Where trauma occurs on the body during motorcycle accidents depends on many factors. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Amputations – Motorcycle accidents can shatter limbs beyond repair. Surgical amputation in the emergency room may be the only option.
- Paralysis – Serious back, neck or spine injuries can leave accident victims paralyzed.
- Broken bones – Whether from the impact of the collision or from being thrown on the ground, fractures are common in motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists can suffer broken bones in the arms, legs, hips, hands and wrists. There are different types of fractures. Some require more extensive treatment.
- Head injuries – These can happen even if you were wearing a helmet. A blow to the head from a car or the impact of being thrown onto the pavement can easily cause an injury. This can result in a concussion or a more severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can affect speech, cognitive skills and personality. Long-term care may be needed.
- Back injuries – These can include herniated or bulging discs, fractured vertebrae and nerve damage. All can result in pain and loss of mobility. An accident can also result in a spinal cord injury. This can cause partial or total paralysis. Back injuries often require long-term care and can result in permanent disability.
- Internal injuries – You could be left with internal bleeding, or damage to the liver, spleen, heart or other organs.
- Biker’s arm – When motorcyclists are about to hit the ground after a collision, their instinct is to hold out their arm to cushion the impact. This can result in nerve damage in the arm. Motorcyclists may suffer pain, weakness and numbness.
- Road rash – This injury can happen when the force of impact in a crash caused the motorcyclist to be dragged on the ground. The result can be serious cuts, scrapes and bruises that are quite painful. Treatment is needed to prevent irritation and infection. Cosmetic surgery may also be needed later to repair scarring.
- Sprains and tears – Motorcyclists may try to pull their bike with extra force in an accident to try to control it, resulting in sprained or torn ligaments, muscles or tendons. These soft tissue injuries can result in pain and problems with mobility.
- Burns – Motorcyclists may come into direct contact with the exhaust pipe, or may suffer chemical burns from battery acid or gasoline spilled during the crash.
Injuries from a motorcycle accident can impact you physically and financially. Following a motorcycle accident, you may need diagnostic tests, surgery, hospitalization, medication, physical therapy, home health care and multiple follow-up visits with doctors. If you suffered a facial injury, you may need cosmetic surgery. Your medical expenses can add up quickly and become overwhelming.
Health insurance may cover some medical expenses for motorcycle accident injuries, but you have the right to seek financial compensation if a negligent driver caused the crash. That compensation can cover many other costs associated with a serious injury, such as lost income and pain and suffering.
Talk to an experienced attorney about your options
Whether you were hurt in a left-turn collision at an intersection, rear-ended at a stop sign or injured in a dooring accident, you need an experienced motorcycle accident injury lawyer on your side.
Our firm builds strong cases that insurance companies must take seriously. We fight for the compensation you deserve so you can get the treatment you need. If you were injured in a Jacksonville motorcycle accident, learn more about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers.
