Riders form part of the motorcycle body so that any small accident can result in serious injuries. Physical injuries in motorcycle accidents can change the entire life of the rider, leading to emotional injuries. Physical injuries can limit the earning potential of the victim and reduce their quality of life for a lifetime. Also, victims may face a lot of emotional effects, which can affect their quality of life.
Physical Injuries
Here are some of the common motorcycle accident injuries. These physical accidents vary in severity depending on which part of the body is hurt.
Brain Injuries
Brain injuries are very serious and can cause physical and cognitive impairment. A good percentage of riders don’t have a helmet while on the road. Some head injuries take time to manifest, but the common ones include memory loss, headaches, and difficulty staying focused.
Motorcycle accidents leading to serious head injuries can cost a family a dear one or lead to permanent physical disability. It is important to visit a doctor for a checkup immediately after an accident, regardless of how well you feel.
Bone Injuries
Riders have very little protection when involved in high-impact accidents. Bones break and fracture from the skull, hands, legs, hips, ribs, you name it. Every part of the body that hits the ground or a hard surface will likely break or fracture.
Spinal cord injuries are the worst. Riders end up being partially or fully paralyzed and dependent on their family for everything. Spinal cord injuries cause victims to depend on constant medication and medical devices for the rest of their lives. This is significantly costly.
A good number of riders have gone through surgeries and recovery therapy after fracturing or breaking their bones. These treatments cost an arm and a leg, leaving families spending much of their income on medical bills. Additionally, recovery can take longer than expected, leading to lost wages and additional medical expenses.
Emotional Injuries
Motorcycle riders consider riding a big part of their lives, and changing this aspect because of an accident can leave them depressed. Emotional injuries hurt the most because they are experienced from time to time, even after healing from physical injuries.
Depression
Depression takes a toll on all riders who’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident and cannot ride to work as before. The harsh reality of losing a job while being in a position that requires finances to cover medical bills reduces the quality of life of the victim.
Victims who isolate after a life-changing accident are more likely to go through depression. Such victims must go through counseling to meet their emotional needs. A proper recovery plan is required so that victims regain their sense of purpose in life instead of isolating.
PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is common in high-impact motorcycle accidents. Victims experience vivid flashbacks and increased stress levels. This is common in the first days and can last up to months, depending on the severity of the accident.
PTSD makes it harder for victims to regain normal lives because anything small can trigger the memories of the accident. Certain motions, sounds, or smells can lead victims to relive the trauma all over again. Despite professional intervention and therapy, family and friends provide the needed support for victims experiencing PTSD.
Why You Should See a Motorcycle Attorney After an Accident
A motorcycle attorney will collect relevant evidence from the accident scene and the medical records to build a strong case. This is important in calculating damages where you deserve to be compensated for the negligence of the other party. The attorney will then negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you get fair compensation or go to trial.
Conclusion
Therefore, every motorcycle rider should note that: