Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
While there’s nothing much better than soaking in the freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle, doing so carries a big risk. When an accident occurs, a motorcycle rider is much more vulnerable than the driver or passenger of a four-wheel vehicle. As a result, the injuries are typically far worse.
If you’ve suffered severe injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another party, get in touch with a McEwen & Kestner attorney as soon as you can. Our legal team has represented motorcyclists for years, and we routinely help our clients win substantial compensation for the suffering they’ve been forced to endure. We will do everything we can to do the same for you.
Please use our online form at your earliest convenience for a no-obligation, no-charge review of your case, or give us a call at 651-224-3833.
Here’s a quick look at the severe, debilitating injuries that can occur due a motorcycle wreck.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment a motorcyclist can wear. It often makes the difference between surviving an accident, and succumbing to the injuries it can cause. But no matter how well-designed a helmet may be, there are some instances where a rider will still suffer a TBI, or traumatic brain injury.
There are many instances where someone suffering a TBI will eventually recover, and be able to live a full life. In others, however, the effects can be catastrophic. Victims are sometimes hurt so severely that they can’t make their own meals, or even dress themselves. They may also suffer emotionally, because they get extremely angry due to their limitations. It’s truly one of the absolute worst injuries any motorcycle rider – or anyone else, for that matter – can suffer.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord damage can also rob a person of their quality of life, resulting in partial or total paralysis that can be permanent. A negligent motorist can slam into a motorcycle, sending the rider flying through the air and striking other vehicles, or objects on the road. The resulting injury can make them dependent on others for as long as they live.
Not all spinal cord injuries result in paralysis, of course, but the effects can still be devastating. Victims will often experience numbness and weakness throughout their bodies, and will often go through incredible pain that requires extensive medical procedures to address. They may also have to take powerful medications that could have potentially dangerous side effects.
Lower-Extremity Injuries and Amputation
There are some accidents that can result in a rider being pinned between their bike and another vehicle. When this happens, their legs can be crushed so severely that surgery won’t be able to repair the damage. The only alternative will be amputation.
There are not only the obvious physical impacts an amputee will have to live with, but emotional impacts as well. They will no longer be able to enjoy many of the activities they love, and will often suffer severe depression as a result. Mental and emotional suffering can result in the need for expensive professional help. Victims may be able to obtain compensation for that help.
Internal Injuries
When a motorcycle crash occurs, a rider will often experience an incredible rush of adrenaline. They may think they’re just fine as a result, because the adrenaline is masking their injury. If that injury is to an internal organ, a victim might not have any idea for quite a while. Since they assume they’re okay, they’ll often refuse medical treatment.
This could wind up being one of the worst decisions they could possibly make. Bleeding or other damage from an internal injury could be fatal if not addressed immediately. When that treatment is administered, it could literally be life-saving – even though it will also be incredibly expensive.
Soft Tissue Injuries
The term “soft tissue” typically refers to skin and muscle. There are several types of soft tissue injuries, but the most common ones include torn muscles and severe bruising. Broken bones suffered in a motorcycle wreck can also cause soft tissue damage, which can, in some instances, be permanent.
The most common signs of soft tissue injuries include puncture wounds, severe pain, discolored skin and significant swelling. Neck pain can also be a sign of whiplash. This typically occurs when a rider is hit from behind, causing their neck to suddenly and violently move back and forth.
Road Rash and Burns
If you’ve never had a road rash, you might assume that it’s not that big of a deal. But for a motorcycle rider, it can be incredibly painful. It happens when a motorcyclist is ejected from their bike during an accident. They slide across the road, and the friction tears off skin. The risk of a severe road rash is much higher when riders aren’t wearing the right protective gear, such as thick jackets or pants.
Any sort of vehicular accident also has the potential of a fire – or even an explosion. Burns are among the most excruciating types of injuries anyone can suffer. They can be so severe, that victims will have to undergo multiple skin grafts, which are incredibly painful. Scarring and disfigurement can be so severe that it can cause substantial mental trauma.
Get Legal Help Today for Your Motorcycle Accident Case
No motorcycle rider should be forced to bear the burden of paying for medical treatment stemming from a wreck that wasn’t their fault. Not only do they have incredibly high medical bills to contend with, they’ll also have to deal with losing money because they can’t work.
The motorcycle accident attorneys with McEwen & Kestner can work to fight for your rights, helping you get every penny you deserve. We’ll do all we can to help you obtain a fair settlement offer from the negligent party’s insurance company. But we’ll also be ready to take your case to court if needed, uncovering the solid evidence it will take for you to win. We’ll also make sure you don’t have to deal with any shady insurance adjuster tactics.
You can schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys by contacting us online or calling 651-224-3833.