Motorcyclists hold strong to the notion that life on two wheels is far superior to life on four. Whether they’re born to be wild or simply enjoy weekend riding with friends, there’s always the risk of an accident. Motorists sometimes don’t give bikers the wiggle room needed to avoid collisions, and every day another biker hits the pavement. Motorcycle accident injuries can be painful and life-altering, and some will need lifelong care. Fortunately, there are paths to recovery; physically, emotionally, and financially.
If you’ve hit the pavement and don’t know what to do next, consult with a New Haven motorcycle accident lawyer. Teaming up with a biker-friendly attorney is the best way to ensure that you get both justice and compensation.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Without any bodily protection other than a helmet, leather jacket, gloves, and riding boots, motorcyclists have significantly less protection than those riding in passenger vehicles. Even what some would consider a minor motorcycle accident can cause significant injuries, ones severe enough to keep them out of work and earning an income for quite some time. Here’s a look at some common types of motorcycle accident injuries.
- Road rash – The bane of all bikers, without adequate bodily protection, most will come face-to-face with this severe skin irritation. Road rash occurs when motorcyclists are thrown from their motorcycle and their skin scrapes on the pavement. Even mild cases can be incredibly painful. More severe road rash can lead to nerve damage and scarring.
- Traumatic brain injuries – TBIs occur from blunt force trauma to the head. They can range from mild concussions to comas. Riders without helmets tend to obviously fare much worse than those who wear them, however, even with a helmet, a severe crash can still cause damage to the brain.
- Biker’s arm injuries – When being violently tossed from a motorcycle during impact with another vehicle, the body’s natural response is to put its hands and arms out to brace for the fall. This natural instinct causes what’s referred to as “Biker’s arm injuries.” Broken fingers, wrists, and forearms are common to this type of injury. In severe cases, limb amputation may be necessary.
- Spinal cord damage – Without the safety features that cars have like seatbelts and airbags, when a motorcyclist is involved in a crash, they almost always wind up on the pavement. For those bikers who’ve taken a particularly hard hit, spinal cord damage is almost a certainty. Spinal cord damage can leave bikers with lifelong chronic pain or with more severe damage, partially or fully paralyzed.
Types of Treatment for Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Medical care just after a motorcycle accident is a must. Even bikers who don’t think they’re injured could be. After any type of life-threatening event, the body is flooded with endorphins which could easily mask any pain. It’s highly advised that after any kind of motorcycle crash at the very least visit your primary care physician. Those with severe injuries should find their way to the nearest emergency room.
While most who’ve been injured from a motorcycle accident will seek appropriate medical care, some do find that their treatment methods aren’t helping them as much as they’d hoped for. Some opt for what may be considered alternative treatments. Some more natural methods of recovery can include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Therapeutic massage
- Ultrasound therapy
- Acupressure
- Acupuncture
- Reiki treatments
- Yoga and meditation
How to Recovery Financially After a Motorcycle Accident
For some, the pain and suffering caused by not being able to earn an income coupled with ever-growing medical and other bills piling up can be difficult to cope with. Just because you’ve been the victim of a motorcycle accident doesn’t immediately absolve you from your financial responsibilities. Fortunately, as the victim in a motorcycle crash, you do have the legal right to seek compensation from the negligent party.
Working with a personal injury attorney with a background in motorcycle accidents will ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your case. Even if the defendant’s insurance company has reached out to you and offered you a settlement, it’s most likely nowhere near what your case is worth. Insurance companies won’t offer upfront compensation for any non-economic damages. You’ll need a lawyer to fight for every penny you’re entitled to.
As the victim of a motorcycle accident, you’re entitled to more than just lost wages and payment of your medical bills. Other damages you can legally seek are:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental trauma
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Lost future income and benefits
- Mental and emotional healthcare costs
Recovery Paths Following a Motorcycle Accident: The Bottom Line
Motorcyclists who’ve been injured in a crash can face all sorts of unpleasantries. Coping with a severe injury while trying to juggle your finances can prove to be all but impossible. However, keeping a positive mindset and putting in the work to ensure that you’re doing everything possible to recover is of utmost importance.
While you’re on the mend or coping with a long-term disability, you shouldn’t also be facing the defendant’s legal team alone. Retain a personal injury lawyer who will fight for justice and ensure that all of your damages are compensated. Let them do the legal work while you work on recovering.
