Motorcycles are one of the most vulnerable vehicles on the road due to a lack of external protection. When they endure accidents due to negligent drivers, they are more susceptible to devastating injuries. Not only do accidents cause substantial property damage, but they may also result in costly medical expenses, lost wages, emotional suffering, and other significant losses.
If you have been substantially injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to seek a personal injury claim for compensatory damages associated with your accident. You should not have to bear the financial burdens if you have been affected by driver negligence in a motorcycle accident. Speak to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP for a complimentary assessment of your claim.
5 Most Common Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident
Although most motorcycle drivers understand the risk when hitting the open road and drive defensively when sharing the road with other drivers, they have no outer protection in the event of a collision. Due to this vulnerability, they are more likely to sustain catastrophic injuries and require more extensive medical care to treat their condition.
The following are the five most common injuries after a motorcycle accident:
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Traumatic Brain Injury
Motorcyclists are susceptible to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), even when wearing a helmet. Studies show that 15% of helmeted motorcyclists experience TBIs after suffering from a motorcycle accident, and over 20% of unhelmeted motorcyclists suffer a severe TBI injury. A traumatic brain injury results in the event of a violent blow or impact to the skull or body and causes either short or long-term complications depending on the severity of the impact.
Physical, sensory, and cognitive symptoms of a TBI injury include:
- Severe headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Problems with speech
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Abrupt changes in the ability to smell
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Loss of consciousness
- Feeling dazed, confused, or disoriented
- Memory or concentration problems
- Mood swings
- Feelings of depression or anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
Some TBI symptoms may appear immediately, while others may develop over time. It is essential to obtain prompt medical attention after a motorcycle accident to evaluate any injuries to the brain. If you have sustained a severe TBI injury and have endured lasting negative consequences in your day-to-day life, speak to a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer for a chance to recover the fair compensation you are owed.
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Road Rash
Road rash, or road burn, occurs when the motorcyclist is thrown off the bike and dragged along the pavement before coming to a stop. This type of injury can be incredibly painful and cause lasting scarring on the legs, arms, face, or back. Although road rash is not fatal, complications may arise and require extensive medical treatment. For instance, you may require skin grafts to heal completely. In order to recover the costly medical expenses of road rash, speak to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer for an evaluation of your claim.
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Broken Bones and Fractures
In collisions involving a motor vehicle, a motorcyclist is usually susceptible to being thrown off their bike and other dangerous situations like being crushed by the weight of the vehicle. When the motorcyclist hits the ground with intense speed or at the wrong angle, they may experience a broken bone or fracture. To mitigate injuries, motorcycle gear is seen to help prevent some injuries, such as fractures, especially if it includes body armor.
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Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a sensitive, vital component of the body and, when damaged, can cause paralysis. Depending on the injured area of the spine, a motorcyclist can experience loss of movement in their arms, legs, or both regions. This type of injury can be devastating and require long-term assisted care following the motorcycle accident.
You may be entitled to recover maximum compensation in order to cover the cost associated with medical bills, surgery, medications, assisted care and devices, and physical therapy. Speak to a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer for a comprehensive integration into your accident to obtain vital evidence to prove liability. We will fight for the compensation you deserve.
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Internal Organ Damage
Internal organ damage is a common injury after a motorcycle accident due to the forceful impact of the collision. Internal bleeding may also develop and can be fatal if not treated promptly following the accident. It is vital to seek medical care at the scene of the accident, even if you do not feel as if you are harmed. Motorcycle accident injuries may be latent and cause severe harm in the following days or weeks after the accident.
Damages Recoverable in a Motorcycle Accident Caused by Negligence
You may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages following your motorcycle accident. If another individual violated their duty of care and their carelessness resulted in substantial injuries, you may be able to recover the following compensatory damages:
- The cost of medical care
- Emergency treatment and transport to the emergency room
- Surgeries
- Hospitalization
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Medications
- Property damages
- Equipment such as a wheelchair, crutches, or cane
- Home modifications if disabled
- Assisted care
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages
When working with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP we will take into account all of your losses when evaluating the monetary value of your claim and will work to recover the fair compensation you deserve for the suffering you have endured.
Speak to an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP
If you have experienced a substantial motorcycle accident due to the actions of a negligent individual, speak to the seasoned motorcycle accident attorneys at The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP. We offer compassionate and comprehensive representation to guide you through every step of your claim so you may recover the fair compensation you deserve.
At Cohen & Jaffe, our motorcycle accident attorneys want to help you reclaim your life after you have sustained a serious injury due to someone else’s careless actions. Our New York personal injury lawyers have over a century of combined experience and have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for victims impacted by negligence. Call us for a complimentary consultation at (866) 924-1787 or fill out our contact form.
