Riding a motorcycle is a hobby enjoyed by millions around the country. Unfortunately, getting into a wreck is a surefire way to ruin any ride, and serious injuries are common when motorcycles collide or slide off the road. Our clients often end up in the back of an ambulance, and they might need weeks of medical care before they can even return home.
At Freeburg Law, LLC, our Wyoming motorcycle accident lawyers help clients seek favorable settlements for injuries. If you suffer from one of the injuries listed below, please call us today to find out how we can help.
Biker’s Arm
This is the name people have given to nerve damage motorcyclists often suffer in their shoulders and arms in an accident. The injuries come about when bikes brace themselves for impact. They either land on their shoulder or suffer a direct hit from another motor vehicle.
Nerve damage shows up as weakness or numbness in the arm, hand, or fingers. Biker’s arm can slowly improve with rest and rehabilitation, but serious nerve damage could require surgery.
Abrasion Injuries (“Road Rash”)
In the summer, many people ride bikes wearing shorts and T-shirts. Unfortunately, any exposed skin can suffer serious damage in an accident. It’s not unusual for a biker to skid along the road when thrown from the bike. Consequently, any exposed skin can suffer road rash. The outer layers can peel off and dirt and germs can enter the bloodstream.
Road rash often requires skin grafts and can leave disfiguring scars. You might also get an infection and require antibiotics to fight it off.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A biker can suffer a TBI when they strike their head on the road following a wreck. TBIs are difficult injuries to treat. Common symptoms include:
- Severe headache
- Memory impairment
- Loss of coordination/balance
- Sleep disturbances
- Slurred speech
- Ringing in the ears
- Mood swings
To recover, many patients need to rest their bodies and their minds for months at a time. They might have to give up using computers and smartphones and stay inside. Moderate or severe TBIs can require therapy, such as physical or occupational therapy. Prescription drugs also help manage symptoms, like pain and sleeplessness.
Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of a TBI—but cannot fully eliminate it. Studies have shown helmets reduce head injuries by roughly 70%. However, Wyoming makes helmets optional for adults.
Fractures
Motorcycle accidents generate terrific force, and this force can break bones. The most common fractures occur at the collarbone, skull, or ribs. Fractures in the legs and arms are also common.
Many fractures can heal if the limb is put in a cast. But fractures often have complications. For example, a rib fracture makes it hard to breathe and could lead to lung problems or pneumonia. A hip fracture could slice nearby veins and lead to blood loss and possible amputation.
Soft-Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue consists of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Many people think of soft tissue injuries as minor, but they can be hard to rehabilitate. Soft tissue injuries lead to pain and, in some cases, damage nearby tissue.
The most common soft-tissue injuries are:
- Strains
- Sprains
- Contusions
- Tears
- Whiplash
If injured soft tissue presses on a nerve, you could feel constant pain. There is also a risk the compressed nerve could die.
Spinal Column Injury
The spinal cord connects the brain to the rest of the body and for that reason is one of the most important parts of the body.
Fortunately, bones called vertebrae protect it from the base of the skull all the way to the tailbone. Nerves branch out from the spinal cord and pass through spaces in the spinal column.
Any motorcycle accident can damage this complicated network of bone, nerves, and soft tissue. Fractures can cause intense pain. Trauma can injure the disc in between vertebrae, which might then press against nerves. The spinal column can narrow due to trauma, leading to pain.
Injuries to the cord often result in paralysis or at least impaired movement or sensation. Spinal cord damage is often permanent. If you suffered only an incomplete injury, you might regain some mobility with intense rehabilitation. But it is not unusual for motorcyclists to be permanently impaired.
Burns
Motorcyclists aren’t well protected against burns. Engines themselves are very hot and can reach a temperature well above 200 degrees. Exhaust and hot air can also burn any exposed skin. For this reason, many people recommend wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts when riding.
In an accident, you might land or strike the hot engine, causing even worse burns. These injuries often leave permanent scars and can make recovery difficult.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
No list of motorcycle accident injuries would be complete without talking about psychological injuries. Motorcycle accidents are scary experiences. Many people fear getting back on their bike again or even going out on the road in a motor vehicle. It is not uncommon for accident victims to relive the incident, especially as they try to sleep.
How do you know if you have PTSD? Here are some common symptoms you can discuss with your doctor:
- Flashbacks and other disruptive memories
- Avoiding motorcycles
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Impaired memory
- Disruption of close relationships
- Feeling easily startled
No one should feel shame at suffering emotionally from an accident. Your doctor can help you access the necessary treatment to recover.
You Can Receive Compensation for Injuries
The good news is that you might receive money for medical care, lost income, and other losses suffered in a motorcycle accident. Wyoming personal injury law recognizes that people at fault for an accident should be responsible for the costs imposed on victims.
Our attorneys fight to get money for medical expenses and similar losses. We also don’t neglect to fight for fair compensation for emotional distress and physical pain.
Contact Freeburg Law, LLC today to schedule a time to meet. We can review your injuries and what facts you know about the accident. There is hope for the future.