Serious Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
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Motorcyclists suffer serious injuries when they collide with moving vehicles.
Often, because the rider is so unprotected, they suffer a direct hit from the vehicle.
The crash can even throw them into the road, making oncoming traffic a risk.
These injuries require immediate medical intervention to limit the amount of damage and speed up recovery.
Helpfully, injured motorcyclists can receive compensation from any motorist who is at fault for the crash.
Skin Injuries
A motorcyclist can suffer cuts, lacerations, and abrasions when a vehicle strikes them or when they skid along the road. One serious injury is “road rash,” which occurs when bare skin drags along asphalt. Road rash can lead to scarring and nerve damage.
Although skin injuries typically heal when given enough time, they can become infected if not cleaned probably. Infection often requires antibiotics and sometimes results in hospitalization.
Soft-Tissue Injuries
Accidents can easily tear ligaments and tendons, leading to strains and sprains. Also, bad bruises can endanger nearby nerves, putting direct pressure on them and causing lasting damage. One common nerve injury is “biker’s arm,” which happens when riders brace for impact by wrapping their arm around their body. Serious nerve damage typically results.
Many soft-tissue injuries will clear up with sufficient rest and ice. However, severe soft tissue injuries often require surgery.
Fractures
The force generated by a motorcycle accident can fracture any bone in the body. Many bikers suffer breaks in their legs, feet, arms, and hands. Ribs might also break, which can spear internal organs and lead to organ failure.
Broken bones need to be set so that they can heal properly, which might require surgery to insert a pin, screw, or plate. Surgery carries its own complications, including a risk of infection.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Motorcycle accidents carry a high risk of brain damage. Any hard knock to the body or head can lead to tissue damage in the brain. The brain can also begin to bleed or form blood clots, which might require surgery to remove.
But even when surgery is not necessary, moderate or severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can severely compromise a person’s daily life. TBIs can cause:
- Impaired memory
- Confusion
- Behavioral or personality changes
- Sensory problems
- Physical disability
- Speech impediments
- Disrupted sleep
Injured victims might need months or years of physical and occupational therapy to help them regain as much functioning as possible. Many motorcyclists with TBIs never fully recover but instead need lifelong medical treatment.
Wearing a helmet can dramatically reduce the changes of a TBI, but even a helmet cannot provide 100% protection.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Any damage to the spinal cord can lead to a loss of movement and/or sensation in the body below the tear, stretch, or bruise. With therapy, some patients can regain some mobility or sensation. But when the cord is completely severed, a patient will suffer from permanent paralyzation.
Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accidents can dramatically upend out clients’ lives. But we commit to getting our clients the compensation they need.
At the Olson Personal Injury Lawyers, our Colorado personal injury lawyers can bring a lawsuit for compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, disability, and pain and suffering. Reach out to us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
