Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle riders can sustain serious injuries in traffic accidents because they have little protection besides a helmet. These injuries can result in painful symptoms, deep emotional distress, costly medical expenses, and lost income.
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Ohio, the experienced Akron motorcycle accident lawyers at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, can help you seek the compensation you deserve. We understand how motorcycle accident injuries can impact a person’s life, and we provide the legal guidance and support that personal injury victims need. Contact our law firm today for a free initial consultation regarding your motorcycle accident.
Most Common Ohio Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can cause a range of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe head and spinal cord injuries. Here are some of the most common injuries to watch for after a motorcycle collision:
Road rash
Road rash refers to skin abrasions that occur when a motorcyclist’s skin slides across the pavement during an accident. This type of injury is more than just a scrape or a bruise; it can be quite severe, depending on the speed and nature of the accident. Road rash often affects areas like the arms, legs, and other body parts that might come into direct contact with the road.
Broken or fractured bones
The impact force during motorcycle accidents can easily result in fractures, ranging from simple breaks to complex fractures requiring surgical intervention. Commonly affected areas include the legs, arms, ribs, and collarbone. The severity of these injuries varies; some might require only a cast and time to heal, while others demand immediate medical attention and possibly multiple surgeries.
The repercussions of broken bones extend beyond physical pain for injured motorcyclists. They often lead to significant lifestyle changes, impacting a person’s ability to work, perform daily activities, or engage in hobbies.
Foot and leg injuries
Foot and leg injuries are common types of motorcycle injuries due to the exposed position of the rider’s lower extremities. These injuries can range from superficial bruises and scrapes to more serious conditions like fractures, ligament tears, and dislocations. In severe cases, riders may suffer from compound fractures, where the bone breaks and pierces the skin, or even traumatic amputation of the foot or leg.
Simple fractures might require casts and lead to weeks of immobility, affecting the victim’s ability to work and perform daily activities. More severe injuries may necessitate surgeries and prolonged physical therapy. In some cases, broken bones can result in long-term or permanent mobility issues.
Head and neck injuries
Head and neck injuries in motorcycle accidents can be particularly severe due to the vulnerability of these areas. Head injuries occur when the head forcefully hits an object or gets jolted in a collision. Neck injuries, such as whiplash, spinal fractures, or nerve damage, can also result from abrupt movements during a crash.
The impact of neck and head injuries on motorcycle accident victims can be profound. A head injury might cause a traumatic brain injury, which can lead to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and personality changes, affecting both personal and professional lives. Neck injuries can cause chronic pain, limited range of motion, and, in severe cases, partial or complete paralysis.
Spinal injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe consequences of motorcycle accidents, as they can potentially lead to long-term or permanent disability. Injuries to the lower part of the spine might result in loss of movement or sensation in the legs (paraplegia), while damage higher up the spine can affect both the arms and legs (quadriplegia).
Victims of spinal cord injuries often face significant challenges in their daily lives. These challenges include a potential loss of mobility and requiring wheelchairs or other assistive devices. The injury might also lead to a loss of independence, as victims may need help with daily tasks like dressing, bathing, and moving around.
Abdominal injuries
Abdominal injuries are a severe concern in motorcycle accidents, as the force of a collision can lead to internal injuries. These injuries can include abdominal pain, organ damage, internal bleeding, and ruptures or tears in the abdominal region. The liver, spleen, and kidneys are among the organs most commonly affected due to their location and relative lack of protection.
Motorcycle accident victims with abdominal injuries often require immediate medical attention, leading to surgeries, extended hospital stays, and a lengthy recovery period. These injuries can also restrict physical activities and diet, affecting the victim’s quality of life and ability to return to work or daily routines.
Hand and arm injuries
Hand and arm injuries from motorcycle crashes can range from minor scrapes and bruises to more severe fractures, dislocations, and nerve damage. Such injuries can significantly impact a person’s life, hindering their ability to perform basic tasks, work, or engage in hobbies that require manual dexterity. The disruption to daily activities and potential long-term implications on hand and arm function underscore the importance of protective gear and safe riding practices.
Burns
Burns from a motorcycle accident can lead to infections, scarring, and severe muscle and skin damage. Many burn injuries require skin grafts and extensive medical treatment. Burn injuries can also have a significant psychological impact, especially if they result in permanent scarring, leading to emotional distress and affecting the victim’s self-image and social interactions.
Muscle injuries
Muscle injuries, such as muscle strains, tears, or contusions, can lead to pain, swelling, and a significant reduction in strength and range of motion. The disruption to daily activities, work, and leisure pursuits underscores the importance of timely and effective treatment and rehabilitation.
Traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild concussions with temporary symptoms to severe cases leading to lasting cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. These injuries can alter a person’s ability to think, remember, control emotions, and perform motor functions. The recovery process can be unpredictable and lengthy, often involving rehabilitation, therapy, and sometimes lifelong care.
Facial Injuries
Facial injuries may be caused when riders hit or slide their face with objects and/or the pavement. These injuries can leave devastating physical and psychological consequences such as facial fractures, lacerations, broken jaws, eye injuries, and emotional distress. The recovery process may include surgery, intensive treatment and rehabilitation.
How Can an Attorney Help?
You have enough to worry about after a motorcycle accident without the hassle of legal action. The Akron motorcycle accident attorneys at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, can handle your personal injury claim while you heal. Here are a few ways we can help with your claim:
- Investigating the crash and gathering evidence to support your claim
- Interviewing eyewitnesses, scientific experts, and accident reconstruction specialists to determine how the collision occurred
- Filing your claim and handling settlement negotiations with the insurance company
- Documenting the full extent of your losses to maximize your potential compensation
- Representing you in court if the need arises
Contact Our Akron Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Help
Our Akron personal injury lawyers understand the devastating impact of motorcycle crashes and want to help you recover. Call Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, today or reach out online for a complimentary case evaluation.
