Common Injuries and Outcomes from Motorcycle Crashes
The freedom that comes with riding an open motorcycle on the road is accompanied by the increased risk of bodily harm in the event of a motorcycle accident. Whether colliding with a motor vehicle, the motorcycle, or the road itself, motorcyclists face greater odds of serious injury and even death, as exhibited by the statistics presented above.
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury, often referred to as a TBI, happens when the brain experiences a bump, blow, or penetrating wound that causes the brain to be jostled around inside the skull. This can cause bruising to the brain and internal bleeding, which can result in permanent chemical changes in the brain of the victim. Even when wearing a helmet, the impact of an accident can cause a motorcyclist to suffer a TBI. The results of a TBI can lead to long-term symptoms that negatively impact both the personal and professional life of the injured motorcyclist.
Neck and Back Injury
Neck and back injuries can be equally as debilitating as a TBI. These can require ongoing surgeries, rehabilitation, as well as ongoing pain management and medication. Oftentimes, neck and back injuries can take time to emerge, and may worsen with time, underlining the importance of receiving a thorough medical assessment before accepting any offers of settlement for your injuries.
Loss of Use of Limb and/or Amputation
Given that motorcycle drivers are not provided with the protection of a metal chassis surrounding them in which they are seat belted in and surrounded by airbags, the danger of serious injury is substantially greater. When motorcycles skid at high speeds and the cyclist is not wearing skid-proof material, the prospect of losing a leg is very real. This kind of injury leads to life-long disability that will entitle the victim to compensation for their loss of earnings potential, and in many situations the pain and suffering associated with the injury.
Spinal Cord Injury
Even with a helmet on, the risk of injury to the spinal cord due to the sudden impact of the head with the motorcycle or the road, or injuries to the back, is great within the context of a Georgia motorcycle crash. The degree of incapacitation that results from your injuries will determine the amount in medical coverage and lost earnings compensation you are entitled to. Your Decatur motorcycle accident attorney helps you calculate these amounts and prove them with evidence from experts that both the insurance companies and courts if needed will accept.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Decatur, reach out to our firm today for experienced representation. Contact us online or call 404-480-4284.