Millions of Americans enjoy riding motorcycles. However, motorcyclists are susceptible to the many dangers of the road, which makes riders more vulnerable to serious accidents. Due to the lack of protection and disparity in vehicle sizes, motorcycle riders can suffer catastrophic and life-changing injuries when involved in an accident.
Because motorcycles have only two wheels, they are less stable than four-wheeled passenger cars, not to mention that their size makes them less visible to other motorists on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 80 percent of all road accidents involving motorcycles result in bodily injuries or deaths, while only 20 percent of car crashes result in injuries or deaths.
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, you might want to contact a skilled lawyer to help you pursue compensation for your losses and damages. A Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
A study by NHTSA revealed that motorcyclists are almost 30 times more likely than occupants of passenger cars to suffer fatal injuries in the event of a traffic accident. Motorcycle riders and their passengers are also prone to serious and debilitating injuries when accidents occur.
While injuries sustained by motorcycle accident victims vary from one crash to another, some of the most common ones include:
- Lower-extremity injuries. According to NHTSA, injuries to the legs and feet are the most common type of injury suffered by motorcycle riders in accidents. In particular, motorcyclists are prone to bone fractures in the legs. The extreme risk of lower-extremity injuries is because the legs and feet are often the first body part that hits the ground when an accident throws a motorcyclist off the bike. Lower-extremity injuries tend to be more serious when the rider is not wearing protective equipment for the legs.
- Neck injuries. The force of impact in a motorcycle accident can cause the muscles and ligaments in the neck to tear or otherwise get damaged. One of the most common types of neck injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents is whiplash. In the worst-case scenario, the motorcyclist may end up with a broken neck.
- Traumatic brain injuries. Motorcycle riders and passengers are at risk of suffering traumatic brain injuries, also known as TBIs, especially when they do not wear a helmet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), helmets reduce the risk of motorcycle accident-related death by 37 percent. While helmets can reduce the risk of head trauma, they cannot prevent all types of TBIs. Severe head injuries are often associated with long-term consequences, including dizziness, memory problems, behavioral changes, mood swings, balance problems, and others.
- Broken bones. Human bone may not withstand the sheer force of the collision, especially when bones come under too much pressure in a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle riders and passengers often experience broken bones and bone fractures. As a result of a collision, a motorcyclist can break a bone in the arms, hands, legs, or feet. Broken bones often require prompt medical attention, surgery, and physical therapy. Recovering from a broken bone can be a painful and long-lasting healing process.
- Spinal cord injuries. Some of the most common and dangerous motorcycle injuries are spinal cord injuries. The spine transmits signals from the brain to the body. Any disruption of these signals can result in partial or complete paralysis. Any spinal cord injury can drastically change the victim’s life and result in temporary or permanent disability. The injured party may never fully recover.
- Road rash. Road rash is often the first noticeable injury in a motorcycle accident. This type of injury occurs when a motorcyclist slides across the pavement after being thrown from the bike. Road rash, which is an abrasion, can leave permanent scars because all layers of the skin are damaged. Protective gear, such as gloves, boots, pants, and a jacket, can reduce the severity of road rash.
- Femur fractures. The femur is the longest bone in the body. Femur fractures are some of the most painful injuries, which can affect various aspects of the victim’s life. The injury may require surgery and years of rehabilitation.
- Chest injuries. Motorcycle accidents can affect the chest area. Any injury to the chest can be life-threatening because it can cause damage to the heart and other vital organs. Some of the most common chest injuries associated with motorcycle accidents are lacerated lungs, collapsed lungs, injury to the thorax, fractured ribs or sternum, and lung contusion.
- Sprains or strains. The force of impact in a motorcycle accident can cause severe strains and sprains as a result of damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Depending on their severity, sprains or strains may require surgery and physical therapy.
- Internal injuries and bleeding. Direct trauma in a motorcycle accident may cause internal bleeding. A victim of a motorcycle collision may also experience internal organ damage as a result of being hit by other vehicles or being thrown from the bike. Vital organs that get injured more often than others include the liver, lungs, kidneys, and spleen. If left undiagnosed and untreated, internal organ damage can be a life-threatening injury.
- Lacerations and bruises. Motorcycle accidents are also commonly associated with bruises and lacerations. While these injuries may be less severe than others, they may result in long-term complications and/or permanent scarring. In addition, bruising may be a sign of a serious underlying injury.
- Pelvic injuries. The pelvis is a commonly injured area in a motorcyclist’s body. However, people often overlook pelvic injuries. Motorcycle riders have no protection around their hips, which is why injuries to the pelvis and hips may occur.
