A head-on motorcycle collision occurs when a motorcyclist crashes directly into another driver or object in the roadway with their front tire or the front of the bike. When this happens, it can lead to numerous damages and devastating injuries. These accidents are some of the more dangerous forms that can occur. They often lead to wrongful death.
How Head-on Motorcycle Collisions Happen
A head-on collision may happen when any two vehicles collide with their front ends. When this happens with a motorcycle, the motorcyclist is at the highest level of risk due to their limited amount of protection. Some of the main reasons why this type of accident can occur include:
- Distracted driving by one or both motorists
- Drowsy driving
- Impaired driving
- Road debris
- Reckless driving
- Inclement weather conditions
- Passing in a no-passing zone
The speed and force of this type of accident can lead to numerous losses for an individual in a split second in time. Head-on collisions like this are devastating even when the vehicles are traveling at normal speeds.
The Dangers to the Motorcyclist
There are many potential losses that stem from this type of incident. The force of the collision may even cause the motorcyclist to fly off the bike and strike the ground, causing life-threatening injuries and, in some cases, the loss of life.
Other types of injuries a motorist may sustain in an accident like this include:
- Broken bones: Ribs, arms, legs, arms, hands, and other bones may shatter due to the impact of the collision or from being tossed off the bike and striking the pavement.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Striking the head on any hard surface, especially the concrete, can lead to skull fractures and brain bleeds, sometimes causing traumatic brain injuries.
- Neck and spine injuries: The force of the impact can cause whiplash but also can lead to damage to any of the vertebrae, sometimes damaging the spinal cord in the process.
- Amputations: In serious situations where limbs are shuttered or lacerated beyond repair, amputation of the arms, legs, foot, or hand may be necessary.
- Paralysis: Often due to spinal cord damage from the accident, paralysis may cause significant loss of quality of life.
- Facial injuries: Damage to the bones and tissues of the face can create life-long injuries, blindness, difficulty with chewing, or respiratory distress.
- Internal bleeding: Impact from hitting the other car to falling on a rock can cause lacerations of the internal organs and tissues, causing internal bleeding.
- Road rash: Often associated with dragging, it can also occur when a person is thrown from the motorcycle against the pavement, causing damage to the skin, intense pain, and infection risks.
These are just some of the potential losses a person may experience as a result of a motorcycle accident like this. In some cases, this can lead to long-term pain, limited mobility, scarring, and much more.
What to Do After a Head-on Crash
After a motorcycle accident occurs, seek immediate help from emergency medical providers. Don’t move unless they instruct you to do so. It’s important to get to the ER to ensure all of your injuries are well documented.
When and if it is safe, ask a friend to take photos of the accident scene and to gather witness statements. File a police report as soon as it is possible to do so.
How to Protect Your Recovery With a Motorcycle Attorney
In a devastating head-on motorcycle accident, it’s critical to have legal help by your side to minimize the complications in the process. It’s also very important to know not to speak to anyone but your attorney about the accident to protect your rights to compensation.
At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, PC, LLC, you have the support and guidance you need after experiencing a head-on motorcycle accident. If you’ve suffered loss or lost a loved one due to a devastating accident, contact our motorcycle attorney in Nebraska for immediate help. Contact us for an appointment today.
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