What Are Some Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

What Are Some Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

A lot of people ride motorcycles purely for recreation or as their sole means of travel. No matter the reason, motorcycle enthusiasts enjoy the sense of freedom motorcycles offer. However, these fun and economical methods for getting to your destination come with risks. Motorcycles do not have the same protection against accidents as other motor vehicles, and motorcycle riders can suffer severe, life-altering injuries in motorcycle accidents that may not harm the car drivers who hit them.

The following article addresses some of the common types of motorcycle accident injuries and how you can stay safe on the road. If a negligent driver caused a motorcycle crash that injured you or killed a close family member, contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney right away to discuss your options for obtaining compensation from those responsible.

Contact A Lawyer

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of severe and life-threatening injuries. The specific injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can vary depending on the speed of the vehicles, the type of collision, the use of protective gear, and the overall health of the rider.

Here are some common motorcycle accident injuries:

• Road rash: Road rash refers to abrasions and scrapes that occur when the rider's skin scrapes across the road surface during a crash. It can range from mild to severe, potentially causing deep wounds and permanent scarring.
• Fractures: Motorcycle accidents often lead to broken arms, legs, wrists, ankles, and ribs. These injuries can occur due to direct impact or from the accident throwing the rider from the motorcycle.
• Head injuries: Motorcycle accidents cause many head injuries, even if the rider wears a helmet. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result in long-term cognitive impairments or disabilities.
• Spinal cord injuries: A motorcycle accident can damage the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can have a profound and lasting impact on a person's mobility and quality of life.
• Internal injuries: A motorcycle accident can damage internal organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. These potentially life-threatening injuries may present with delayed symptoms, but they require immediate diagnosis and treatment.
• Dislocations and sprains: Motorcycle accidents can lead to joint dislocations or sprains, particularly in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and knees. These injuries can cause significant pain and restrict movement.
• Amputation injuries: Motorcycle accidents can sever limbs outright or cause serious damage to a rider’s extremities that necessitates amputation to save the person’s life. 
• Facial injuries: Motorcycle accidents can fracture the jaw, teeth, cheekbones, and nose. These injuries can have both functional and cosmetic implications.
• Burns: Motorcycle accidents involving fires or contact with hot surfaces can cause burn injuries. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts.
• Psychological trauma: Motorcycle accidents can have a profound psychological impact on the rider. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions can result from the accident.

This is not an exhaustive list of the injuries you can sustain in a motorcycle accident, so get a medical evaluation as soon as possible after the crash. Even if you do not think the accident seriously injured you, a medical exam can rule out internal injuries that may cause problems later, and you will need documentation of having suffered an injury and received treatment to file an injury claim against the at-fault party.

What Types of Compensation Can I Get After a Motorcycle Accident?

After a motorcycle accident injures you and damages your bike, you can obtain compensation from the at-fault party. The compensation you could receive depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, the amount of insurance coverage available, and the laws in your jurisdiction, among other factors.

Some common forms of compensation you could receive include:

• Medical expenses: You may recover compensation for all past, current, and future medical expenses related to your accident. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, therapy, and any other necessary medical treatments.
• Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may receive compensation for the income you lost and any future loss of earning capacity resulting from the accident.
• Property damage: If the accident damaged or destroyed your motorcycle, you could obtain compensation to repair or replace it. Additionally, you could receive compensation for damaged gear like helmets, jackets, or boots.
• Pain and suffering: You may recover compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. This subjective compensation can vary depending on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your daily life.
• Disability or disfigurement: If the accident results in a long-term or permanent disability or disfigurement, you may recover additional compensation to account for the impact on your quality of life and future earning potential.
• Loss of consortium: If your injuries affected your relationship with your spouse or partner, they may seek compensation for the loss of companionship, intimacy, or support resulting from the accident.
• Punitive damages: In certain cases involving particularly reckless or negligent actions by the responsible party, you may receive punitive damages. These damages punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.

Additionally, if the motorcycle accident killed a close family member, you could obtain compensation by having an attorney file a wrongful death claim. Only certain parties may bring wrongful death actions, such as the decedent’s estate representative, spouses, children, and parents of the deceased, depending on the state where the accident occurred. The compensation you receive could help with final medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and other associated damages.

You may qualify to receive other forms of compensation as well, so discuss your case with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to determine and calculate the amount of compensation you need to cover all damages you incurred because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing.

How Can an Attorney Help Me After a Motorcycle Accident?

You need the skills and knowledge of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to obtain compensation after a motorcycle accident.