- Biker’s arm. When an unexpected event throws a motorcycle rider from the bike, their first instinct is to extend their arms in an attempt to protect their head and lessen the impact. Doing so can result in broken arms or a condition known as a “biker’s arm.” This type of injury is associated with permanent nerve damage.
- Disfigurement. Motorcyclists may suffer disfigurement any time they land on their face or experience severe burns or lacerations when a collision occurs. Wearing a helmet can protect a rider from facial injuries.
- Loss of a limb. When a motorcyclist’s body comes into contact with another vehicle or object, they are at risk of suffering the loss of a limb. The physical and emotional trauma associated with losing a limb can be overwhelming, which is why a victim should determine the full and long-lasting impact of the injury before accepting a settlement.
- Skull fractures. Motorcyclists who do not wear a helmet while riding are likely to suffer skull fractures when their head hits another vehicle, object, or pavement. Skull fractures may require surgery to prevent permanent damage to the brain and other complications. A victim who suffered a skull fracture may experience long-lasting neurological problems.
Each year, motorcycle accidents result in more than 5,000 fatalities, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). The statistics are disturbing because motorcycles account for only three percent of all registered vehicles in the United States, while motorcyclists represent 14 percent of traffic deaths, according to NHTSA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Motorcycle Accident Injuries
What are the long-term consequences of motorcycle accident injuries?
Due to the traumatic nature of motorcycle accidents, victims may suffer long-term impairments and complications. Depending on the type and severity of the motorcycle accident injury, a rider may be left temporarily or permanently disabled. Severe impairments may make the victims unable to care for themselves, requiring help to bathe, use the bathroom, dress, or feed themselves.
Head injuries from a violent blow to the head in a motorcycle accident can result in behavioral changes, memory problems, speech problems, and many others. The physical, emotional, cognitive, and financial hardships can take a toll on the motorcycle accident victim’s life. That is why it is imperative to fight for compensation for all the losses and damages. Consider contacting a Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney to examine your case and determine a value settlement amount for your injury.
What are the emotional injuries after a motorcycle accident?
Aside from physical injuries, a victim of a motorcycle accident may also experience emotional injuries, which can include but are not limited to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and others.
When seeking compensation for emotional injuries after a motorcycle accident, recoverable damages may include:
- Pain and suffering. Victims of a motorcycle accident may be entitled to pain and suffering damages when they suffer permanent scarring, disfigurement, amputation, or any emotional hardships as a result of the accident and/or injury.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. If the motorcycle accident has reduced your quality of life, you can be entitled to what is known as the “loss of enjoyment of life” damages.
- Emotional distress. The purpose of this type of non-economic damage is to compensate victims for the emotional and psychological impacts of their injury on their daily life.
Unlike economic damages, which have a fixed dollar value assigned to them, calculating compensation for non-economic damages, including pain and suffering and emotional distress, can be tricky. That is why you might want to seek the legal counsel of a Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney to help you determine fair compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
What types of damages can you recover after a motorcycle accident?
Each motorcycle accident case is unique, which is why recoverable damages vary greatly from one victim to another.
However, if the accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, you can demand compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Diminished earning capacity
- Disability
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The value of your motorcycle accident case depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact of the injuries on your life and work, whether you suffered emotional distress or pain and suffering, among many other factors.
Why should you seek medical attention after a motorcycle accident?
We cannot overstate the importance of seeking immediate medical attention after a motorcycle accident. Delaying medical care or waiting too long to visit a doctor can negatively affect your health and jeopardize your legal claim. If you do not seek medical attention immediately after the accident, you can have a hard time proving that your injury was the result of that accident.
Insurance companies use various tactics to undervalue and deny personal injury claims after motorcycle accidents. Disputing the cause of the injury may be one of them when the victim fails to receive prompt medical care. It is equally important to follow the prescribed treatment plan to avoid potential problems during the insurance claims process.
What evidence do you need to prove fault after a motorcycle accident?
Gathering evidence is one of the essential steps you can take to recover damages after a motorcycle accident. You will use the evidence you collect to prove fault and determine the extent of your damages and losses.
Some of the evidence that you may need to support your motorcycle accident case includes:
- The police report
- Photos from the scene of the motorcycle accident
- Witness testimony
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
Your Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer can help you gather the necessary types of evidence and handle other legal aspects of the claims process, allowing you to focus on your medical treatment.
How can a Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer help?
Suffering motorcycle accident injuries can cause physical, emotional, and financial hardships and result in long-lasting consequences. A victim may be left temporarily or permanently disabled, which may make it difficult to pay for the treatment. An experienced lawyer on your side will work tirelessly to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
A Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer will help you collect all available evidence in your case and determine fair compensation for your injuries and losses.Millions of Americans enjoy riding motorcycles. However, motorcyclists are susceptible to the many dangers of the road, which makes riders more vulnerable to serious accidents. Due to the lack of protection and disparity in vehicle sizes, motorcycle riders can suffer catastrophic and life-changing injuries when involved in an accident.
