Some people see riding a motorcycle as a form of freedom. They are free from the caged barrier that normal automobiles place around them and they are one with the road. This freedom comes with the chance for major injuries in an accident though. Motorcycles can leave a rider with permanent and disabling injuries. If you find that you are involved in a motorcycle accident call a motorcycle accident lawyer in Louisiana.
What Are Common Injuries in A Motorcycle Accident?
Because there is very little safety surrounding a rider on a motorcycle, when accidents occur, they can be devastating. When injuries occur, they can be traumatic, and you deserve the compensation owed.
Back Injuries- Back injuries that can be sustained in a motorcycle accident can leave a victim with spinal cord or disc damage. These injuries can lead to the need for surgery for correction and could still leave the victim in a wheelchair, disabled, or paralyzed.
Neck Injuries- In most cases, those who survive a motorcycle accident can end up with a broken neck. Even with surgical intervention, it is still likely that you will never walk again. There is no piece of safety gear that can be worn to truly protect the neck or the spine on a motorcycle.
Road Rash- Road rash is when the skin and the road meet and dragging occurs. Road rash can be classified into three categories by the degree of injury sustained.
First- This is the least severe case of road rash. This type is comprised of smaller scrapes, redness, some bleeding, bruising, and tenderness. Most of these minor cases can be taken care of at home, they just need to be kept clean.
Second- In the middle of the spectrum, this type of road rash is a little more serious than the minor cases. There is more bleeding involved in these cases and possibly exposed muscles, tendons, or nerves.
Third- This is the most severe form of road rash. The skin can be taken completely off, and you can be left with deep wounds. This is extremely painful and may lead to the need for skin grafts in the future.
Head and Brain Injuries Associated with Motorcycle Accidents
Even with the use of a helmet, injuries to the head can still occur in a motorcycle accident. The severity of the injury can often depend on the usage of a helmet when the accident occurs. It is always good practice to wear a helmet anytime you plan on riding a motorcycle.
Concussion- A concussion is a mild form of a traumatic brain injury that occurs during a whiplash or when there is an impact to the head. This can cause the brain to shake inside the skull. Symptoms can include headaches, lack of coordination, nausea, memory loss, confusion, and excessive fatigue.
Traumatic Brain Injury- A traumatic brain injury often occurs when there is an injury to the brain that can range from mild to severe. The symptoms can be delayed or immediate and usually include confusion, blurred vision, and concentration problems. The treatment for this can involve rest, medications, or surgery.
Coma- A coma occurs when a brain injury is severe enough and it puts you in a deep unconscious state. You cannot be awakened from this state and you do not respond to any sort of stimuli.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage- A subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding between the tissues that are around the brain to protect it. The biggest symptom is a sudden severe headache. The outcome of subarachnoid hemorrhage can go three ways. You can be fine, disabled, or it can kill you.
Epidural Hemorrhage- An epidural hemorrhage is when bleeding happens between the tough membrane covering the brain and the skull. Symptoms include loss of consciousness, followed by regaining consciousness and then losing consciousness again.
Subdural Hemorrhage- A subdural hemorrhage is also known as a subdural hematoma. It often happens as a result of a severe head injury. It takes place when blood vessels burst between the brain and the membrane around the brain. Symptoms like slurred speech, vomiting, headaches, and confusion are often present. In subdural hemorrhages that show no symptoms, they generally resolve on their own. If they are severe enough, they may require surgery.
Finding Representation When You Need It
Getting in a motorcycle accident isn’t just devastating for you, but it is devastating for your entire family. Your family is often the ones who help you while you are recovering and the ones who are burdened with the medical bills and lost income from the accident.
When you are in a motorcycle accident, it is important to call a Lake Charles law firm that handles motorcycle accident cases to handle your personal injury claims. They can help you get the compensation you deserve to get your family and your life back on track.
