BARNEY INJURY LAW

5 Serious Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accident injuries tend to be much more severe than those suffered by people riding in passenger sedans. Motorcyclists are exposed to the elements in ways that are unique, and they can suffer direct hits to their bodies.

Below, our motorcycle accident lawyer identifies 5 of the most serious injuries that our clients suffer. Contact us for more information about how to receive compensation.

Biker’s Arm

“Biker’s arm” is the term that describes nerve damage a motorcyclist can suffer when they brace for impact by wrapping an arm around their chest. The arm suffers a direct impact when the motorcyclist is hit or lands in the road, injuring the nerves.

There are many symptoms of biker’s arm, including numbness or weakness in the hands, arm, or shoulder. Many victims struggle to move their arms.

Recovery is difficult. Some nerve damage will repair itself if given enough time, but other victims benefit from rehabilitation to increase strength and movement.

Road Rash

This is a friction burn affecting any exposed skin. One or more layers of skin are peeled away, exposing underlying skin and tissue. A biker thrown from his bike can skid along the asphalt and suffer road rash, typically on his arms or legs.

Road rash is very difficult to treat. The wounds can become infected, especially from debris like dirt. The wound should be thoroughly cleaned. A victim might also need skin grafts to try and close the wound, which can lead to scarring or other disfigurement.

To prevent road rash, always wear a jacket or long-sleeves shirt with pants. Gloves can also protect the hands from suffering this type of injury.

Fractured Pelvis

Several bones make up the pelvis, and any one of them could fracture in a motorcycle accident. The fact that the biker is seated during the collision increases the chances of a fractured pelvis.

There are many symptoms, including pain or weakness in the groin. The area could also suffer swelling or a “pins and needles” sensation.

Treatment depends on whether pelvic bones are moved out of position or not. Some victims will need external fixation to hold the bones in place and give them a chance to heal. Surgery is not out of the question.

Brain Injuries

Any traumatic blow to the head can seriously impair the brain. A person might also suffer intracranial bleeding. These are very serious injuries, and a victim might need emergency surgery to relieve pressure on the brain.

Brain injuries have many symptoms, including:

It is always a good idea to go to the hospital immediately following an accident so a doctor can check for possible brain injury.

Wearing a helmet can dramatically improve the chances of walking away unscathed. The Centers for Disease Control note that helmets reduce head injuries by roughly 69% and do not impair a rider’s vision or hearing.

Spinal Cord Injury

The spinal cord is like the body’s neural superhighway. It carries signals from the brain to other parts of the body and back again. This spinal cord is well protected by bones called vertebrae.

However, even vertebrae cannot withstand the force generated by bad motorcycle accidents. When the bones fracture, chip, or shatter, they can damage the spinal cord, leading to impairments in sensation and movement.

A spinal injury is “complete” when the spinal cord is completely severed. A person will be paralyzed from the site of injury down. When the cord is only partially damaged, the injury is “incomplete” and a victim retains some mobility, which might improve with physical therapy and surgery.

Contact a Virginia Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Barney Injury Law is proud to represent Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk, Virginia. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation.

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