Motorcycle accidents can be severe and can result in catastrophic injuries or even permanent disability.
While an accident can happen in a split second, the aftermath of an accident and the recovery period can take months, if not years. Even with a helmet, motorcycle riders can sustain a head injury, and these can require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, therapy, home and lifestyle adaptations, assistive devices, etc. If an accident victim is fortunate enough to recover partially or fully from their injuries, the chances are that the process will be difficult and expensive.
Possible Injuries
While a minor accident may simply result in road rash or a fracture or two, it is not uncommon for victims of motorcycle accidents to sustain severe injuries including:
- Spinal Cord Trauma
- Brain Injuries
- Back and Neck Injuries
- Amputations
- Severe Lacerations or Burns
- Knee Injuries
- Disfigurement
- Facial Injuries
- Eye Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
Any of these injuries or the combination of several can be life-altering. Though the recovery process might be long and/or difficult, with medical treatment, most of these injuries can be recovered from. The injuries most likely to have long-lasting implications, however, are spinal cord injuries and brain injuries. Because these injuries can be permanent, they will most likely require ongoing and costly medical treatment. It is possible that a patient may not be able to make a full recovery.
Brain Injuries
Brain injuries are, unfortunately, common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists should always wear a helmet to prevent serious head injuries, but even wearing a helmet does not mean that you are fully protected in a major accident. Brain injuries can be minor, or they can be severe. Symptoms may not immediately present themselves. If you have been in an accident where you may have hit your head, you should always see medical attention to make sure a head injury does not go undiagnosed.
Symptoms of brain injuries can include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Memory Loss
- Chronic Pain
- Headaches
A more serious brain injury can result in cognitive and behavioral problems and physical disabilities. Someone with a serious brain injury may need long-term medical care.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are also common in motorcycle accidents. Spinal cord injuries can cause varying degrees of paralysis or physical disability. Caring for someone with a spinal cord injury for the rest of their life can cost millions of dollars, and unfortunately, many of the treatments may not be covered by health insurance.
Legal Help for St. Louis Accident Victims
Discussing your accident and potential case with a St. Louis auto accident attorney as soon as possible is important. Your attorney can advise you regarding the best way to proceed. They can protect your rights and pursue full compensation for you and your family. Your attorney will make sure that the insurance company is not taking advantage of you or underpaying you and will help you to decide whether settling is right for your particular case or not. Acting quickly and finding a supportive attorney to guide you through the legal process is extremely important.
Contacting an experienced St. Louis motorcycle attorney as soon as possible is the best way to maximize your chances of getting full compensation.