Common injuries in motorcycle vs passenger car crashes

November 27, 2020

Common injuries in motorcycle vs passenger car crashes

In our previous posts, we discussed what are the most common reasons for crashes between a motorcycle and a passenger car. Today we will be looking at some of the injuries that could be sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Unlike cars, the motorcycle is open, exposed and doesn’t have a sturdy frame or even airbags. These are all collision protection equipment which makes other vehicles a lot safer than motorcycles. Furthermore, a motorcycle has no seatbelts which means that in the event of a crash, there’s nothing to hold you in place so ejection from the motorcycle is quite certain.

Once you’re ejected from the motorcycle and you hit a hard surface, there are several injuries that you can sustain:

Spinal cord injury – These types of injuries can cause some form of paralysis (permanent or just temporary) and they are considered as one of the most catastrophic injuries you can experience in a motorcycle accident. People who seriously damage their spinal cord, will need to rely on power chairs and will need to modify their home because of their disability.

Broken bones – During a motorcycle accident, the motorcyclist’s bone (or bones) might break. Depending on the location (arms, legs, neck, ribs etc.) and type of break (open, compound, displaced etc.) these injuries can range from mildly severe to extremely severe. Severe breaks or fractures will require surgical procedure and more extensive physical therapy. While the fracture heals, routine tasks such as bathing, dressing, favorite leisure activities etc. are placed on hold.

TBI or Traumatic Brain Injury – This is defined as a bump, blow or jolt to the head. It can also be a penetrating injury that disrupts normal brain function. Even though motorcyclists are required by law to wear a helmet, that is still not 100% guaranteed that it will protect you from TBI. These types on injuries can occur, despite wearing a helmet. So if you do end up in a motorcycle accident and you wear a helmet, make sure that you DON’T remove it until medical help arrives.

Why is having motorcycle accident attorney important?

Being in a motorcycle accident which is caused by another driver’s negligence is serious and it requires legal representation. If the accident caused severe injuries they might require long hospital stays, treatment, surgical procedures and missed time from work.

Quickly after the accident, insurance companies are likely to offer a settlement so the issue can be resolved as quickly as possible. The initial offer that they present you might look like a substantial sum, but remember, that’s the amount they are willing to pay and they are looking after their own interests, not yours. So we at Schenk Podolsky recommend that you don’t speak with anyone from the insurance company or sign anything, without a legal representative. Schenk Podolsky will evaluate your case, calculate the realistic amount for your compensation and help you negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

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