Motorcycle accidents are a growing concern in America. Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 24 times more likely to die in a crash than people in passenger vehicles.
The primary reason for this disparity is that riders lack the protective shell of a car and are more exposed to severe injuries in an accident. In 2022 alone, 6,218 motorcyclists lost their lives in traffic crashes, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities despite motorcycles making up just 3% of all registered vehicles in the U.S.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries
Common motorcycle accident-related injuries include:
- Road Rash: Road rash occurs when a rider’s skin is abraded against the pavement, resulting in painful wounds that can become infected.
- Broken Bones: Riders can injure their legs, arms, ribs, and collarbones during crashes, often resulting in simple or compound fractures.
- Internal Bleeding: Blunt force trauma can damage riders’ organs, including their liver, spleen, or kidneys.
- Head Trauma: Concussions and severe brain injuries are risks riders face during crashes, even when they are wearing DOT-approved helmets.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The violent nature of motorcycle accidents puts riders at risk of spinal cord injuries, which can result in temporary or permanent paralysis.
Such injuries can affect you in the long term and lead to complications like disability and long periods of recovery.
The Need for Immediate Medical Attention Following a Motorcycle Accident
It doesn’t matter that you feel okay immediately after a motorcycle accident. Get immediate medical treatment as soon as possible.
Symptoms of injuries like internal bleeding or head trauma aren’t always apparent, and they may not be properly diagnosed until a thorough examination by a doctor. Immediate medical attention can help isolate and treat these injuries before they become severe or threaten your life.
Moreover, prompt treatment can make a demonstrable difference in long-term outcomes and prevent complications. If a bone is properly set, with traction and a cast, the bone is more likely to heal in proper alignment.
For a patient with a spinal cord injury, early rehabilitation efforts are more likely to be effective if the patient starts from a lower baseline in his recovery. Failure to seek immediate medical attention can affect your health and decrease your ability to establish a successful legal claim for compensation if your claim involves an injury.
Who Is Liable for My Expenses if I’m Hurt in a Motorcycle Crash?
You may obtain compensation for your medical expenses and other losses if your motorcycle accident was the result of another person’s negligence.
These damages can include:
- Hospital bills
- Future treatment costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
However, recovering damages largely depends upon evidence and documentation proving that the other driver truly was at fault for the accident. The other driver’s insurance company may try to reduce the money they have to pay you by attempting to minimize injuries you suffered in the accident or, if possible, suggest that your conduct substantially contributed to your cause of injury. This is where an Oklahoma City motorcycle accident attorney can provide crucial help in getting the money you deserve for your injuries in the event of an accident.
Evidence and Documentation is Essential to Support Personal Injury Claims
Having records of all medical treatment, bills and documented impairments arising from the injuries is important in developing a good case. Your compensation may depend on the severity of your injuries, your ability to return to gainful employment, the duration of your treatment, and the degree of your pain and suffering.
Evidence you may need to win your claim includes:
- Medical records of treatments
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Expert testimony
An experienced Oklahoma City motorcycle accident attorney will assist you by gathering the necessary evidence and documentation to back your case. They will also negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to get a favorable settlement.
Why Contact Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers if You Are Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you or a loved one is injured in a motorbike crash due to another driver’s carelessness, we want to help. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys have previously represented many motorcycle accident victims just like you, and we have helped them secure the financial compensation they need to move on with their lives.
Our commitment to our clients includes free case consultation, thorough investigation, aggressive negotiation with insurance companies, and experienced litigation when necessary. Our team recognizes injured bikers’ unique hurdles, so we are committed to protecting your rights. It’s not fair for you to pay for someone else’s mistake.
Contact Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers today for a free case review, and let us fight for justice and the settlement you deserve.
