Every time a motorcyclist drives down the road, they are at risk. Motorcyclists do not have any vehicle frames to protect them in an accident. As a result, injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can be catastrophic. Unfortunately, some injuries motorcyclists sustain proved fatal. Every motorcycle accident is different, and riders will suffer different injuries. However, some injuries are commonly incurred in motorcycle accidents.
1. Traumatic Brain InjuriesTraumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are one of the most serious types of injuries sustained during a motorcycle accident. Traumatic brain injuries are types of injuries to the brain that happen when the brain sustains trauma or force. In some cases, the motorcyclist hits an object such as another vehicle or the pavement with a great deal of force. In other cases, the skull will be punctured during the accident, or the force of the collision itself will cause the individual's brain to collide with the hard skull bone.
Traumatic brain injuries are most often sustained when the motorcyclist does not have a helmet on, but there is always a risk of traumatic brain injuries even with the helmet. Traumatic brain injuries range from mild to severe. A person who suffers from a traumatic brain injury may experience pain and physical and cognitive deficits. While surgeons can relieve the severity of traumatic brain injuries by surgery in some cases, many traumatic brain injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash have lifelong effects.
2. Fractures and Broken BonesWhen a passenger vehicle, truck, or another large vehicle collides with a motorcycle, it is not unusual for the motorcyclist to be knocked off their motorcycle. When the motorcyclist collides with the ground at a certain angle, they may find their body part has been forced into an unnatural position. This can cause a bone fracture. Broken bones can occur anywhere, but they are most commonly sustained in the motorcyclist's limbs. Broken legs, arms, wrists, and ribs are common bone fractures that result from motorcycle accidents.
3. Road RashRoad rash, also called road burn, is the type of burn that happens when a person's skin is dragged along asphalt or cement. Road rash is most common when the motorcyclist has been thrown from their motorcycle, skidding on the asphalt before coming to a stop. Road rash can happen on any part of the body, but it is most often seen on a person's legs, back, and arms. Not only can Road Rash be incredibly painful, but it can also put the motorcyclist at a greater risk of dangerous infections. Road rash is not fatal, but it can also be so serious that the motorcyclist requires surgery to place skin grafts. It can also cause painful and disfiguring scars.
4. Spinal Cord InjuriesA person's spinal cord is especially sensitive and is the most important part of the human body. Anytime a person’s spinal cord becomes injured during a motorcycle accident, there is a risk that they could become paralyzed. Depending on the location of the injury, the victim may be unable to walk, talk, or move at all. In some cases, a motorcyclist will become pinned in between the motorcycle in the vehicle, causing the spinal cord to become crushed. In other cases, the motorcyclist is thrown from the motorcycle, causing the spinal bones to fracture, resulting in paralysis.
5. Injuries to OrgansAnytime a person is involved in an accident that involves significant force, the victim is at risk of suffering internal organ damage. The force of the accident can cause internal bleeding that can be fatal if it is not treated and diagnosed promptly. Internal bleeding is not visible, making it especially dangerous. When internal bleeding is not treated in time, the motorcyclist is at risk of dying from the injuries.
Contact a Skilled Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Attorney TodayHave you or your loved one been seriously injured in a Charlotte motorcycle accident that was not your fault? If so, you may be entitled to compensation through North Carolina’s personal injury laws. Motorcycle accident victims have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Contact the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, today to schedule your free initial consultation to learn more about your potential plan. We have a proven track record of successfully obtaining compensation for motorcycle accident victims.