Motorcycle accident injuries tend to be the most severe type of traffic accident injuries next to pedestrian accident injuries. This is largely due to the lack of protection motorcyclists have from the outside world compared to cars. There are no airbags, seat belts, or walls to protect a motorcyclist from the full force of a crash. Discussing what happened with a Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer can be helpful when you are filing a claim for compensation.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Like other car accident injuries, motorcycle accident injuries range from mild to severe, depending on different factors. The speed of the collision, the type of accident, and the way the motorcyclist is impacted all determine the severity of the injuries. Also, how soon the motorcyclist seeks medical attention is critical, as well. Undetected injuries might be ignored and become worse with time. There are a number of injuries common in motorcycle crashes.
Arm and Leg Injuries
There are several different types of motorcycle accident injuries, with the most common ones involving damage to the arms and legs. Since many motorcyclists wear helmets, they have more protection for their heads than their arms and legs. Almost everyone instinctively puts up their arms to brace for impact. Regardless of what many motorcyclists do during the collision, the arms and legs often break either way, depending on the speed of the impact. Bone fractures, lacerations, abrasions, and soft tissue injuries are the most common types of injuries to the arms and legs. Shattered bones represent one of the hardest injuries to treat in this category.
Abdomen, Spine, and Chest Injuries
The next most common injuries in a motorcycle accident are abdomen, spine, and chest injuries. Rib fractures, punctured lungs, ruptured organs, and spinal cord injuries are common examples. Spinal cord injuries can cause lasting effects such as lifelong paralysis.
Head and Face Injuries
Head and face injuries are also common, depending on how well the helmet worked. Motorcycle helmets may not always prevent traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, and facial fractures. Brain injuries may also lead to lifelong impairments.
Legal Steps After a Motorcycle Accident
The motorcycle accident steps you take related to legal issues might be some of the most important steps for obtaining compensation. Moving away from danger and seeking medical attention are the most important first steps. What you do next could determine whether you obtain compensation and how much compensation you could receive.
- Collect as much evidence as you can with pictures of damages and injuries, documentation through medical records and police reports, and details about the accident.
- Do not leave without the other driver’s basic contact and auto insurance information.
- Try to obtain contact information from witnesses, too.
Try contacting a Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you navigate your case. An experienced lawyer can help you maximize your compensation to cover some or all of your accident expenses.