Motorcycle accidents, unfortunately, happen frequently and can result in severe and diverse injuries. Common motorcycle accident injuries range from manageable to life-altering, affecting the physical well-being of riders and their emotional and financial stability.
The road, as much as it is a place of freedom, can also be a place of unpredictability. Cars may fail to see motorcycles due to their smaller size, road conditions can change rapidly, and unexpected hazards can appear at a moment’s notice.
At Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP, we’ve seen the long-term impacts of injuries from motorcycle accidents. We understand the frustration and stress that come with trying to handle insurance claims, lost wages, and medical care while trying to heal.
That’s why we’re committed to helping injured motorcyclists get the support they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
The Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Some of the most common types of motorcycle injuries include:
- Road Rash: This occurs when the skin scrapes against the road, often leading to severe abrasions, infections, and permanent scarring.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The most common broken bones are in the arms, legs, and collarbone, which are most exposed during a fall or collision.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Even with a helmet, a rider can sustain a concussion, skull fracture, or more serious brain damage, potentially leading to long-term cognitive issues.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord damage can lead to partial or complete paralysis, which so often requires lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: The impact of a motorcycle accident can cause internal bleeding or damage to vital organs, which may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Torn ligaments, muscle damage, and other soft tissue injuries can limit mobility and cause chronic pain.
- Amputations: In catastrophic accidents, a rider may lose a limb at the scene or out of medical necessity after the fact. Besides the changes in physical capabilities, losing a limb can also have a profound emotional and psychological impact.
Long-Term Effects of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
After a motorcycle accident, many riders face long-term consequences, some of which can be permanent. These include:
- Chronic Pain: Broken bones, road rash, and spinal injuries can lead to ongoing pain, even after initial recovery.
- Reduced Mobility: Spinal cord injuries, amputations, and severe fractures can limit mobility, often requiring the use of wheelchairs, crutches, or other assistive devices.
- Emotional Trauma: Survivors of motorcycle accidents frequently experience post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.
- Cognitive Issues: Head trauma can lead to memory problems, concentration issues, and other cognitive impairments.
- Loss of Independence: Some injuries are so severe that they leave riders unable to work or perform daily tasks without assistance, impacting their sense of independence and self-worth.
Recovery after a motorcycle accident can be long and expensive. Ongoing medical care, physical therapy, and psychological support may be necessary for years after the accident.
Legal Implications of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often entail complex legal implications, especially when determining fault and pursuing compensation.
In many cases, the process begins by establishing who is at fault for the accident. This stage can be fraught, as other drivers involved might argue that the motorcyclist engaged in risky behavior, which is a common stereotype that can influence the outcome of a case.
What’s more, insurance companies may try to shift the blame onto the motorcyclist, claiming reckless driving or failure to follow traffic rules, which makes it crucial to gather clear evidence.
Another significant legal issue is the concept of modified comparative negligence. In some cases, both the motorcyclist and another driver may share responsibility for the accident.
However, even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to recover damages under comparative negligence laws. If you are more than 50% at fault for the accident, you will be barred from recovering any damages.
Lastly, there are specific legal timelines to consider, known as statutes of limitations. The statute of limitations is three years, so it’s important to act quickly after an accident. If you miss this window, you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely.
How We Can Help
We can assist with your motorcycle accident case in several key ways:
1. Comprehensive Case Evaluation
We’ll start the process by providing a thorough case evaluation. During our initial consultation, we’ll listen to your story, assess the details of your accident, and provide a clear picture of the possible legal routes and outcomes.
2. Investigation and Evidence Collection
Our team will conduct a detailed investigation to gather all necessary evidence that supports your claim. This includes obtaining:
- Police reports
- Surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Any other relevant documentation
We also work with accident reconstruction experts when needed to strengthen your case and clarify the dynamics of the crash.
3. Dealing With Insurance Companies
Our motorcycle accident attorneys will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that your rights are protected. We aim to secure a fair settlement that covers all your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
4. Medical and Recovery Support Coordination
We collaborate with medical professionals to estimate the costs of your ongoing care and rehabilitation. This ensures that any settlement considers your current and future recovery needs.
5. Legal Representation in Court
While many motorcycle accident cases are settled out of court, some do proceed to trial. If a satisfactory agreement can’t be reached during negotiations, our skilled litigators are prepared to represent you in court.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
The common motorcycle accident injuries we see often require long-term care and rehabilitation. These types of injuries can completely disrupt your life, leaving you with financial burdens, emotional scars, and ongoing physical pain.
We are proud to be a small-town law firm that has served our community for generations. But this doesn’t mean we only take on the small, simple cases—we have the resources and experience to handle highly complex cases.
What’s more, our team understands the legal and medical intricacies involved in injuries from motorcycle accidents, and we’re prepared to represent you every step of the way.
Contact us at 803-432-4391 to request a consultation.