A lawyer offers numerous benefits as you seek compensation for your injuries and losses, including:

• Legal knowledge and advice: An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will understand the relevant personal injury laws in your state, along with any special considerations pertaining to motorcycle accidents. An attorney will also understand civil courts and procedures and how to pursue compensation from various sources, if necessary. An attorney can offer personalized advice and guidance throughout the process to help increase your chances of obtaining a successful outcome.
• Protecting your rights: The at-fault party’s insurance company or legal counsel may deny or devalue your claim and even blame you for the accident and your injuries. An attorney can protect your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable for your pain and suffering.
• Investigation: An attorney can thoroughly investigate the accident. This may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports, analyzing medical records, and reconstructing the accident scene. By gathering relevant information, an attorney can build a strong case on your behalf.
• Settlement negotiations: Insurance companies will minimize their liability or offer a low settlement amount. An attorney can handle all communication with the insurance company so you don’t have to worry about it and can prevent you from saying or doing something that the insurance company can use against you. A lawyer can also negotiate on your behalf to seek fair compensation for your injuries, property damage, medical bills, and other losses.
• Determining liability: In motorcycle accident cases, an experienced attorney can establish fault by investigating the accident, identifying negligent parties, and proving their responsibility. You must do this to hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries and damages.
• Expert consultations: Attorneys often work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists who can provide expert opinions and testimony to support your case. These experts can establish causation, prove your injuries, and calculate the damages you deserve.
• Legal representation: If your case proceeds to court, an attorney can provide strong legal representation on your behalf. They can prepare your case, present arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate for you before a judge and jury.
• Maximizing compensation: A motorcycle accident attorney understands the damages you may claim. They can assess your injuries, calculate the financial impact of the accident on your life, and pursue maximum compensation for your pain and suffering, lost income, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other related damages.

By hiring an attorney, you can focus on your recovery while knowing that a legal professional is handling your case, fighting for your rights, and pursuing the compensation you deserve. The peace of mind an attorney can offer during the process of obtaining compensation can alleviate your stress and worry, and a lawyer will always have your rights and best interests at heart as they fight to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Injuries Riding a Motorcycle?

Riding a motorcycle comes with inherent risks, but you can reduce the risk of injuries. Here are some important tips to consider:

• Wear protective gear: Always wear a helmet that meets safety standards and fits properly. Additionally, wear protective clothing such as a jacket, pants, gloves, and sturdy boots to safeguard your body against abrasions, cuts, and impact injuries.
• Attend motorcycle safety courses: Enroll in a motorcycle safety course or training program. These courses provide valuable instruction on riding techniques, defensive driving strategies, and emergency maneuvers. By enhancing your skills and knowledge, you can become a safer and more confident rider.
• Obey traffic laws: Adhere to all traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits, lane use, and traffic signals. Pay attention to your surroundings, use turn signals appropriately, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Practicing defensive driving techniques can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
• Remain visible: Enhance your visibility on the road by wearing bright or reflective clothing, using reflective strips on your motorcycle, and keeping your headlights on at all times. Make sure your turn signals and brake lights work so you can communicate your intentions to other drivers.
• Stay alert and avoid distractions: Concentrate on the road and avoid distractions such as mobile phones or anything that diverts your attention. Staying safe on a motorcycle requires full awareness of your surroundings and potential hazards.
• Maintain your motorcycle: Regularly inspect your motorcycle to keep it in proper working condition. Check the tires, brakes, lights, signals, mirrors, and other components before every ride. Proper maintenance can prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
• Ride defensively: Anticipate potential hazards and assume that other drivers may not see you. Prepare to react to other motorists' sudden movements or mistakes. Scan the road ahead, check blind spots, and always leave yourself an escape route in case of emergencies.
• Practice situational awareness: Constantly assess the traffic conditions, road surfaces, weather conditions, and potential hazards around you. Maintain a wide field of vision and ride cautiously in intersections, blind spots, and high-risk areas.
• Continue learning: Stay up to date with current motorcycle safety practices and take refresher courses periodically to enhance your skills and knowledge. Learning from experienced riders and staying informed about new safety technologies and riding techniques can make you a better and safer motorcyclist.

While these tips can reduce the risk of injuries, accidents can still occur, because you cannot control the actions of a negligent driver. Still, stay vigilant, ride responsibly, and prioritize your safety at all times when riding a motorcycle.

Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Help

If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident someone else caused, you deserve full compensation for your injuries. For help, you can reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney for a complete evaluation of your case, advice regarding your options, and invaluable representation throughout the process.

The motorcycle accident attorneys at The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers have helped many injured motorcyclists and their families recover maximum compensation for their damages and losses. Contact us today to request a free consultation to find out how we can help you get the money you need and the justice you feel you deserve.