There are many kinds of injuries that people suffer in collisions, but as a motorcyclist, you have fewer protections and a higher risk of several serious complications. Head injuries, back injuries and others impact you immediately and for the foreseeable future. Here are five common injury types that may result in your needing long-term medical care or assistance.
1. Traumatic brain injuries
Wearing a helmet is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself safe in an accident. When you hit another vehicle, you have the risk of hitting your head. When the brain impacts the skull, it could bleed or swell, putting your life at risk. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of a head injury by around 69 percent. Those who do still suffer one reduce their risk of death by 42 percent, according to the Cochrane Library.
2. Back or spinal injuries
Spinal injuries range from incomplete to complete, which means some result in paralysis while others do not. Even if paralysis doesn’t occur, there are other serious injuries, like herniated disks, that can impact your ability to do your job or the things you love.
3. Lacerations
Common among accident victims are lacerations. When you impact another vehicle or the road, any friction causes the skin to tear or cut. Some lacerations are severe, requiring amputations, while others require deep cleaning and long-term healing. Some lacerations require surgery. Many pose the risk of infection due to the surfaces you impact when you crash.
4. Hand or arm injuries
Hand and arm injuries impact riders, too. Broken wrists, forearms and fingers are common. When thrown from the motorcycle, the primary reaction is to outstretch your arms to catch yourself. This can result in dislocations and broken bones. Sometimes, these injuries require surgery, while other times you’ll need rehabilitation to relearn how to use the broken or damaged body parts.
5. Leg injuries
Injuries to the feet and legs are the most common for motorcyclists. These range from broken bones to road rash. In severe cases, a motorcyclist who badly injures his or her legs or feet may require amputation and years of rehabilitation.
After a motorcycle accident, you have a right to seek compensation from the negligent driver who hit you. You may need a substantial amount of compensation to cover your long-term medical needs and lost wages. Your attorney can help you seek out a settlement or go through trial for you, so you get what you need to recover com fortably.
