A motorcycle injury can have long term consequences that go beyond physical pain. Depending on the severity of the injury, a person may be left with a permanent disability. This can result in the inability to perform their job, difficulty with everyday activities and an overall decrease in quality of life.
A serious injury sustained in a motorcycle accident can also have financial consequences for the motorcyclist. The cost of medical treatment and lost wages can quickly add up. In some cases, the victim may have permanent restrictions at work. This can lead to significant financial hardship.
Let’s look at the physical, emotional and financial losses associated with motorcycle accident injuries. We’ll also examine the effects of disability and how a motorcyclist can obtain monetary compensation by filing a lawsuit against a negligent party.
Physical Problems Associated with a Motorcycle Injury
Because a motorcyclist is unprotected when riding, unlike other motorists, they are susceptible to all types of serious injuries. Some of the most common are:
- Neck Trauma: While this injury is not usually life threatening, it can cause persistent pain and suffering. Slipped discs and nervous system damage are concurrent injuries.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: Symptoms associated with TBIs can range from mild concussions to serious, life threatening ones. It is possible to lower the risk of a TBI by using a helmet.
- Amputation: Motorcyclists can suffer a traumatic amputation of the lower or upper extremities. Traumatic amputation can pose serious, life altering consequences and lead to long term problems.
- Neuropathy: Peripheral nerve damage is common with a motorcycle injury. In some cases, it can lead to serious ambulation problems.
- Burns: Motorcyclists can suffer various symptoms such as pain, infection and loss of feeling in the area of the burn. They may develop contractures, which limit their range of motion. Long stays in a burn unit may be necessary after a serious injury.
- Injuries to the Spinal Cord: These can result in paralysis and cause irreparable harm. Often the victim is unable to work and must be cared for 24/7.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma Associated with a Motorcycle Injury
The trauma of a motorcycle accident frequently leads to emotional turmoil. Because of the physical injuries, many people are depressed and left to deal with the toll the accident takes. For some, the traumatic nature of a motorcycle crash can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.
This condition often requires extensive help from a psychotherapist.
Financial Expenses of a Motorcycle Accident Injury
Depending on the nature and severity of an injury in a motorcycle accident, the cost can vary. In many cases, the injured party will require a long-term hospital stay and lose the ability to work as they did before the crash. Some other costs that are associated with motorcycle accident injuries are:
- Medical Care: This includes transportation to the hospital, ER expenses and surgical treatment. If psychotherapy or rehabilitative care is needed, it too is covered. Assistive devices and home modifications due to disability are part of the recoverable damages.
- Lost Wages: This covers the person’s earnings until they are able to return to work at the same job. If the job they are able to perform after the accident pays less, they will be able to collect the difference between the two. It also includes bonuses, job perks, commissions and others.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes anxiety, depression, loss of life enjoyment and insomnia. It is possible to also recover expenses for cognitive difficulties and long-term pain.
- Punitive Damages: If the negligence was egregious, monetary punishment against the at-fault party is recoverable on occasion. These damages are not meant to compensate the injured party but to admonish the defendant for their actions. The court determines the amount of punitive damages, which can be considerable.
How an Attorney Can Help with Motorcycle Accident Injuries
A personal injury lawyer will work to determine if negligence occurred. This is crucial to your claim and required for it to proceed. The lawyer or their investigative team will examine the accident site for evidence and interview witnesses. They will also obtain surveillance camera footage of the crash. Your attorney will use the evidence to build a strong case against the defendant and get the compensation you deserve.
