Motorcyclists are vulnerable on the roadways at any given time, and over 80% of motorcycle accidents lead to injuries or even fatalities. If you suffer injuries following a motorcycle accident that is not your fault, you may be eligible to file a claim seeking justice and compensation for your losses.
An experienced lawyer can help review your case and advise you on the best legal option to take. Talk to a motorcycle accident injuries lawyer from Pacific West Injury Law today for legal help.
The 5 Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Below are the most common motorcycle accident injuries:
Road Rash
Road rash is one of the most common motorcycle accident injuries. The reason being motorcyclists often slide on the surface after a crash. Motorbikes have no seatbelts, and therefore an impact can easily force the rider to fly over the handlebars.
Road rash is more severe than a typical bruise or a scrape since the force with which a rider scrapes the surface is big enough to cause peeling away of the multiple layers of the skin, thus exposing muscles underneath. The bruise is more intense if the rider does not have protective gear such as a leather riding jacket, riding boots, riding pants, and gloves at the time of the crash.
Although the injury can occur on any part of the body, it is most common on the back, arms and legs. If you sustain a road rash after a motorcycle crash, some antibiotics and bandages can help you heal. However, sometimes the injury can be so severe that you may need to undergo skin grafts.
Traumatic Brain Injury
This injury often occurs when the head hits an object with excess force or shakes back and forth, causing the brain to sustain trauma. You may also suffer traumatic head injury if the accident leads to a puncture in the skull.
This injury is most common and severe if a motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet when the crash happened. Traumatic brain injury may lead to cognitive and physical defects.
Although surgery and other treatment options can relieve this injury, sometimes the motorcyclist may sustain lifelong effects.
Injuries to Organs
Motorcycle crashes can also lead to internal organ damage. The most common resulting injury is internal bleeding. This injury requires prompt diagnosis and treatment; otherwise, it can be fatal.
Fractures and Broken Bones
An impact of a motorcycle crash can knock a rider off of their motorcycle, making them hit the ground at a particular angle. The fall can force a body part into an unnatural position, and as a result, the bone located in that area of the body may fracture or break.
The most common fractures or broken bone injuries include broken ribs, arms, feet, ankles, and knees. They may not be fatal but can’t turn into disabling injuries in the long term if left untreated.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are severe due to the importance of the spine and spinal cord in the human body. A motorcycle accident may lead to spinal cord injury if it leaves the rider crushed or pinned between two objects or if they land on their back or neck.
The results can be devastating since the victim may be unable to use their arms, walk or even move.
Financial Damages You Can Receive After Sustaining Motorbike Accident Injuries
Some of the damages you can recover after a motorcycle accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of employment
- Reduced earning capacity
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Loss of wages and benefits
- Repair expenses
- Pain and suffering
How Much does a Motorbike Accident Attorney Cost?
A contingency fee agreement is the most common approach among lawyers when handling legal fees. The attorney agrees to represent you without receiving any upfront legal fees. Instead, they will get an agreed percentage of the settlement you receive when your case is resolved.
Such an agreement is great since you won’t have the risk of walking away with an amount less than what you started with when pursuing your injury case.
Why do You Need a Lawyer?
Here’s how a motorcycle accident injury attorney can help:
Investigating Your Motorcycle Accident
An attorney can help investigate what caused your motorcycle crash to determine the at-fault party. It may include visiting the accident scene, locating witnesses, or looking for crucial documented evidence such as medical and police records.
The lawyer can also evaluate the evidence that adds weight to your case. For instance, the lawyer can help contact the eyewitnesses you contacted to determine whether they provide credible testimony or go through the photos you took to choose those that will help build a strong case.
Negotiating and Taking Up Legal Processes on Your Behalf
Dealing with insurance companies is usually difficult. They will attempt to prove there is no negligence on their part to avoid paying you any claims or give a lower settlement than what you deserve.
An experienced lawyer from Pacific West Injury Law can quickly identify any gaps in their arguments. Your attorney can also establish the appropriate compensation for your case and ensure the insurance company does not shortchange you.
If negotiations with the insurance company or at-fault party are unsuccessful, the lawyer can help you file the claim in court and further deal with the complex legal proceedings on your behalf to ensure you get fair compensation.
Work with an Experienced Pacific West Injury Lawyer Today
Motorcycle accident injuries can leave you with emotional, physical, and financial suffering. But you can sue the at-fault party and get compensation for your suffering. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer from Pacific West Injury Law can help you with the legal process.
Our legal team has vast experience dealing with motorcycle accident injury cases, and you can rest assured your claim case is in the right hands. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.