Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom and adventure, but it also comes with inherent risks. Motorcycle accident injuries can be severe and have lasting effects on the injured person’s life.
In this article, we’ll delve into the most common motorcycle accident injuries, how they differ from auto accidents, and the crucial role they play in personal injury insurance claims. We’ll also emphasize the importance of documenting injuries thoroughly, seeking immediate medical attention, and highlight why working with a motorcycle accident attorney is essential.
Understanding Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can lead to a range of injuries due to the lack of protective barriers that cars provide. Here’s a breakdown of the most common motorcycle accident injuries and their potential impact on personal injury insurance claims.
1. Road Rash and Scarring
One of the unique risks of motorcycle accidents is road rash, caused when a rider’s skin comes into contact with the road surface during a crash. This can range from minor abrasions to deep lacerations.
Impact on insurance claim: Documenting road rash and scarring is crucial for a successful insurance claim. Taking photos at different stages of healing provides concrete evidence of the injury’s progression, strengthening your case.
2. Fractures and Broken Bones
The vulnerability of motorcycle riders leaves them susceptible to fractures and broken bones, often involving limbs, wrists, and collarbones.
Impact on insurance claim: Detailed medical records and imaging studies are essential to prove the severity of fractures. The type and location of fractures significantly influence the compensation amount in an insurance claim.
3. Head Injuries, Including Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head injuries, particularly traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are a significant concern in motorcycle accidents. Even with helmets, riders can suffer a head injury concussions, contusions, or more severe brain injuries.
Impact on insurance claim: Identifying signs of a traumatic brain injury is crucial for insurance claims. Medical professionals play a key role in diagnosing and documenting these injuries, as they can have long-term effects on a person’s cognitive abilities and quality of life.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis or long-term disabilities. The impact on the spinal cord can cause loss of sensation and motor function.
Impact on insurance claim: Proving the extent of spinal injuries often requires extensive medical documentation, including imaging studies and expert opinions. These injuries significantly impact the compensation sought in a personal injury claim.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries
Muscles, ligaments, and tendons throughout the body can be strained, sprained, or torn in motorcycle crashes. Soft tissue injuries (including neck injuries, upper extremity injuries, abdominal injuries, etc.) may not always be immediately apparent but can cause long-term pain and discomfort.
Impact on insurance claim: Documenting soft tissue injuries can be challenging for motorcycle accident victims, but it is crucial for a fair insurance settlement. Seeking medical attention promptly and following recommended treatment plans enhances the credibility of the injury claim.
How Motorcycle Accidents Differ from Auto Accidents
Motorcycle accident injuries differ significantly from those sustained in auto accidents. The lack of protective barriers, the absence of seat belts and airbags, and the overall exposure of riders contribute to the unique nature of motorcycle injuries. Unlike enclosed vehicles, motorcycles lack the structural elements that can mitigate the impact of a collision, making riders more susceptible to severe injuries.
The Importance of Thoroughly Documenting Injuries
“If it’s not in the medical record, it didn’t happen.”
This phrase encapsulates the importance of having injuries properly documented in medical records. Insurance companies heavily rely on medical evidence to assess the extent of damages and determine the appropriate compensation. Without a comprehensive and well-documented medical record, an injury may be disregarded or undervalued in the claims process.
Thorough documentation is the cornerstone of a successful personal injury insurance claim. In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, follow these crucial steps:
- Take Pictures of Your Injuries. Make sure these are clear, high-resolution photos that focus on key details like road rash and scarring. Document the progression of injuries by taking photos at different stages of the healing process.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention. Visit a medical professional promptly, even if injuries seem minor at first. Ensure that all injuries are accurately diagnosed and recorded in medical records.
- Record and Preserve Evidence. Keep a detailed record of medical expenses, including bills, receipts, and any out-of-pocket costs. Preserve any physical evidence from the accident scene, such as damaged gear or the motorcycle itself.
The Role of Medical Professionals
In motorcycle accident cases, involving medical professionals is crucial. Their expertise is vital in identifying and documenting injuries, especially those that may not be immediately apparent, such as traumatic brain injuries. Here’s how they contribute to the process:
- Diagnosing and Documenting Injuries. Medical professionals play a pivotal role in accurately diagnosing and documenting injuries. Thorough medical records serve as compelling evidence in personal injury claims.
- Identifying Signs of Traumatic Brain Injuries. Traumatic brain injuries may not always present immediate symptoms. Medical professionals are trained to recognize subtle signs that could indicate a more serious condition. Early diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injuries are essential for better recovery outcomes.
- Providing Expert Opinions. In complex cases, medical professionals can provide expert opinions on the long-term impact of injuries. Expert testimony adds credibility to the injury claim and can influence the settlement amount.
The Role of a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident and pursuing a personal injury claim can be challenging, especially given the subjective nature of pain and suffering associated with these injuries. Here’s why having a motorcycle accident attorney is essential:
- Understanding the Unique Challenges. Motorcycle accident cases present unique challenges that require specialized legal knowledge. An experienced attorney understands the nuances of these cases and can anticipate potential hurdles.
- Valuing Pain and Suffering. Motorcycle accident injuries often result in significant pain and suffering, affecting a person’s quality of life. A skilled attorney can accurately assess the value of non-economic damages, such as pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts, especially in motorcycle accident cases. An attorney with negotiation skills can advocate for fair compensation and protect the injured party’s rights.
- Building a Strong Case. Attorneys gather and organize evidence, medical records, and expert opinions to build a compelling case. A well-prepared case increases the likelihood of a favorable settlement or success in court.
RELATED POST: How Much Is Pain and Suffering Worth in Virginia? (benglasslaw.com)
Get the Help You Need After a Motorcycle Crash
Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries that significantly impact a person’s life. Thorough documentation, immediate medical attention, the involvement of medical professionals, and the expertise of a motorcycle accident attorney are crucial elements in navigating the complex landscape of personal injury insurance claims.
At BenGlassLaw, our team of experienced motorcycle accident attorneys will find all available pots of money from the insurance company and help you keep as much of that money as possible. When our motorcycle accident clients sign with us, they will never be contacted by the insurance company again so that they can focus on healing. To request a free consultation, simply complete our contact form or call (703) 584-7277
