Common Motorcycle Injuries

5 Ways Motorcycle Accidents Cause Personal Injuries

Motorcyclists are very vulnerable when they are out on the road due to their lack of protection. It is expected for a motorcyclist to endure serious injuries from an accident since they are not shielded. Common types of motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI generally occurs when an individual experiences a forced impact to the head, which causes violent shaking. This is considered as a severe injury for a motorcyclist who is involved in an accident, especially if they are not wearing a helmet. Getting a TBI will impact an individual’s physical and cognitive abilities. The victim of a TBI must go through several surgeries in order to have a full recovery. In some cases, this may be an injury that could affect the individual for the rest of their lives.
• Broken bones. A motorcyclist will likely experience physical contact with the ground after getting into a crash. Depending on the level of impact, they may suffer broken bones. Broken ribs are the most common part of the body to be affected by a motorcycle accident. If the collision isn’t severe, then the least a motorcyclist could get away with are some bruises, cuts, and/or scratches.
• Road burn. This painful injury normally occurs when a motorcyclist’s skin is dragged on the road. Road burns are not necessarily fatal injuries, but infections may come about if not treated properly. Failure to seek treatment may result in permanent scarring on the body part that was dragged.
• Internal bleeding. Strong force impacting the body may result in internal bleeding due to the internal organs becoming damaged or punctured. Internal bleeding may take place in any part of the body.  Since internal bleeding is not a visible injury, it is extremely important to get yourself evaluated by a medical expert after a motorcycle accident. Even if you feel like you did not sustain a severe level of injury after your accident, it is highly suggested to still get checked out at the hospital to make sure you are okay.
• Spinal cord injury. The spine is classified as being one of the most delicate parts of the body. If severe impact is inflicted on it, the aftermath may result in permanent paralysis. There is a high chance of a motorcyclist sustaining this injury if they were to land on their neck or back. Basically, anything that contacts an individual’s back with extreme force can result in spinal cord damage. Depending on the circumstances, an individual may face either a temporary or permanent spinal cord injury.

Available Damages

Accidents happen. If you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Below is a brief explanation of damages. Damages are a type of monetary award that is determined by a court of law to help compensate an aggrieved individual for any losses or injuries sustained as a result of someone’s negligence.

Economic Damages
Economic damages are intended to compensate a plaintiff for losses that a dollar amount can readily be attached to. Economic damages are calculated by determining the amount of out-of-pocket losses an aggrieved individual has or will expect to incur as a result of their injuries.

A few examples of economic losses include:

• Loss of Earning Capacity
• Medical Bills
• Lost Wages

Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are essentially intended to cover losses that are thought of as subjective and will not necessarily cover out-of-pocket losses. Non-economic damages may include compensation for:

• Emotional Distress
• Pain and Suffering
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Punitive Damages
The third type of damages a California court may award are known as punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended as punishment and are only awarded when a defendant’s behavior is especially harmful. Punitive damages are relatively rare and in fact were only incorporated in 5 percent of all verdicts.

Furthermore, there is no real set standard for calculating and awarding punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded at the court’s discretion and will vary depending on the specific circumstances of a case.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you or a loved one are a victim of a motorcycle accident and are seeking to get compensation for injuries, West Coast Trial Lawyers will have our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys handle your case and get you the justice you deserve. Our attorneys are determined to get you maximum compensation for your medical care and damages. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation at our firm. No fees are charged until we win your case. Reach out to our legal team 24/7 by calling (213) 927-3700 or emailing [email protected].