Many people don't give much thought to the impact of motorcycle accidents, as they are seen as "smaller vehicles." However, unlike bicycles, motorcycles are small and can travel at the speed of a standard automobile. Additionally, they tend to operate in the same zones as cars, trucks, buses, etc.
Considering these factors and the kind of force that riders are up against when a crash occurs, it becomes easy to see just how problematic an accident involving a motorcyclist can be.
The idea today is to shed light on some of the common injuries that are suffered by motorcycle accident victims. Additionally, there will be a look at how to get assistance legally, as well as the kinds of compensation available.
An Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney Is Key
Injuries sustained from a crash can range from mild to serious. Many people don't understand that a serious injury doesn't always present its symptoms right away. This can lead to proceeding with business as usual, only to be met with harsh implications of unchecked damage later. This can also been seen in common injuries in a truck accident.
One of the best things to do after being in a motorcycle crash caused by another party is to reach out to a trusted personal injury attorney in Iowa. This will lead to optimal advice. For example, the attorney will encourage getting the medical care needed, as this will allow for the best possible outcome for both the victim's health and claim. For more information, motorcycle accident lawyers may be able to help.
A Look at the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injury
Some of the most serious injuries that a victim can face in one of these accidents are those to the neck, face, and head. This is because head injuries are often synonymous with permanent damage, which goes well beyond what can be observed physically.
Symptoms can be very widespread and include skull fractures, concussions, brain hemorrhaging, and even paralysis.
Head trauma can have cognitive implications for life. Sometimes, victims die long after the accident has passed because of some condition that they suffered from the impact.
Neck injuries tend to be concerning because they are the site of the spine's starting point. A motorcycle injury in this area can lead to temporary or permanent mobility issues.
Chest and Abdominal Injuries
The chest and abdomen may also suffer blunt force trauma during a motorcycle crash. When this happens, there can be a variety of issues, which include punctured organs or internal bleeding. These can then be worsened by any kind of infection that may start to take shape. Sometimes immediate surgical intervention is required, and if it does not happen, death could be the result.
Upper Extremity Injuries
These kinds of motor vehicle accidents will sometimes see the biker launched into the air. Instinctively, the next move would be to put the arms out to minimize the impact of the impending fall. Of course, the weight and velocity created mean that broken bones, shoulder dislocations, nerve damage, and more can occur.
Lower Limb Injuries
Among the different problems covered here, motorcyclists tend to suffer lower extremity injuries the most. This stands to reason as the rider's legs are exposed in a situation where the bike will likely topple over.
Some of the typical injuries there include road rash, torn ligaments, broken bones, and more. While these are not fatal injuries, they can require invasive treatments with long recovery times. Sometimes, the full function will never be regained.
Spinal Injuries
Depending on what took place, a motorcyclist may end up with partial or complete paralysis. Either of these can be temporary or permanent. Even in instances where there is no paralysis, there may be respiratory issues, reduced sexual function, or chronic pain.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Seek Medical Attention
Getting medical attention should always be the first course of action after any accident has occurred. Remember that not all damage will reveal itself immediately. Even when the issue is obvious, many of them get worse when they are not treated quickly.
Getting a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is the only way to ensure that the prognosis is as good as can be. Apart from the recovery element, seeking medical attention quickly can be very good for an injury claim. This is because it provides the documentation necessary to allow for fair compensation to be sought for injuries.
Provide a Statement to the Police
Police reports tend to play a big part in injury claims. This is why it is imperative to provide a statement in the shortest possible order. If it is not possible to do so at the scene, get checked out by a medical professional, and then visit the applicable precinct to get a statement taken.
Speak to a Seasoned Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Another of the most important tasks is to speak to a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney. Doing so provides information that can help victims to avoid jeopardizing their claims with actions they may not realize can be problematic. This can also ben beneficial when dealing with common injuries in a bicycle accident.
What Kinds of Compensation Are Available?
While different riders may experience the same combinations of the most common motorcycle injuries, the compensation they may be entitled to will not always be equal. This is because each case is unique. One cyclist may lose the ability to work a physical job, but another may be fine to work a desk job.
An attorney will help to work out the applicable forms of compensation. Some of the typical elements awarded are:
Medical bills
Lost wages (current and future)
Loss of consortium
Pain and suffering
Wrongful death
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Motorcycle Crash Lawyer in Iowa Today
Motorcycle riders can suffer severe injuries in accidents. Considering that there is a negative stigma surrounding bikers, people can be quick to take the side of the actual negligent parties.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident because of someone else's blatant disregard for safety, you may be entitled to compensation! Schedule a free consultation today with Tom Fowler Law!
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