Motorcyclists lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle in a crash, and as a result, serious injuries can occur.
Below are some common types of motorcycle accident injuries, their potential consequences, and how legal representation can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Reach out a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer near you for legal fight in your case.
1. Road Rash
Road rash occurs when a rider’s skin makes contact with the road surface during a crash or slide. While it may seem minor compared to other injuries, road rash can be extremely painful and lead to serious complications.
Potential Consequences:
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Risk of infection
- Prolonged recovery time
- Emotional distress due to visible injuries
Legal and Financial Considerations:
- Medical expenses for treatment and potential plastic surgery
- Lost wages during recovery
- Pain and suffering compensation
- Potential long-term impact on quality of life
Road rash can vary in severity, from minor scrapes to deep abrasions that require skin grafts. Even seemingly minor cases can lead to significant medical bills and lost time at work.
In severe cases, victims may require multiple surgeries and face permanent scarring, which can result in emotional trauma and impact their quality of life. A skilled attorney can make sure that all these factors are considered when seeking compensation.
2. Fractures and Broken Bones
The force of impact in a motorcycle accident can easily lead to broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs. Motorcyclists lack the protective shell that car drivers have, making them more vulnerable to these types of injuries.
Potential Consequences:
- Extended hospital stays
- Multiple surgeries and rehabilitation
- Chronic pain
- Temporary or permanent disability
Legal and Financial Considerations:
- High medical costs for surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing treatment
- Lost income due to inability to work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Potential future medical expenses for complications or additional procedures
Fractures can range from simple breaks that heal relatively quickly to compound
fractures that require extensive surgical intervention. In some cases, survivors may need multiple surgeries and years of physical therapy to regain full function.
The financial impact of these injuries can be staggering, with medical bills often reaching into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help quantify these losses and fight for appropriate compensation.
3. Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Even with a helmet, motorcyclists are at risk of head injuries and TBIs, which can have severe and life-altering effects. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, and their impact can be felt for years or even a lifetime.
Potential Consequences:
- Cognitive impairment
- Memory loss
- Personality changes
- Permanent disability
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Vision or hearing problems
Legal and Financial Considerations:
- Extensive medical bills for emergency treatment and long-term care
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost earning capacity
- Lifelong care expenses
- Compensation for diminished quality of life
- Costs for adaptive equipment and home modifications
TBIs can profoundly affect a person’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy life. The person affected may require ongoing medical care, cognitive therapy, and assistance with daily living activities. The financial burden of a TBI can be enormous, often exceeding millions of dollars over a lifetime.
Legal representation is crucial in these cases to ensure that all current and future needs are accounted for in any settlement or verdict.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, dramatically altering a person’s life. These injuries are among the most severe and life-changing that can result from a motorcycle accident.
Potential Consequences:
- Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
- Loss of sensation or motor function
- Chronic pain
- Respiratory issues
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction
- Increased risk of secondary health problems
Legal and Financial Considerations:
- Astronomical medical expenses for immediate and ongoing care
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Assistive devices and technology
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Compensation for loss of enjoyment of life
- Costs for personal care assistance
- Psychological counseling expenses
The impact of a spinal cord injury extends far beyond the initial medical treatment. Survivors often require lifelong care and assistance, specialized equipment, and home and vehicle modifications.
A skilled motorcycle accident attorney will consider all factors when pursuing a legal claim, potentially securing compensation that covers a lifetime of care and support.
5. Internal Injuries
The impact of a motorcycle accident can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left untreated. These injuries can include damage to organs, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs.
Potential Consequences:
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Long-term health complications
- Respiratory issues
- Sepsis or infection
Legal and Financial Considerations:
- Emergency medical treatment costs
- Ongoing medical monitoring and care
- Lost wages during recovery
- Pain and suffering damages
- Potential for future medical complications and associated costs
Internal injuries can be particularly dangerous because they may not show immediate symptoms. The person affected may not realize the severity of their condition until hours or days after the accident.
This delay can lead to more severe complications and higher medical costs. It’s crucial for motorcycle accident victims to seek immediate medical attention, even if they feel fine initially.
From a legal standpoint, documenting these injuries establishes the link between the accident and the injuries sustained.
6. Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions, are common in motorcycle accidents and can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues. While often overlooked in favor of more severe injuries, soft tissue damage can have long-lasting effects on a person’s quality of life.
Potential Consequences:
- Chronic pain
- Reduced range of motion
- Extended recovery time
- Development of chronic conditions like fibromyalgia
- Psychological impact due to chronic pain
Legal and Financial Considerations:
- Medical expenses for treatment and physical therapy
- Lost wages during recovery
- Pain and suffering compensation
- Potential long-term impact on ability to work or enjoy activities
- Costs for ongoing pain management
Soft tissue injuries can be challenging to prove in legal cases, as they don’t show up on X-rays and may not be as visibly apparent as other injuries. However, they can cause significant long-term pain and disability.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will gather the necessary medical evidence and expert testimony to demonstrate the full impact of these injuries on a victim’s life.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, leaving victims struggling to cover their expenses and rebuild their lives. This is why experienced legal representation is important. At Coates Law Office, our legal team can help you:
- Investigate the Accident: We’ll gather evidence and work with our team to build a strong case. This thorough investigation helps establish liability.
- Calculate Full Damages: We’ll assess all your current and future expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Your motorcycle accident lawyer will fight for your rights and ensure you’re not pressured into accepting a low settlement. They understand insurance companies’ tactics to minimize payouts and are prepared to counter them effectively.
- Represent You in Court: If a fair settlement can’t be reached from the other side, we’re prepared to take your case to trial and advocate for you in front of a judge and jury.
- Handle the Legal Side: We’ll make sure all deadlines are met and proper procedures are followed. This includes filing all necessary paperwork, adhering to statutes of limitations, and managing all communications with other parties involved in the case.
- Provide Peace of Mind: With our team handling your case, you can focus on your recovery and rehabilitation. We’ll keep you informed at every step of the process.
Schedule Your Free Case Consultation with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t face the challenges alone. Contact Coates Law Office today for a free consultation.
Our experienced New Hampshire personal injury attorney is ready to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.