In addition to being a convenient mode of transportation, motorcycles provide a fuel-efficient and exhilarating ride. However, there are inherent risks that come with riding a motorcycle. No matter how skilled a motorcyclist is, it’s unlikely that the drivers around them will be as careful as they should be.
Drivers are known for cutting motorcyclists off and forcing them to swerve, failing to check their blind spots properly and colliding with motorcycles, or not leaving enough space. For motorcyclists, crashes can be severe and even fatal. These common injuries could leave you or your loved one with substantial medical bills and lifelong issues.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact Oronoz & Ericsson Injury Lawyers today at (702) 878-2889 or use our online contact form.
Head Injuries
Head injuries, particularly those that affect the brain, are one of the greatest threats to motorcyclists. Traumatic brain injuries vary widely in severity and effect, from a temporary concussion to a permanent injury that leaves a victim in a comatose state. The force of falling off a motorcycle or being thrown from one can cause serious damage to the brain, which is why it is important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident.
Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
Both of these types of injuries can lead to death. Unfortunately, if these injuries are caused by blunt-force trauma, victims may not know about their injuries until their adrenaline levels decrease and pain levels start to rise. Whether caused by blunt-force trauma or penetration trauma causes a victim’s injuries, they need immediate care for the best possible outcome.
Bone Fractures
Bone fractures are extremely common in motorcycle crashes. Lower-extremity injuries, including broken leg bones, are among the most common suffered by motorcyclists. Other areas frequently impacted by fractures include arms, collarbones, wrists, and ribs. In most cases, fractures do not lead to lifelong impairment. There is always a risk, though, that the fractured bone will penetrate an organ and cause internal bleeding.
Abrasions
Scrapes, abrasions, and cuts are almost inevitable when a motorcycle accident occurs. Even a motorcyclist wearing full protective gear is likely to suffer some road rash as a result of being thrown from their bike or sliding on the pavement. Most abrasions are mild in nature, causing short-term pain and causing minor cosmetic damage. However, serious cases of road rash can scrape off enough skin to cause gaping wounds, nerve damage, or muscle damage.
Infection is a serious risk for any type of abrasion. A serious infection can quickly become septic and cause organ failure.
Neck Injuries
A substantial amount of motorcycle accident victims sustain some sort of neck injury. Broken collarbones and whiplash are relatively minor, but serious damage to the neck can lead to paralysis.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries vary significantly in the type of damage they cause. The impact of a collision can leave a rider permanently paralyzed. The location of the spinal cord damage determines the type of disability a victim suffers. Damage to the lower spinal cord can cause permanent paralysis of the legs, hips, and sexual organs. Damage to the upper spinal cord can leave a victim with complete paralysis of all their extremities.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
After securing medical assistance and reporting the accident to the police, your next step should be contacting a motorcycle accident attorney in Las Vegas or Henderson. While an attorney is necessary for any type of vehicle accident, it is particularly important to seek legal help after a motorcycle crash. There is an inherent bias against motorcyclists among insurance providers and even in the court system. Adjusters will jump on any error made by the victim and use it to deny them compensation. With the help of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, you can protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. If someone else’s negligence causes harm, they should be held liable—not you.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, reach out to the team at Oronoz & Ericsson Injury Lawyers as soon as possible. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate your accident, look at your damages, and negotiate with the other party’s insurance company on your behalf. Schedule a consultation now by filling out our online contact form or calling us at (702) 878-2889.