According statistics published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 93,000 people were injured in motorcycle accidents during 2012. Motorcyclists are arguably the most vulnerable motorists on the road, as their vehicles are inherently more difficult to see than larger cars and trucks and provide riders with little protection in the way of safety features. In addition, motorcyclists can easily be thrown from their vehicles and sustain serious injuries when they come into contact with ground or other vehicles or objects.
Individuals who are injured in motorcycle accidents that are caused by the negligence of other drivers can often recover for their injuries and other losses by filing a legal claim. Among the damages available in many motorcycle accident cases include compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and property damage.
In most cases, victims who retain legal representation obtain greater recovery than those who choose to represent themselves, so anyone who has been involved in an accident should call a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call Goldstein Hayes & Lina today at (404) 869-8600.
While motorcycle accidents are capable of causing an extremely wide variety of injuries, some are much more common than others. Below is some information about the more common injuries that motorcyclists sustain when they are involved in accidents with motor vehicles.
Traumatic brain injuries – Traumatic brain injuries, which are also referred to as “TBIs,” occur when a jolt or blow to a person’s head results in a disruption of normal brain function. The most common form a TBI is mild concussion, which while often self-resolving, can still cause serious medical issues and other complications. In more serious cases, a motorcyclist that sustains a traumatic brain injury may develop cognitive or physical injuries that may prevent him or her from working or living independently.
Spinal cord injuries – Spinal cord injuries, or SCIs, are among the most serious type of injury that a person can sustain. Because the spinal cord is responsible for carrying messages between the brain and the rest of the body, an injury to the spinal cord can result in serious medical issues including paralysis and loss of sensation. Because of the tremendous forces that are often involved in motorcycle accidents, spinal cords injuries are a very real risk for people who choose to ride.
Bone fractures – While broken bones do not initially seem as severe as the injuries listed above, they can nonetheless cause serious medical issues and require intensive medical care. In some situations, a broken bone may be so severe as to require expensive surgery to correct and may leave unsightly scarring. In addition, broken bones often take months to heal and may result in significant physical and emotional pain and suffering.
Soft tissue injuries and “road rash” – Soft tissue injuries are injuries to the tendons, ligaments, skin, muscles, or other soft tissues in the body. While many people may think that these kinds of injuries are generally not serious, they can cause significant pain and other medical complications.
These are just a few of the injuries that motorcycle accident victims can sustain. In many cases, victims will be able to obtain a significant settlement or award from the responsible party or parties. Call Goldstein Hayes & Lina today to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys in Atlanta, GA.