6 Serious Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents regularly result in serious injuries. While every accident is different, all motorcycle riders are at a disadvantage when involved in a motor vehicle collision.
Passenger vehicles, large trucks, and other motor vehicles have reinforced cabins equipped with safety features like safety belts and airbags. Motorcyclists have less effective braking systems than cars and more sensitive steering making them more likely to spin out of control.
Regardless of the reason for an accident, motorcyclists are at-risk for serious injuries every time they ride.
What are Catastrophic Injuries?
Catastrophic injuries are serious long-term or lifelong injuries that require extensive medical treatment. They may be physical, mental, or emotional and involve whole body systems or individual body parts.
Any type of personal injury accident may cause a catastrophic injury. However, they are a common result of motorcycle accidents.
6 Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
There is an extensive list of serious injuries caused by motorcycle accidents. The following narrows motorcycle accident injuries down to six of the most common, catastrophic injuries: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, amputations, internal organ damage, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is damage to the brain caused by the hard skull and soft brain tissue colliding. This can occur anytime there is a blow or jolt to the head.
While helmets prevent trauma to the outside of the head, they do not prevent traumatic brain injury. A TBI can cause a concussion, coma, or even death.
TBIs may not present obvious symptoms for weeks. They must be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional immediately following an accident to avoid long-term complications.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is trauma to the vertebrae, ligaments, or disks of the spine. SCI can cause partial or total paralysis below the level of the injury. The higher the spinal cord injury, the more widespread the damage.
SCI may be temporary or permanent and can cause lifelong complications. Symptoms of spinal cord injury include:
- Intense back pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back;
- Loss of sensation or feeling in the extremities;
- Loss of bowel or bladder control; and
- Difficulty breathing.
Confinement to a bed or wheelchair may lead to the inability to regulate blood pressure and pressure ulcers.
Burns
The American Burn Association categorizes burns from first-degree (redness and pain) to third-degree (extensive scarring and disfigurement). Victims of motorcycle accidents may suffer third-degree burns from road rash or vehicle fire in a crash.
Other Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
Amputation
Amputation, the loss of a limb, can occur during a motorcycle accident. A partially severed limb may need to be amputated as a medical necessity following an accident.
Internal Organ Damage
The force involved in a motorcycle accident can cause internal organ damage. Organs may be bruised, bleeding, or ruptured requiring life-saving surgery.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious result of some motorcycle accidents. Victims can suffer flashbacks, anxiety, depression, and nightmares about their motorcycle accidents. PTSD requires professional psychiatric medical care.
Contact an Experienced Milwaukee Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries through no fault of your own, contact the Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorneys at Mingo & Yankala, S.C. We will review your claim at no cost and explain your available legal options.
Do not wait to speak with Mingo & Yankala, S.C. The sooner you start your motorcycle accident claim, the faster you can receive the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today.