Motorcycle injuries tend to be more serious than those which occur in passenger vehicles because there is less protection for the rider on all sides. Injuries such as broken bones or lacerations are common, but the rate of fatalities in a motorcycle accident is also much higher than the rate in other vehicles.
Our Indianapolis lawyers explain the common types of injuries in motorcycle accidents and what you can do to seek compensation.
One common injuries that Indianapolis motorcycle riders sustain is a traumatic brain injury. This may result from someone who is not wearing a helmet, but can also result even if the person was wearing a helmet. A helmet is proven to reduce the chance of TBI, as well as lessen the severity.
There are many degrees of severity to traumatic brain injuries. It may be as mild as concussion or dizziness, but could be serious enough to put you into a coma. Motorcycle accidents result in traumatic brain injuries at a much higher rate than passenger car accidents.
It is difficult to diagnose and treat a TBI and there are very few tests which will show its existence. For this reason, it is often difficult for people to receive proper medical treatment. An injury to the brain can impact many different bodily functions and do not heal at the same rate as other physical injuries, often resulting in a lifetime permanent deficit.
Broken bones are a common injury sustained in motorcycle accidents, and can result from the crash itself, or from the person hitting the ground. The force of the impact will often dictate the severity of the injuries.
Some broken bones are non-displaced, which means that, although they are broken, they are still in the same location. A displaced fracture means that the bones are no longer in alignment. This may result in a surgery in order to realign the broken bones. Additionally, some broken bone injuries from motorcycle accidents are so serious that the bone will rupture the skin, known as a compound fracture.
Most injuries following a motorcycle accident have the ability to turn into long term permanent injuries. For this reason, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even a strain or a laceration, when not properly treated, can turn into a chronic condition.
If the injuries are such that the motorcycle rider is unable to work, there may be no income to the family. It is common for motorcycle riders to have some disability following an accident, which prohibits them from doing household chores. If the injuries are long term, these can have a significant impact on the individual, as well as their loved ones.
Accidents often result in psychological injuries as well. After being involved in a motorcycle crash, it is common to have a reluctance to ride again. Even while driving a car, someone a victim may experience hesitation. PTSD is a common finding and can have long term impacts on a person’s ability to function even when the physical injuries may have healed.
One important function of an experienced lawyer is to properly present the claim for damages. We can document and present evidence to maximize the impact of any injuries which may occur after a motorcycle accident. There is a big difference between obtaining a small settlement and obtaining full compensation, so it is essential that the client and the lawyer cooperate in all aspects of the case. The better they can document the injuries, the more likely it is that they can be paid full compensation at the end of the case.
It is always important to seek prompt medical attention after a motorcycle accident, but some injuries require immediate care. For example, a head injury which is left untreated may result in death. Certain types of broken bones should be treated on an emergent basis, and the response window may be narrow.
There are many common motorcycle accident injuries you could sustain in Indianapolis, and our personal injury team is always available for a consultation.
