Many Missourians love the freedom of riding their motorcycles on the open roads. While riding motorcycles can be exhilarating and a more economical method of getting where you need to go, motorcyclists have a much higher risk of suffering severe injuries when they are involved in collisions with cars. The common motorcycle accident injuries that often result from collisions can permanently affect your quality of life. If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by someone else, getting help from the experienced lawyers at the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave may help you recover damages that fairly compensate you for your losses.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
When motorcyclists are struck by other vehicles, they do not have the protection of a metal frame around them like the occupants of motor vehicles do. Instead, the impact of the collisions is absorbed by the motorcyclists’ own bodies, so the injuries are more likely to be severe. The types of injuries that occur will depend on a number of factors, including the relative height of the vehicle, the speed of the collision, and where on the body the impact happened. Common motorcycle accident injuries include the following:
- Severe traumatic brain injuries
- Road rash
- Pelvic fractures
- Fractures of the feet, legs, hands, and arms
- Thoracic spine injuries
- Paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Amputations
- Serious lacerations
- Abdominal injuries
- Rib fractures
- Serious burns
- Crushing injuries
- Death
In catastrophic collisions, it is possible for cyclists to suffer multiple types of common motorcycle accident injuries and to potentially lose their lives.
Body Parts Most Likely to Be Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
Between 2001 and 2008, 1.2 million people in the U.S. were treated in the emergency department for nonfatal injuries that they sustained in motorcycle accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studied the data from the injured motorcycle accident victims in an effort to determine which body parts had the highest rates of injury in motorcycle collisions. The CDC found that the most frequently injured area of the body was the lower legs and feet, which accounted for 30 percent of all the reported injuries. Head and neck injuries followed, with 22 percent of the injuries. The next most injured area was the upper chest area, followed by the arms and hands, and then the pelvic region.
A note regarding helmets: A study conducted by the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine studied motorcycle crashes that happened in Maryland from 1998 to 2002. The researchers were interested in looking at the severity of the injuries and found that riders who wore helmets were less likely to suffer severe injuries than non-helmeted riders.
What to Do If You Have Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
Being injured in a motorcycle accident because of the negligence of a motorist can change your life. While you may have survived your accident, you may be left with injuries that permanently alter your quality of life.
After you are struck by a motorist, you should first seek medical care. Even if you do not initially think that you have suffered an injury, getting prompt medical attention is important because you may have injuries that do not immediately show symptoms. For example, if you experience some tenderness and swelling in your abdomen, it may be a symptom of something more serious, such as internal bleeding. It is always a good idea to see your doctor to make certain that you get prompt treatment after an accident.
After you have sought treatment for your injuries, you should then talk to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. You should not agree to give a recorded statement or to sign an authorization form for the insurance company before you consult with a lawyer. By contacting an attorney early, your lawyer may have more time to investigate your claim and gather evidence to support it. Securing an attorney’s help can let you take the time that you need to work on recovering from your injuries rather than trying to deal with the insurance company. An attorney can help you recover more compensation by building a strong case of liability against the motorist.
Contact the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave, and schedule a free initial consultation to explore your options. We can help you determine the best course of action so that you can obtain the maximum compensation you deserve and the best outcome for your claim.