Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Many people enjoy riding motorcycles for the freedom of mobility and the chance to experience the open air. However, this puts them at a greater risk of getting hurt than occupants of other vehicles. There are numerous injuries one should be prepared for in the event of a motorcycle accident. If you do get in a crash, a competent motorcycle wreck attorney could assist you in filing a claim for damages and removing the financial burden that comes with expensive medical bills.
Treating and Tending to Injuries Following a Motorcycle Wreck
Whenever a motor vehicle accident occurs, it is critical to seek medical treatment immediately instead of trying to push through any pain. Getting medical treatment is important because in addition to treating any undiscovered health problems, insurance companies could use the lack of a hospital visit as evidence that the claimant was not as injured as they claim to be.
Therefore, it could be helpful for an injured person to keep a daily journal of their pain levels, progress, and any daily functions that they now have trouble performing. This could be used by their attorney in court to explain the effect that the accident has had on their life.
What are Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents?
A number of injuries are likely to occur to motorcycle riders due to the lack of a heavy protective metal surrounding them, like with an automobile. One unique injury to motorcyclist is road rash, which occurs when someone slides across the pavement after falling off of their bike. Road rash can range from mild cuts and bruising to severe gashes, nerve damage, and muscle damage.
Other frequent crash injuries that may happen due to motorbike crashes include TBIs (ranging from mild concussions to brain bleeds), neck and spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. Riders should wear a helmet to lessen the impact of any collision and decrease the likelihood of a serious TBI. Motorcyclists do not have car seats to protect their back, meaning they could easily fracture vertebrae or become paralyzed if their spine is struck in a crash as well.
Suffering a TBI in a Collision
The most obvious way a rider could receive head trauma is from hitting a car or the pavement. However, traumatic brain injuries can result from much less force than most people think. Even whiplash can shake the brain inside the skull and cause serious problems.
Traumatic brain injuries may not easily heal like a broken arm. While a person could receive help from cognitive therapy, there is no guarantee that they will return to normal functioning. They could experience permanent changes to the way they think, talk, process information, and store memories. Frequent symptoms of a TBI may include headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and being quick to anger.
What are Compensable Damages for a Motorcycle Injury?
Broken bones could threaten someone’s ability to earn an income. Depending on which bone is broken and what their occupation is, the injured person may not be able to perform the duties of their job until it is fully healed. Thus, one of the damages they could seek in a lawsuit is lost wages. Furthermore, if someone suffers a severe enough brain injury, it is possible they may not be able to work for the rest of their life. It is important to speak with a dedicated attorney who could account for all potential future damages when presenting a case.
Legal counsel could calculate the short-term impact of the injury by adding up the medical bills and seeing how much would be paid for by their health insurance policy. They should then speak to doctors and economic experts to determine what kind of treatment the injured motorcyclist would need in the future and what the costs would be. Future lost earnings accounting for both inflation and what the prospects for the claimant’s upward mobility was likely to be could also be part of a demand package.
Inform a Lawyer About Your Injuries Following a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycles can be a fun way of traveling but everyone should know the risks. Accident injuries to motorcycle riders tend to be more severe than those who are in a car or truck. If you have sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, Tittle & Perlmuter is here to help. Place a call today to explain your situation and learn if you could recoup your losses in court.