Because motorcycles have only two wheels, they are less stable than four-wheeled passenger cars, not to mention that their size makes them less visible to other motorists on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 80 percent of all road accidents involving motorcycles result in bodily injuries or deaths, while only 20 percent of car crashes result in injuries or deaths.
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, you might want to contact a skilled lawyer to help you pursue compensation for your losses and damages. A Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
A study by NHTSA revealed that motorcyclists are almost 30 times more likely than occupants of passenger cars to suffer fatal injuries in the event of a traffic accident. Motorcycle riders and their passengers are also prone to serious and debilitating injuries when accidents occur.
While injuries sustained by motorcycle accident victims vary from one crash to another, some of the most common ones include:
- Lower-extremity injuries. According to NHTSA, injuries to the legs and feet are the most common type of injury suffered by motorcycle riders in accidents. In particular, motorcyclists are prone to bone fractures in the legs. The extreme risk of lower-extremity injuries is because the legs and feet are often the first body part that hits the ground when an accident throws a motorcyclist off the bike. Lower-extremity injuries tend to be more serious when the rider is not wearing protective equipment for the legs.
- Neck injuries. The force of impact in a motorcycle accident can cause the muscles and ligaments in the neck to tear or otherwise get damaged. One of the most common types of neck injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents is whiplash. In the worst-case scenario, the motorcyclist may end up with a broken neck.
- Traumatic brain injuries. Motorcycle riders and passengers are at risk of suffering traumatic brain injuries, also known as TBIs, especially when they do not wear a helmet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), helmets reduce the risk of motorcycle accident-related death by 37 percent. While helmets can reduce the risk of head trauma, they cannot prevent all types of TBIs. Severe head injuries are often associated with long-term consequences, including dizziness, memory problems, behavioral changes, mood swings, balance problems, and others.
- Broken bones. Human bone may not withstand the sheer force of the collision, especially when bones come under too much pressure in a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle riders and passengers often experience broken bones and bone fractures. As a result of a collision, a motorcyclist can break a bone in the arms, hands, legs, or feet. Broken bones often require prompt medical attention, surgery, and physical therapy. Recovering from a broken bone can be a painful and long-lasting healing process.
- Spinal cord injuries. Some of the most common and dangerous motorcycle injuries are spinal cord injuries. The spine transmits signals from the brain to the body. Any disruption of these signals can result in partial or complete paralysis. Any spinal cord injury can drastically change the victim’s life and result in temporary or permanent disability. The injured party may never fully recover.
- Road rash. Road rash is often the first noticeable injury in a motorcycle accident. This type of injury occurs when a motorcyclist slides across the pavement after being thrown from the bike. Road rash, which is an abrasion, can leave permanent scars because all layers of the skin are damaged. Protective gear, such as gloves, boots, pants, and a jacket, can reduce the severity of road rash.
- Femur fractures. The femur is the longest bone in the body. Femur fractures are some of the most painful injuries, which can affect various aspects of the victim’s life. The injury may require surgery and years of rehabilitation.
- Chest injuries. Motorcycle accidents can affect the chest area. Any injury to the chest can be life-threatening because it can cause damage to the heart and other vital organs. Some of the most common chest injuries associated with motorcycle accidents are lacerated lungs, collapsed lungs, injury to the thorax, fractured ribs or sternum, and lung contusion.
- Sprains or strains. The force of impact in a motorcycle accident can cause severe strains and sprains as a result of damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Depending on their severity, sprains or strains may require surgery and physical therapy.
- Internal injuries and bleeding. Direct trauma in a motorcycle accident may cause internal bleeding. A victim of a motorcycle collision may also experience internal organ damage as a result of being hit by other vehicles or being thrown from the bike. Vital organs that get injured more often than others include the liver, lungs, kidneys, and spleen. If left undiagnosed and untreated, internal organ damage can be a life-threatening injury.
- Lacerations and bruises. Motorcycle accidents are also commonly associated with bruises and lacerations. While these injuries may be less severe than others, they may result in long-term complications and/or permanent scarring. In addition, bruising may be a sign of a serious underlying injury.
- Pelvic injuries. The pelvis is a commonly injured area in a motorcyclist’s body. However, people often overlook pelvic injuries. Motorcycle riders have no protection around their hips, which is why injuries to the pelvis and hips may occur.
