What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Many people ride motorcycles for pure recreation or as their primary means of travel. Although motorcycles are fun to ride and economical, they do not offer the same protection against injury for riders and their passengers in motorcycle accidents. Therefore, motorcyclists can suffer serious injuries in relatively low-speed crashes that cause little or no harm to vehicle drivers and their passengers. In high-speed crashes, motorcycle accidents can cause severe and fatal injuries to motorcycle riders.

If you suffered any of the following serious injuries in a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer for advice regarding your options for obtaining compensation.

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Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of severe or even life-threatening injuries due to a motorcycle’s lack of doors, side panels, roof, and other enclosures.

Some common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Any blow or impact to the head can also cause serious traumatic brain injuries. TBIs are a significant concern in motorcycle accidents, even if the rider wears a helmet.
• Road rash. Road rash occurs when a rider’s unprotected skin scrapes along the road during a crash. It can range from mild abrasions to deep lacerations, resulting in infection, scarring, or nerve damage.
• Fractures and broken bones. The impact of a motorcycle accident can lead to broken bones, commonly involving the arms, legs, ribs, wrists, or collarbones. These injuries often require immediate medical attention, immobilization, and sometimes surgical intervention.
• Spinal cord injuries. Motorcycle accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Damage to the spinal cord can result in permanent disabilities and affect motor and sensory functions below the injury.
• Limb injuries. Motorcycle accidents commonly cause trauma to the arms, legs, hands, and feet. This includes sprains, strains, dislocations, and severe injuries that require amputations.
• Internal injuries. Motorcycle accidents can cause internal injuries, including damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, lungs, or kidneys. Internal bleeding is a significant concern and requires immediate medical attention.
• Facial injuries. Facial injuries, such as fractures to the jaw or cheekbones, eye injuries, or dental damage, can occur due to impact with the motorcycle, other vehicles, or the road surface.
• Psychological trauma. Along with physical injuries, motorcycle accidents can also lead to psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. These often overlooked injuries can have a long-lasting impact on the individual’s well-being.

Following a motorcycle accident, get a prompt medical evaluation regardless of how you feel. Even if you don’t notice any signs of injury, a doctor can order imaging tests, such as X-rays and MRIs, to determine if you have any internal injuries. To file an injury claim and obtain compensation for your injuries, you will need documentation that you received treatment. You will also need documentation of your treatment costs and other associated expenses. Contact a motorcycle accident attorney to gather the documentation and evidence you need.

What Compensation Can I Get After a Motorcycle Accident?

Following a motorcycle accident where you sustained injuries or damages, you may obtain compensation from the at-fault party. The compensation available to you will depend on the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the laws of the jurisdiction where the accident occurred.

Common compensation you may pursue includes:

• Medical expenses. You can seek compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your injuries, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment.
• Lost income. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may receive compensation for the income you lost during your recovery. This includes both past and future lost income or diminished earning capacity due to your injuries.
• Pain and suffering: You may also pursue compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you experienced because of the accident and your injuries. This subjective compensation takes into account the severity and duration of your suffering.
• Property damage. If the accident damages or destroys your motorcycle, you can seek compensation for the cost of repairs or the fair market value of your motorcycle if the accident totaled it.
• Wrongful death damages. If the motorcycle accident killed a close family member, you may pursue a wrongful death claim if you were their spouse, child, parent, or other qualified family member. You could obtain funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and loss of consortium.
• Punitive damages. In cases involving particularly reckless or egregious actions, the court may award punitive damages on top of any other damages you receive. Punitive damages punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct, and your attorney can discuss with you whether you should take your case to court to pursue these damages.

Regardless, your lawyer can sit with you and evaluate the extent of your injuries and calculate the amount of compensation you need. They can then deal with the insurance company and negotiate to get the insurer to pay you all you deserve.

Why Do I Need an Attorney After a Motorcycle Accident?

Obtaining compensation after an accident involves a complex legal process that requires the skills and knowledge of an experienced personal injury attorney.

A lawyer can help with your motorcycle accident injury claim through:

• Legal knowledge. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will understand the relevant laws, regulations, and court procedures, and can provide you with sound legal advice tailored to your situation.
• Protect your rights. Insurance companies and at-fault parties may minimize your claim or shift blame onto you to reduce their liability. An attorney protects your rights, and a lawyer can represent your best interests throughout the legal process.
• Investigation and evidence gathering. An attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident. They will gather accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and any other relevant documentation to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Determine liability. An attorney can assess the evidence, examine witness testimony, and work with accident reconstruction experts if necessary to establish fault and liability accurately if multiple parties contributed to your accident or they dispute liability.
• Negotiate with insurance companies. Insurance companies often try to settle claims for the lowest possible amount. An attorney will handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance company, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, damages, and other losses.
• Maximizing compensation. An experienced attorney understands the full extent of damages you may receive. They will help you evaluate and quantify your losses, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other applicable damages. This allows them to pursue maximum compensation for you.
• Trial representation. If your case proceeds to trial, an attorney with trial experience can present your case effectively, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate for your rights in court to seek a favorable verdict.

One of the most important benefits of having a motorcycle accident claim for you is that they can provide you with peace of mind. Dealing with a motorcycle accident can overwhelm you physically, emotionally, and mentally. By hiring an attorney, you can focus on your recovery and well-being while knowing that a skilled professional will handle your legal case.

Wear Protective Gear

Always wear a helmet that meets safety standards, along with appropriate protective clothing such as a jacket, pants, gloves, and boots. This gear can provide essential protection for the head, body, and extremities in case of a crash or slide.

Attend Motorcycle Safety Courses

Take part in motorcycle safety courses or rider training programs. These courses teach essential skills, defensive driving techniques, and strategies for maneuvering in different road and weather conditions.

Observe Traffic Laws

Follow all traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits, signaling, and lane positioning. Pay attention to your surroundings, anticipate potential hazards, and ride defensively.

Maintain Your Motorcycle

Regularly inspect and maintain your motorcycle in proper working condition. Pay attention to the brakes, tires, lights, and other vital components. Proper maintenance can prevent mechanical failures that may lead to accidents.

Be Visible

Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing to enhance your visibility to other motorists. Use your motorcycle’s headlights at all times, even during the day. Signal your intentions clearly and make eye contact with other drivers when possible.

Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions

Concentrate on the road and avoid distractions such as using mobile devices or listening to music through headphones. Keep your focus on the traffic and potential hazards around you.

Watch for Road Conditions

Road conditions that may increase the risk of accidents, such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, or uneven pavement. Adjust your riding style accordingly to maintain control of your motorcycle.

Increase Following Distance

Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you to allow ample time to react and maneuver in case of sudden stops or emergencies.

Ride Within Your Skill Level

Know your limitations and ride at a speed that matches your experience and skill level. Gradually build up your riding skills over time.

Even if you take all precautions and ride defensively, accidents can still occur. Purchase appropriate insurance coverage and seek legal advice if you are in a motorcycle accident to protect your rights and ensure proper compensation for injuries.

Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Help

Although you try to remain as safe as possible when riding your motorcycle, you cannot control the actions of others on the road. A negligent motorist could strike you at any time or create conditions that lead to a serious motorcycle accident. When this occurs, consult an experienced personal injury attorney in Tampa as soon as you can to get a complete review of your case and help in pursuing the compensation you need and deserve.

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Boohoff Law P.A. – Tampa Office

829 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Tampa, FL 33603

Phone: 813-725-5606