It is easy to understand why motorcyclists typically sustain much more severe injuries in an accident than drivers and passengers of cars and trucks. Because there is nothing to protect the rider between their bike and the ground, motorcycle accidents result in catastrophic personal injury or death in 80 percent of all reported crashes.
According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study of over 1.2 million people treated in U.S. emergency rooms for motorcycle-related injuries, the following are the most common motorcycle accident injuries:
- Road rash and disfiguring injury. Since motorcycles do not safely enclose their riders, motorcyclists are especially susceptible to road rash and other disfiguring injuries, including burns, lacerations, accidental amputations, and more.
- Traumatic brain injury. Even with a helmet, the sheer force of a blow from a motorcycle accident can cause serious damage to the brain. A traumatic brain injury can range from a concussion, the most common and least serious injury, to severe and permanent brain injury resulting in cognitive and physical impairment. The most serious injuries can prevent a person from functioning independently.
- Spinal cord injury. Motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injury in the United States, accounting for over 35% of new injuries each year. Spinal cord injuries caused by a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine can cause damage to the vertebrae which may lead to loss of sensation, loss of range of motion, muscle weakness, and even paralysis below the site of the injury.
- Bone fractures. Broken bones can be very painful and require major surgery to correct. In order of frequency, motorcycle accidents cause fractures to the legs and feet, head and neck, upper trunk (chest, shoulder, and back), arms and hands, and the lower trunk (hips and pelvis).
Because the cost of a motorcycle accident can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars and beyond, it is crucial to put an experienced legal representative on your side to fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to. If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another person’s negligence, you may be eligible to file a compensation-seeking personal injury lawsuit.
A Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer at McNabola & Associates, LLC is prepared to assess your case for free and inform you of your legal rights and options. We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients and have a 97% rate of success, so you can feel confident entrusting your case to our capable hands.
Our firm is trusted throughout the state as a leading source of personal injury representation for motorcycle accidents. Contact us today at (312) 888-8700 to tell us about your case.
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