Motorcycle Accident Injuries

According to the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, research has shown that there is a significant increase in fatalities among motorcyclists on the roadways in the United States. As anyone would expect, the injuries suffered by a motorcyclist involved in an accident with a vehicle or large truck are typically catastrophic in nature. As a result, their motorcycle injuries can be serious or even fatal. If you experienced a motorcycle accident and suffered serious injuries as a result, contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Labrum Law Firm at (615) 338-9500 to help you understand how to receive compensation for your motorcycle injuries and losses.

Common Motorcycle Injuries Related to Accidents

Every motorcycle accident will have different sets of facts and circumstances that will result in different types of motorcycle injuries. Some of the most common motorcycle injuries related to accidents involving other vehicles including other vehicles include the following:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

According to research done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 104,472 motorcycle riders suffered injuries in traffic accidents in one year alone on the streets in the United States. 15% of helmeted and 21% of un-helmeted riders suffered from traumatic brain injuries as part of their motorcycle injuries and 54% of these riders did not survive. Unfortunately, traumatic brain injuries are common and deadly motorcycle injuries suffered by riders as a result of accidents involving other vehicles.

Whiplash Injuries

Any injury to the head and neck can result in serious complications. Many people feel that whiplash is a minor injury, however, any injury related to the spine, head or neck can result in permanent or life-long complications. Motorcycle riders are much more exposed and therefore can experienced serious motorcycle injuries to their head, neck, back, and spine.

Spinal Cord Injuries

In some cases, motorcycle injuries may result in paralysis or the need for ongoing rehabilitation or surgeries if the spinal cord suffers any kind of damage in the accident. Some victims of spinal cord injuries have paraplegia or quadriplegia resulting in permanent disability or the inability to walk every again. 

Lower-Extremity Injuries

Many motorcycle accidents result in lower-extremity injuries, such as leg, knee, ankle, and foot injuries. Some motorcycle injuries to the lower-extremities are so severe that they require amputation, surgeries, or extensive rehabilitation. Broken and fractured bones are common in motorcycle accidents and can take weeks, months, or years to fully heal.

Internal Organ Injuries

Because many motorcycle riders are thrown from their motorcycle, they may suffer serious internal organ injuries or internal bleeding. These internal organ injuries may occur as a result of the motorcyclist being thrown from their motorcycle onto the ground, or into a stationary object. In other cases, internal organ damage and bleeding may occur when something sharp (such as debris or glass from the accident) penetrates the victim's skin.

Road Rash

While many people think that road rash is simply some scrapes and cuts to the skin, road rash actually can result in serious lacerations that can develop into sepsis or other serious infections. Road rash actually can cause several layers of skin to be peeled away leaving muscles and tissue completely exposed. As a result, the motorcyclist can experience severe medical complications or even death if these wounds become infected.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Experiencing a motorcycle accident can prove to be a traumatizing experience. Many victims of motorcycle accidents suffer psychological trauma and emotional distress resulting in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is important to understand that victims of motorcycle accidents that develop psychological challenges have a right to also receive compensation for emotional trauma as well as physical injuries

Every motorcycle rider should always wear as much protective gear as possible such as helmets, thick jackets, and long pants in order to prevent as many motorcycle injuries as possible. However, if you experienced any kind of motorcycle accident injury as a result of someone else's negligence, you may have the right to receive compensation. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident injury attorney at Labrum Law Firm today to better understand all of your legal rights.

Steps to Take Following Your Motorcycle Accident

Make sure to follow these steps after your motorcycle accident in order to protect your health and your ability to file a legal claim for compensation.

• Contact the police immediately following the motorcycle accident
• Obtain as much contact information from the other driver, passengers, and witnesses as possible, including driver's license information, license plate numbers, and insurance information
• Request a formal copy of the police report once it is completed
• Make sure to seek immediate medical evaluation and attention
• Always follow the advice and direction of your medical professional or healthcare provider in order to have a better chance of obtaining compensation for your injuries
• Document all of your medical expenses including hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, travel to medical appointments, psychological counseling, prescription medications, and therapy
• Keep a journal of your pain and suffering and your inability to perform daily tasks or enjoy daily activities
• Contact your employer and receive a full listing of all loss of income including lost wages, lost bonuses, missed promotional opportunities, lost employee contributions to health or pension plans and even the loss of car allowance expenses typically received
• Contact your insurance company and let them know that you were involved in a motorcycle accident and suffered motorcycle injuries

How a Labrum Law Firm Attorney Can Help You Receive Compensation For Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries

If you experienced a motorcycle accident, you likely have property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and physical or emotional injuries as a result of your motorcycle accident. Learn more about your legal right to receive compensation for all of your injuries and losses by contacting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Labrum Law Firm at (615) 338-9500 to learn more about your legal rights and have your questions answered today.