The lack of protection for the rider makes motorcycle accidents more serious than car accidents. The injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening trauma despite the use of safety gear and helmets. A good motorcycle accident attorney can help victims get fair compensation for the damages suffered.
They will also deal with insurance adjusters who rush with early settlement offers to close the compensation claim as quickly as possible.
Road Rash
This type of abrasion happens due to direct contact with a road fall. Speed determines the severity. Road rash has been divided into three stages and levels of severity.
- First-degree road rash: Scraped skin but not broken with redness and mild irritation.
- Second-degree road rash: Partially peeled skin with a layer of dermis exposed, resulting in blistering and deeper abrasions. Medical attention may be required.
- Third-degree road rash: The most severe form resulting in torn skin, exposing underlying muscle or bone, resulting in permanent scarring and requiring surgical intervention.
Fractures
Motorcycle accident victims often sustain fractures. The impact of the collision can result in limbs, ribs, and spine injuries.
- Arm and Leg Fractures: Among the most common fractures from motorcycle accidents are fractured limbs (mainly arms, wrists, and legs).
- Rib and Pelvic Fractures: Motorcycle riders are at risk of injuries to the pelvis and ribs due to posture and impact. Punctured lungs due to broken ribs result in severe complications. Pelvic fractures require surgery and long recovery periods.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal injuries can result in permanent disabilities, including paralysis. In minor accidents, the rider can end up with a herniated disc or fractured vertebrae.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Among the most serious accidents are traumatic brain injuries. Though a helmet reduces the risk of brain injury, it does not eliminate it. The force of impact can result in different types of brain injuries.
- Concussions: The sudden impact can cause the brain to shake violently within the skill, resulting in headaches, confusion, memory loss, and dizziness.
- Contusions and Bleeding: Severe forms of TBI can result in a bruised brain or bleeding inside the skull, requiring surgery to relieve pressure in some cases.
- Cognitive Impairments: Long-term cognitive impairments, including memory loss, difficulty speaking, or a loss of motor skills due to the severity of the impact.
Internal Injuries
Lack of a protective outer shell often results in serious internal injuries not visible immediately. Some common types of injuries include:
- Internal Bleeding: Organ damage to the liver, spleen, or kidneys causes internal bleeding that is life-threatening if not addressed immediately.
- Lung Injuries: Pneumothorax or a collapsed lung is another severe and common injury due to motorcycle accidents leading to difficulty breathing. This is an emergency medical situation.
The Psychological and Emotional Impact
Additionally, motorcycle accident victims can also suffer from emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The long recovery periods can significantly affect the victim’s mental health.
Motorcycle accident victims face enormous medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. To get through the legal processes of filing an insurance claim, a good motorcycle accident attorney will be of great help.
They can provide invaluable support in the investigation and evidence collection and negotiate a fair deal for the victim.
