With warm weather upon us here in the Hamilton area, many people are getting their motorcycles out on area roads. Many people enjoy riding their motorcycles to work, to the store, on country rides, etc. Most of the time they are able to safely share the road with other drivers but occasionally a serious accident occurs. Because of the lack of safety features a motorcycle offers its riders, even a small motorcycle accident can cause major injuries.
Even just a minor fender bender can cause serious injuries for motorcyclists. These injuries are often long-lasting and may require months of rehabilitation. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 21% of unhelmeted riders and 15% of helmeted riders suffer a TBI in a crash. Of those who are killed in a motorcycle accident, 54% had a TBI.
- Spinal cord injuries. A motorcycle accident can cause a spinal cord injury that can result in paralysis. This type of injury is permanent for the accident victim.
- Lower-extremity injuries. These are some of the most common injuries a motorcycle accident victim can face. Leg injuries and bone fractures are common.
- Internal injuries. Internal organ damage and internal bleeding can occur in a blunt force trauma or penetration trauma situation.
- Road rash. When a motorcycle rider makes contact with the road surface, serious abrasions can occur. Road rash can result in serious infections and permanent scarring.
If a person has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to no fault of their own, they may want to speak to a legal professional who is skilled in personal injury. An attorney understands their client is not only going through some major injuries, but they may also be wondering how they are going to pay for all their unexpected expenses. An attorney can investigate what happened to cause the accident and who is at fault. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages.