Hundreds of thousands of Americans are injured every year because of the negligent actions of other drivers, but when a motorcyclist is involved in the accident, the risk for injury or death substantially increases. Compared to the frame and safety features of passenger cars and trucks, a motorcycle offers little protection to riders. In addition, motorcyclists are less likely to be seen by drivers, placing them at a greater risk of collision.
At Jim Leach Attorneys at Law, we have seen the effects of serious motorcycle accidents and have experience fighting for the rights of injured motorcyclists in Parkersburg and neighboring areas of West Virginia and Ohio.
During our time in practice, many motorcyclists have come to us with a common issue – they sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident but the insurance company will not give them the money they deserve as compensation. As a result, many injured riders are left struggling to pay medical bills and household expenses after an accident when they should be focusing on recovery.
You may be entitled to compensation if you are experiencing the common motorcycle accident injuries listed below or other injuries from a motorcycle crash that was someone else’s fault:
Head Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions can occur after any blunt head trauma. Head injuries are more common in riders who were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Loss of consciousness, dizziness, confusion, and headaches are some of the signs that you could be suffering from a head or brain injury. While many concussions are not life-threatening, any kind of head injury can have serious long-term effects. A traumatic brain injury can completely alter a person’s life in an instant, making it difficult or impossible for them to work to support themselves and their family or to enjoy life as they once used to. Brain injuries often do not heal the same way other injuries do, and the symptoms may not be immediately apparent after an accident but may develop over time.
Bone Fractures
Bone fractures are often reported following a serious motorcycle crash. Serious bruising, inability to hold weight, swelling, pain, and tenderness are signs of a potential fracture. Immediately following a motorcycle accident, chemicals in your body work to reduce pain and keep you moving. However, after the initial physical shock of the accident subsides, it is important to pay attention to how your body feels. If you were struck by another vehicle, landed roughly on the road, or if your motorcycle fell on you, a physician will want to examine you for potential fractures following the accident.
Back Injuries
One likely consequence of a motorcycle accident is an injury to the rider’s back. When your back is in pain, it can be difficult to know when the issue is serious enough for you to see a doctor. Following a motorcycle accident, what at first feels like regular back pain could actually be the symptoms of a herniated disk, acute sciatica or another serious back injury. Back pain leaves many people with limited mobility and could affect your ability to work or perform regular daily tasks. If you are experiencing aching muscles, acute pain, or a limited range of motion, it is best to seek medical attention.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Among the most severe motorcycle accident injuries, spinal cord injuries almost always require immediate treatment. Failure to properly treat a spinal cord injury can lead to paralysis. Some of the most common signs of a serious spinal cord injury are loss of movement, numbness, muscle spasms, difficulty breathing, and extreme pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in people under 65.
Burn Injuries
When your skin makes contact with the road during an accident, the result is a type of burn called road rash. Road rash is an abrasion on the skin caused by direct physical contact with the ground and the resulting burn can range from mild to severe. First-degree road rash is likely to heal on its own after you wash it and apply some ointment. On the other hand, third degree road rash requires immediate medical attention. In the most severe case, the skin has completely peeled away and left tissue exposed. Treatment for third-degree road rash could include reconstructive surgery to mend the wound.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding occurs when a vein or artery is damaged and bleeding but the damage is not externally visible. Because internal bleeding is more difficult to identify, it is important to check for the symptoms diligently after an accident. Lightheadedness, bruising or purple skin around the affected area, abdominal pain, and swelling are all potential symptoms.
Lacerations
Lacerations and other wounds are common after motorcycle accidents no matter how much protection you wear. The signs of a laceration include bleeding that is difficult or impossible to control. Lacerations often require immediate medical attention in order to avoid infection and increase the chances of healing properly.
The most common motorcycle injuries are often among the most severe, which is why it is always important to see a doctor following a motorcycle accident. Even if you believe you sustained no injuries or only minor injuries as a result of your motorcycle crash, it is important to be evaluated by a doctor in order to obtain a proper diagnosis. Because some injuries like back injuries and brain injuries can develop late or worsen over time, it is important not to immediately assume that you are unharmed following a motorcycle crash.
Contact a West Virginia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a crash or collision on a motorcycle, a West Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer can help. Medical bills from accident injuries quickly become a burden and you deserve compensation to help with your recovery. All of the injuries listed above and many others can lead to lifelong consequences if you do not tend to them now.
Get in touch with Jim Leach Attorneys at Law by using the live chat service on our website or calling our office. We have the experience you need on your side if you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident.