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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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:
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:
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:
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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