If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, chances are that your injuries involved the lower extremity. However, it is also possible for injuries to occur to the head and chest area following a motorcycle injury. Many motorcyclists experience leg fractures as the result of a collision. Read on to learn more about common motorcycle accident injuries and whether an attorney could be helpful in receiving a settlement.
What are the Different Types of Motorcycle Injuries?
There are a number of injuries that can be present following a motorcycle accident. Fatalities are even more common in motorcycle crashes than they are in passenger vehicles. There are many factors that may contribute to the severity of a driver’s injuries, such as the motorcycle size, the size of the passenger vehicle, the speed at that the vehicle or motorcycle was travelling, and many more. Many drivers require immediate medical attention following a motorcycle accident.
Here is a list of specific injuries a motorcyclist can suffer following an accident with a vehicle:
- Spinal injuries
- Whiplash
- Broken ribs
- Traumatic brain injury
- Lacerations
- Broken limbs
- Amputated limbs
- Internal bleeding
- Facial disfigurement
- Organ damage
Injuries to the Lower Extremities
Injuries to the lower extremities include any injury below the waist such as to the pelvis or legs. This type of injury is most commonly seen in motorcyclists. Many motorcyclists tend to injure their lower extremities because their legs and pelvis are the two areas that resist impact following a collision. This is typically due to the motorcyclist’s position on their bike. If an individual receives an extreme injury to their lower extremity, it can even cause the victim to become disabled temporarily or permanently.
Injuries to the Upper Extremities
Following lower-extremity, upper-extremity injuries are the second most common injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident. The upper extremity includes the neck, head, face, thorax, and abdomen. Any motorcyclist that is over the age of 40 is more at risk of suffering from this type of injury.
Individuals who drive larger motorcycles are typically those of an older age group. These individuals are at more risk of suffering from upper extremity injuries in motorcycle accidents. Older bike riders tend to drive heavier and bigger motorcycles. This provides protection for their lower extremities.
There are even some cases where a motorcyclist can suffer both lower and upper extremity injuries. Preventative measures you can take include wearing a helmet and riding with caution.
Holding a Negligent Driver Liable
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in injuries, your first obligation is to be able to prove that you did not cause the accident. This is a great way to hold the negligent driver responsible for a loss you endured. This can be successfully completed via a personal injury claim.
Generally, motorcycle accidents are severe enough to cause both parties to run through their insurance policy. It is also possible and likely that the insurance company may deny your claim. If this occurs, it is a good idea to hire an attorney immediately following your accident.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident and are dealing with lost wages and more, visit lulich.com. Hiring a motorcycle accident attorney can help you collect the compensation you deserve for the injuries you suffered. No one should ever have to deal with the consequences of an injury without seeking legal justice. Your attorney can help you with gathering evidence, negotiating with the insurance company, and representing you from the beginning to the end.