- Biker’s arm. When an unexpected event throws a motorcycle rider from the bike, their first instinct is to extend their arms in an attempt to protect their head and lessen the impact. Doing so can result in broken arms or a condition known as a “biker’s arm.” This type of injury is associated with permanent nerve damage.
- Disfigurement. Motorcyclists may suffer disfigurement any time they land on their face or experience severe burns or lacerations when a collision occurs. Wearing a helmet can protect a rider from facial injuries.
- Loss of a limb. When a motorcyclist’s body comes into contact with another vehicle or object, they are at risk of suffering the loss of a limb. The physical and emotional trauma associated with losing a limb can be overwhelming, which is why a victim should determine the full and long-lasting impact of the injury before accepting a settlement.
- Skull fractures. Motorcyclists who do not wear a helmet while riding are likely to suffer skull fractures when their head hits another vehicle, object, or pavement. Skull fractures may require surgery to prevent permanent damage to the brain and other complications. A victim who suffered a skull fracture may experience long-lasting neurological problems.
Each year, motorcycle accidents result in more than 5,000 fatalities, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). The statistics are disturbing because motorcycles account for only three percent of all registered vehicles in the United States, while motorcyclists represent 14 percent of traffic deaths, according to NHTSA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Motorcycle Accident Injuries
What are the long-term consequences of motorcycle accident injuries?
Due to the traumatic nature of motorcycle accidents, victims may suffer long-term impairments and complications. Depending on the type and severity of the motorcycle accident injury, a rider may be left temporarily or permanently disabled. Severe impairments may make the victims unable to care for themselves, requiring help to bathe, use the bathroom, dress, or feed themselves.
Head injuries from a violent blow to the head in a motorcycle accident can result in behavioral changes, memory problems, speech problems, and many others. The physical, emotional, cognitive, and financial hardships can take a toll on the motorcycle accident victim’s life. That is why it is imperative to fight for compensation for all the losses and damages. Consider contacting a Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney to examine your case and determine a value settlement amount for your injury.
What are the emotional injuries after a motorcycle accident?
Aside from physical injuries, a victim of a motorcycle accident may also experience emotional injuries, which can include but are not limited to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and others.
When seeking compensation for emotional injuries after a motorcycle accident, recoverable damages may include:
- Pain and suffering. Victims of a motorcycle accident may be entitled to pain and suffering damages when they suffer permanent scarring, disfigurement, amputation, or any emotional hardships as a result of the accident and/or injury.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. If the motorcycle accident has reduced your quality of life, you can be entitled to what is known as the “loss of enjoyment of life” damages.
- Emotional distress. The purpose of this type of non-economic damage is to compensate victims for the emotional and psychological impacts of their injury on their daily life.
Unlike economic damages, which have a fixed dollar value assigned to them, calculating compensation for non-economic damages, including pain and suffering and emotional distress, can be tricky. That is why you might want to seek the legal counsel of a Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney to help you determine fair compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
What types of damages can you recover after a motorcycle accident?
Each motorcycle accident case is unique, which is why recoverable damages vary greatly from one victim to another.
However, if the accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, you can demand compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Diminished earning capacity
- Disability
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The value of your motorcycle accident case depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact of the injuries on your life and work, whether you suffered emotional distress or pain and suffering, among many other factors.
Why should you seek medical attention after a motorcycle accident?
We cannot overstate the importance of seeking immediate medical attention after a motorcycle accident. Delaying medical care or waiting too long to visit a doctor can negatively affect your health and jeopardize your legal claim. If you do not seek medical attention immediately after the accident, you can have a hard time proving that your injury was the result of that accident.
Insurance companies use various tactics to undervalue and deny personal injury claims after motorcycle accidents. Disputing the cause of the injury may be one of them when the victim fails to receive prompt medical care. It is equally important to follow the prescribed treatment plan to avoid potential problems during the insurance claims process.
What evidence do you need to prove fault after a motorcycle accident?
Gathering evidence is one of the essential steps you can take to recover damages after a motorcycle accident. You will use the evidence you collect to prove fault and determine the extent of your damages and losses.
Some of the evidence that you may need to support your motorcycle accident case includes:
- The police report
- Photos from the scene of the motorcycle accident
- Witness testimony
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
Your Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer can help you gather the necessary types of evidence and handle other legal aspects of the claims process, allowing you to focus on your medical treatment.
How can a Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer help?
Suffering motorcycle accident injuries can cause physical, emotional, and financial hardships and result in long-lasting consequences. A victim may be left temporarily or permanently disabled, which may make it difficult to pay for the treatment. An experienced lawyer on your side will work tirelessly to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
A Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer will help you collect all available evidence in your case and determine fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
