Can You Get Compensated for Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
You can get financial compensation if you are injured in a motorcycle accident. This decision is based on several variables, though. This includes the accident’s particulars, the relevant laws, and the insurance coverage at play. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and associated losses if the accident resulted from someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing.
To claim compensation, liability must be established, demonstrating that the other person was accountable for the accident. Usually, this entails obtaining proof, such as witness accounts, pictures, accident reports, and any available video. Additionally, it is essential to meticulously record your wounds and document medical bills because these will be utilized to calculate the extent of your losses.
Should You Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?
For a motorbike accident, hiring legal counsel is strongly advised. Serious injuries, difficult legal problems, and insurance company conflicts can arise from motorcycle accidents. Your prospects of obtaining just compensation for your injuries and associated damages can be considerably increased by having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. An experienced attorney will be well-versed in the rules governing motorcycle accidents, comprehend the intricacies of insurance contracts, and be aware of the strategies employed by insurance providers to reduce payouts.
At Morris & Dewett, we deeply understand the laws governing these accidents and can navigate the complexities of insurance policies. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Morris & Dewett today for a free consultation, and let us help you through this challenging time.
