Motorcycles offer a freeing experience with the wind in your hair and the easy feel of the bike against your body. Yet, with fewer protections and sometimes higher risks, motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries.
The Nebraska Department of Transportation makes that clear. It reports that in 2019, 488 suffered injuries and 27 people died in motorcycle-related accidents.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Many types of motorcycle accident injuries can occur. Because the body is nearly fully exposed on a motorcycle, riders have a much higher risk of serious injuries. For example:
- Brain and head injuries. Direct impact to the skull from the pavement or another vehicle or surface can lead to significant head injuries. Lacerations, brain bleeds, and damage to the skull are very common. These injuries can have a long-lasting impact on cognitive function and quality of life in some cases.
- Spinal cord injuries. Depending on the way a person lands after an accident like this, the spinal cord and column can suffer a significant impact. This may lead to broken bones or laceration of the cord itself. Because this cord carries communication from the brain to various muscles and areas of the body, damage here can include paralysis or limited mobility.
- Broken bones. Since most bones of the body are exposed during a motorcycle accident, most of them can be broken in an accident. This may mean a longer healing period and limited mobility. Broken bones may not be simple fractures but complex fractures requiring pins and plates to stabilize them.
- Lacerations. Road rash, a condition in which the skin is damaged by the impact or drug against the pavement, is one type of open wound. Lacerations from contact with vehicle parts can also occur, leading to the need for surgery and potential organ damage.
- Nerve injuries. The nerves in many areas of the body may suffer damage due to the accident. This may lead to desensitization and loss of functional use. Some nerve damage, such as in the spinal column, can limit mobility.
- Facial and dental injuries. Even with helmet use, a person in a motorcycle accident may have damage to their face, teeth, and jaw. This may require surgery or dental repairs. In some cases, the teeth are lost, which may warrant the investment in dental implants or other replacement options.
- Amputations. Being pinned under a car or against a building may lead to significant damage to a limb. In some people, this leads to the need to amputate one or more limbs. That may change your ability to work, function, and maintain the quality of life you’re used to having.
- Burns. Burns can occur as a result of a fire breaking out on the motorcycle or other vehicle. They can also occur due to the intense heat of the engine, exhaust system, and other components. Burns can leave long-term scarring and deformity as well as cause chronic pain.
In some cases, the intensity of motorcycle injuries can lead to fatalities. This impacts the family in many ways, including loss of companionship and support.
Protect Your Rights
Each one of these motorcycle accident injuries can be devastating. They may include numerous medical bills, medication needs, surgeries, long-term healing, and rehabilitation. That’s why working with a Nebraska motorcycle attorney is so critical. Having a professional by your side to help you calculate your losses and file a claim can help ensure you receive the compensation owed to you.
At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, PC, LLO, our Nebraska motorcycle injury lawyers can offer insight and support after an accident in Nebraska. Don’t wait to request a free consultation today. Let us help you protect your rights to compensation for your losses.
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