Types of Injuries in a Long Island Motorcycle Accident
Sadly, motorcycle accidents can be more devastating than car accidents because bikers are not protected by a layer of armor like the passengers of a car. Bikers in Long Island often ride at a higher speed than other motorists, and the momentum of the bike compounded with the impact of the object it encounters can cause significant bodily harm. Injuries from a collision will typically be more serious, and property damage could be even more considerable than in an accident involving only cars.
The risks of injury that arise from riding a motorcycle are essential to consider so that a biker can take precautions in case of an accident. The common injuries a Long Island rider might encounter may be minor or severe, but if negligence was involved, a motorcycle accident attorney could help them recover compensation for their losses.
Minor Wounds Sustained After Ejection from a Motorcycle
When somebody gets ejected from their motorcycle, they could meet the ground, a vehicle, a tree, a fence, a building, or something else with little to no barriers to protect them from the impact. The force of that ejection, compounded with any objects they may encounter, might result in minor or significant wounds.
People involved in a motorcycle accident commonly sustain broken bones. While a typical broken bone can heal in three to four weeks in a cast, motorcycle accident injuries may require significant surgery, which may be very costly.
Skin injuries, such as cuts and scrapes, road rash, and burns, are also prevalent in motorcycle accidents. These types of injuries could be painful and temporarily debilitating. Hospitalization may not be necessary, but a person could still incur a great deal of debt from medical visits, lost wages from missed work, and replacing their vehicle. A Long Island attorney could examine the losses, both those quantifiable and unquantifiable (such as pain and suffering), and determine what benefits a victim may be entitled to.
Severe and Long-Term Injuries
Wearing protective gear such as a helmet, jacket, pants, and gloves could help reduce the risk of injury. However, if somebody is ejected and slides into the ground, the impact can still cause permanent trauma and damage, even with proper gear. The most serious of burns can cause lifetime disfiguration and tremendous pain due to the nerve and muscle damage.
Head and spinal injuries are some of the most substantial long-term consequences of a motorcycle accident. A spinal injury could leave a person paralyzed, which is an extremely severe long-term disability that can change a person’s life. Victims may lose their ability to walk and engage in the normal activities they participated in prior to the accident.
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is distinguished by some permanent damage to the brain. This disability can cause cognitive deficits that affect one’s ability to conduct daily activities. These cognitive deficiencies could include:
- Lost train of thought
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Problems with concentration
The usual way someone sustains a traumatic brain injury during a motorcycle accident is a blow to their head during the collision. If a biker is not wearing a helmet, the likelihood of a head injury increases exponentially, although a TBI is still possible with proper protective gear.
Identifying a TBI can be difficult, as the individual could carry on unaware of the severe injury. However, neglecting a TBI could result in further concentration and memory problems, and could affect a person’s ability to work in the future. The injury could also disrupt daily activities, including:
- Reading
- Watching television
- Thought processes
- Engaging in conversations
Depending on what kind of work the injured person does, they may not be able to return to the job and perform those duties. If they are a student, a TBI could make it difficult to concentrate on their studies.
Long Island Victims May Be Entitled to Benefits to Compensate for Their Motorcycle Accident Injuries
If you have suffered injuries, whether minor or severe, as a result of a motorcycle accident in Long Island, you could be owed compensation for your losses. A dedicated attorney could determine which benefits are available to you based on the type and circumstances of your injury.
Short-term or long-term, you deserve relief for your injuries. Call a knowledgeable attorney to move forward with your legal recovery today.