Motorcycle accidents are some of the most serious and risky crashes we have on the roads. Due to motorcycles’ lack of physical protection, riders are far more susceptible to serious motorcycle accident injuries rather than in cars or trucks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guide, motorcyclists were approximately 22 times more likely than car passengers to die in a crash per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2022.
If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident, you need to seek legal support from a reputable personal injury firm. A motorcycle accident lawyer will apply their knowledge of the personal injury law to ensure your rights are safeguarded. They will also offer you the professional support needed for your claim to go through the legal system effectively.
Motorcycle injuries can be minor scrapes and bruises or life-threatening conditions. Unlike car drivers, motorcyclists lack the protection of a steel frame, airbags, and seat belts, leaving them vulnerable to direct impact with other vehicles, the road, or objects.
The level of injuries in motorcycle accidents is often determined by factors such as speed, collision angle, the use of protective gear, and the type of road surface. Motorcycle injuries are generally categorized into three broad types:
The type of motorcycle accident can influence the severity of your injuries and also the fault for the accident. An attorney experienced in handling a wide range of accident claims can use their resources to identify the specific type of accident you were involved in.
Motorcycle accidents are known to cause different injuries, even with the protection of some gear. Such injuries can be severe or mild depending on the force of impact. Common injuries victims of motorcycle accidents sustain include the following:
Injuries to head regions are among the most serious consequences of motorcycle accidents. About 15% of motorcycle riders wearing helmets sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in road accidents. This means that even with a helmet, motorcyclists are at risk of sustaining head injuries, especially in high-speed crashes.
Head injuries may include the following:
Head injuries, especially TBIs, can cause long-term cognitive impairment, personality changes, and other neurological issues.
Sometimes, motorcycle accident victims suffer broken bones due to the impact of the crash. The most frequently fractured bones include the legs, arms, ribs, and collarbones. Fractures can be simple breaks that heal within a short time or compound damages that require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
When a motorcyclist’s skin scrapes against the pavement during a crash, they may sustain road rash injuries. These can be mild abrasions or severe cases where multiple layers of skin are peeled away, potentially leading to scarring. Also, road rash can result in nerve damage or severe infections if not treated properly.
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are among the most devastating injuries a motorcyclist can sustain. These injuries can result in paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury. SCIs often require long-term care and rehabilitation and can significantly impact the victim’s quality of life.
Internal injuries are a serious concern in motorcycle accidents because they are not always immediately visible. Damage to the liver, kidneys, and other internal organs can be life-threatening if not promptly treated. These injuries often result from blunt force trauma and may require emergency surgery.
The legs and feet are highly vulnerable in motorcycle accidents because they often absorb the impact when a bike falls onto its side. Common injuries to legs include fractures, dislocations, and crush injuries. In severe accidents, these injuries are known to cause long-term mobility issues and may require surgery or physical therapy.
Biker’s arm refers to nerve damage that occurs when a motorcyclist instinctively extends their arm to break a fall during a crash. This defensive action can lead to severe nerve damage in the arm, resulting in permanent weakness or paralysis. Recovery from this injury can be lengthy and may not fully restore arm function.
Facial injuries are common in motorcycle accidents, particularly when the rider is not wearing a full-face helmet. These injuries include fractures, lacerations, dental injuries, and eye damage. Severe facial injuries may require reconstructive surgery and can result in permanent disfigurement.
Internal bleeding is a critical and potentially life-threatening injury that can occur from a high-impact motorcycle crash. This injury often results from blunt force trauma, causing damage to internal organs or blood vessels.
Because internal bleeding is not always immediately visible, it can go undiscovered until it becomes severe. Therefore, victims of motorcycle accidents should Immediately seek medical attention to diagnose and treat internal bleeding to avoid complicated health challenges.
The trauma of a motorcycle crash can lead to diverse psychological injuries. These injuries include the following:
The emotional toll of a motorcycle accident can be long-lasting and may affect the victim’s ability to return to normal life and work. Your lawyer will be sure to check out the accident’s psychological impact on your life to accurately calculate damages for which to seek compensation.
If you happen to be involved in a motorcycle accident, you need to think of how to positively impact your health and protect your legal interests or right to legal action. Here are the recommended steps to take immediately after experiencing a motorcycle crash:
As said earlier, the likelihood of sustaining a serious injury after a motorcycle crash is very high. And since the crash comes with a high adrenaline rush, don’t rush to trust how you feel right after the accident. Even if you feel fine, be sure to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. This can help diagnose and treat injuries such as internal bleeding or concussions that don’t show symptoms immediately.
Additionally, medical documentation that details your injuries and their severity can help you in proofing your case. So, ensure you keep medical records well for the purpose of your legal claims.
Call for law enforcement to file a police report if there was an injury, damage to property worth $1,000, or a fatality. The report is typically highly trusted as official documentation of the crash and will help initiate an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. If there were witnesses, gather their contact information as well. Witnesses can be called upon to testify in your case.
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Talk to them cautiously, however, only providing them with the necessary details about the incident. Be careful not to make any statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
Before recording your version of the story with insurance adjusters or accepting settlement offers, make sure to involve your motorcycle accident attorney. An attorney knows the right way of communicating about the accident and injuries to the insurance companies at that stage and will provide guidance on the best ways to protect your rights.
A motorcycle accident attorney plays a key role in helping crash victims go through the claims process professionally after an accident. Here’s how they can assist:
You don’t want to think of dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident alone. The pain of injuries and the resulting medical costs can be overwhelming. At this time, you need legal support from a skilled Ohio Motorcycle Accident Attorney who can represent your interest in every aspect of the claim process. Therefore, don’t wait to call Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz at (937) 222.2222 immediately after an accident to begin building a winning case from the outset.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
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