Motorcycle accidents result in some of the most life-changing injuries. At Michael J. Lichner, our legal team helps accident victims seek financial compensation after an accident. Our motorcycle accident clients often reach out from the hospital or their homes, where they are confined to bed. Any crash can lead to severe injuries and hefty medical bills. Call our office to schedule a private consultation with a Joliet motorcycle accident lawyer. In this article, we look at common motorcycle accident injuries and whether you can receive compensation.
Road Rash
Falling off a motorcycle can lead to a serious abrasion known as road rash. As a motorcyclist skids and skitters on the road, friction can peel back layers of skin. A motorcyclist might need skin grafts to close the wound and can develop a serious infection.
Long-term complications include scarring and disfigurement. An accident victim can receive compensation for pain and suffering, but also for the disfigurement due to scarring.
Fractures
Motorcyclists can break virtually any bone in their bodies during a collision. Fractures are common motorcycle accident injuries affecting:
- Arms
- Legs
- Pelvis
- Skull
- Spine
Complications will depend on the fracture and its location. A cracked skull can lead to leaking cerebrospinal fluid, which can ultimately cause brain injuries. A hip fracture might slice into nearby arteries or veins. Additional complications include malunion, where the bones do not fuse together properly, which could require “re-breaking” the bone and setting it again.
Concussions
Concussions are some of the most serious injuries from motorcycle accidents. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a serious brain injury, often by up to 70%. However, a helmet cannot entirely eliminate the risk of a concussion. A motorcyclist who slams their head on the ground can soon experience the following concussion symptoms:
- Sensitivity to light
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Headache
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks
- Loss of balance
- Weakness in limbs
A concussion is a difficult injury because there is no easy treatment. A person can end up resting at home to let their brain heal. The process is slow and might require six months or more of rest. Once you suffer one concussion, it is critical to avoid suffering a second. Two concussions in a row can lead to serious bodily impairments, including possible disability.
Nerve Damage
Motorcyclists can damage nerves in an accident, usually because of trauma. Many motorcyclists brace themselves for impact, so they suffer nerve damage in their arms. The most common symptoms include tingling or weakness in the affected limb.
Bikers’ arm is one of the most common motorcycle accident injuries. Motorcyclists often land on their arms, which can damage the nerves running from the shoulder to the hand.
Amputations
A grisly accident could tear a limb from the body. Otherwise, a motorcyclist could suffer damage to a limb so severe that it can’t be saved, and amputation may be necessary.
Limb loss not only affects a person’s ability to earn an income, but many people also struggle with emotional distress for years. This is a catastrophic injury.
Spinal Column Injuries
The vertebrae covering the spinal cord can be damaged in a motorcycle accident. The bones might fracture or break into pieces.
Other injuries can result in a narrowing of the spinal column channel, called spinal stenosis. Constant pressure on the spinal cord results in numbness, weakness, and pain.
Another spinal column injury is a herniated disc. Discs provide cushion between the vertebrae and help a person bend their back without pain. But a violent accident can tear or rupture the discs, leading to constant pain.
Paralysis
Possibly the most serious injury is paralysis. A motorcyclist is completely exposed in a crash, and any collision at high speeds could lead to major back injuries. In a collision, a motorcyclist’s spinal cord can be nicked, cut, compressed, or shredded. The most serious injury occurs when the cord is cut into two separate pieces.
Any damage to the cord can result in impaired mobility and sensation. However, an incomplete injury leaves a motorcyclist with some residual function; a complete injury results in total paralysis below the site of injury.
These are difficult injuries to rehab. A patient might regain lost movement with grueling physical therapy if they only suffered an incomplete injury. But others will be paralyzed and rely on wheelchairs and other assistive devices for the remainder of their life.
Receiving Compensation for Common Motorcycle Injuries in Will County, IL
You might receive compensation if someone else is to blame for the accident. Typically, a negligent driver forces a motorcyclist off the road or crashes directly into them, causing trauma. We see many collisions at intersections, where traffic is congested, and motorists are distracted or in a hurry. For example, a distracted driver might fail to see a red light and drive straight into a motorcyclist waiting at the intersection.
- We can seek compensation to cover damages, such as:
- The cost of medical treatment for your motorcycle accident injuries, including surgery and physical therapy.
- Lost income, if your injuries require a break from work.
- Damage to your motorcycle or other property.
- Pain and suffering, along with mental anguish or distress.
The amount you can request will vary based on the facts. Someone with permanent disabilities is more likely to receive a larger settlement.
Let us investigate. Another important consideration is the defendant’s resources. Some will have the bare bones Illinois liability coverage, which provides $25,000 in bodily injury coverage. (625 ILCS 5/7-203.) You might not be able to receive more than that.
Call Our Joliet, IL Motorcycle Accident Lawyer after an Accident for Assistance
Were you hurt in a motorcycle wreck? Get the legal help you need to negotiate a favorable settlement to cover your medical care and other expenses. Michael J. Lichner has the experience you need to handle any case, from the simplest to the most complex. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our office. We help people in the 60431 zip code with their cases.