Common Injuries From Motorcycle Crashes
A motorcycle accident can result in a wide range of injuries, from bruises to life-threatening brain injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes are head and neck injuries, which can leave a victim paralyzed or in a coma. As a result, the injured rider and their family may face mounting medical expenses, a loss of wages and emotional distress.
Injuries that result from motorcycle collisions may include but are not limited to the following:
Death: Tragically, approximately 3% of motorcycle accidents in New York State results in a fatal injury to the motorcycle driver. A common misconception is that fatal motorcycle crashes are typically the fault of the motorcyclist; however, many crashes occur due to the negligent actions of the motor vehicle driver. In the event of a fatal motorcycle collision, the remaining family may be able to bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased.
Brain injuries: Motorcyclists are advised to wear helmets to protect themselves in the event of a crash. Although helmets may reduce the severity of some head injuries, they will not completely eliminate the risk of a potentially life-changing injury. A brain injury can interfere with the victim’s cognitive process, speech, motor skills and personality.
Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord often results in paralysis, requiring many victims to receive 24-hour care. Most riders who sustain spinal cord injuries may be unable to work and earn a living. Consequently, the injured victim and their loved ones may be faced with costly medical treatments and mounting hospital bills.
Disfigurement: Motorcycle crash victims face the possibility of permanent disfigurement. Burns, severe lacerations and other accident injuries can cause scarring, loss of limbs and other types of disfigurement. Disfigurement can also affect the victim emotionally; some may require counseling or medication to deal with the psychological effects.
Bone fractures: Being thrown from a motorcycle or colliding with a passenger vehicle can easily result in broken bones. In most cases, a broken bone is placed in a cast, keeping the injured area immobile. As a result, riders may have difficulty working and performing everyday activities.
Road rash: Protective clothing such as denim or leather may not be enough to prevent skin abrasion in the event of a motorcycle crash. Although road rash is a relatively minor type of motorcycle accident injury, untreated skin abrasions may become infected, so it’s important to ensure that all injuries are given proper medical attention.
Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
The New York personal injury lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy are experienced in helping injured motorcycle riders obtain maximum compensation for their losses. We have recovered substantial awards for motorcyclists who suffered from another party’s negligence, including:
- $14 million verdict for a motorcyclist who sustained a below-the-knee amputation
- $2.45 million recovery for a motorcyclist who suffered skull fractures and brain injury
- $2.3 million settlement for a motorcyclist who suffered multiple leg and hip fractures
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, we can help you in all aspects of your case, including, but not limited to, dealing with your insurance company, documenting your lost wages and, most importantly, obtaining a fair recovery.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys in New York are familiar with the unique characteristics of motorcycle crashes and know how to handle even the most complex claims. We are dedicated to serving the needs of injured riders and can help these victims through the difficult period that follows a motorcycle crash. If you or a loved one has been injured, call 212-736-5300 or fill out our FREE case review form today.