Motorcycle accident injuries can be severe and even result in fatality. The costs associated with these injuries can be significant, and it’s essential to understand the different types of injuries and treatment options available. The following is a look at the costs of treating different types of injuries typically associated with a motorcycle wreck.
The law firm of Sand Law is staffed with attorneys who have a great deal of experience representing riders. If you’ve suffered a severe injury in an accident that wasn’t your fault, call 701-609-1510 or contact us online for a free review of your case.
Types of Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can cause several different injuries, including:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
TBI is one of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. TBIs can range from mild to severe, resulting in cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments. Symptoms of TBI include headache, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries occur when the spinal cord is damaged, resulting in a loss of sensation, movement, or function. These injuries can cause paralysis, loss of bowel and bladder control, and other debilitating conditions.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Motorcycle accidents can cause broken bones and fractures, which can be painful and require extensive medical treatment. These include broken arms, legs, ribs, and even skull fractures.
Soft Tissue Injuries
These typically include sprains, strains, and contusions that cause pain and swelling and can limit movement and mobility.
Road Rash
A road rash is a severe skin abrasion when a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike and slides along the pavement. Road rash can be painful and can require skin grafting and other treatments.
Treatment Options for Motorcycle Accident Injuries
The treatment options for motorcycle accident injuries will depend on the type and severity of the injury. They include the following:
- Surgery to repair broken bones, internal organ damage, and other injuries.
- Rehabilitation to regain movement and mobility after an injury. This can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
- Medication to manage pain and other symptoms associated with injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
- Skin grafting to treat road rash and other severe skin abrasions.
- Counseling to help motorcyclists cope with the emotional and psychological trauma of a severe accident.
The Cost of Different Injuries
The costs associated with treating motorcycle accident injuries can be significant. They’ll typically depend on the type and severity of the injury and the required treatment. The following are some of the expenses:
- Spinal cord injuries: When someone suffers a spinal cord injury that results in paralysis, they could face costs as high as $1 million or more.
- TBI: The average cost of a severe TBI is $3 million over the course of a victim’s lifetime.
- Broken bones and fractures: The cost of treating broken bones and fractures will depend on the location and severity of the injury. For example, treating a severely broken leg could cost up to $35,000.
Other Damages Associated with Motorcycle Accident Injuries
In addition to the medical costs associated with motorcycle accident injuries, there can be other damages to consider, including:
Property Damage
Motorcycle accidents can cause significant property damage, including damage to the motorcycle and other vehicles involved.
Lost Wages
Motorcycle accident injuries can result in significant time off work, leading to lost wages and other financial difficulties. In some instances, injuries can be so severe that a victim may never be able to return to their job. They might have to accept a lower-paying job – if they can work at all.
A skilled attorney can help if you’re in this situation. They could seek damages for the money you would have earned in the future if the accident had not occurred. This is known as lost earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Not only can a motorcycle wreck lead to physical injuries, but it can also result in significant pain and emotional distress.
How to Recover Maximum Compensation for Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s essential to take steps to recover maximum compensation for your injuries and other damages. The following are some tips to keep in mind. Not only could these tips help protect your health, they could also help you recover maximum compensation.
Seek Medical Attention
It’s essential to seek medical attention immediately after a motorcycle accident, even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries, such as TBI, may not have immediate symptoms but can be severe and even life-threatening.
Contact an Attorney
Contacting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options for recovering compensation. You’ll need to do this as soon as possible, however. Your lawyer will need to investigate the accident to gather evidence. If you wait too long to get legal assistance, that evidence could disappear for good.
Document Your Injuries and Damages
Keeping records of your injuries and damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses, can help you build a strong case for compensation.
But you should also consider keeping a “journal” of sorts. As you saw earlier, you may be eligible for compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. By doing so, you can show everything you’re going through, which could improve your chances of obtaining these non-economic damages.
Don’t Accept a Settlement Offer Without Consulting a Lawyer
Insurance companies may offer a settlement soon after the accident, but they probably won’t come close to paying for your damages. Never accept a settlement before first speaking with an attorney.
Consider Future Medical Costs
When seeking compensation, it’s essential to consider future medical costs, including ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.
Contact Sand Law Today to Speak with an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you’ve suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact Sand Law. You’ll speak with a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights. We’ll also cover all options for recovering maximum compensation for your injuries and other damages.
We offer free consultations, so don’t hesitate to reach out. You can use our online contact form or call 701-609-1510.