Riding a motorcycle carries a lot of risk whether or not you’re decked out in the proper protective gear (which you always should be). In a motorcycle versus motor vehicle accident, the driver of the motor vehicle may suffer only inconvenience. The same accident, however, can cause life-threatening injuries for the motorcyclist.
Biker’s Arm
“Biker’s arm” is a very common injury resulting from a motorcycle crash. In the midst of such a crash, motorcyclists often position their arms to brace themselves for impact. While this may protect other parts of the body, it, unfortunately, causes great damage to the motorcyclist’s arms.
Specifically, biker’s arm can affect the median, ulnar, and radial nerves, as well as the brachial plexus. Therefore, biker’s arm can often cause temporary or permanent loss of feeling or movement in the arms. Even if the motorcyclist doesn’t use his or her arms to brace for impact, merely landing on the arms during the crash can also cause biker’s arm.
The symptoms of biker’s arm may be delayed for days (or even weeks). In fact, motorcyclists may not even realize that they are suffering from biker’s arm despite the severity of the injury. Therefore, it is crucial that motorcyclists injured in crashes seek immediate medical attention. A doctor may be able to determine that you have biker’s arm before you even have a clue.
Aside from biker’s arm there are additional injuries of which all motorcyclists (and motorcycle passengers) should be aware:
- Road rash – One of (if not thee) most common injuries that motorcyclists experience during a crash is road rash. Road rash occurs due to sliding or rubbing of exposed skin on the pavement. Sometimes road rash requires skin grafts for the individual to heal properly.
- Injuries to the face – Facial injuries are very common in motorcycle crashes. Common facial injuries include things such as eye injuries and lacerations among many others.
- Injuries to the spinal cord – Spinal cord injuries of any kind are extremely serious. Spinal cord injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis. This may require the individual to be in a wheelchair indefinitely.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – TBIs can result from hitting your head hard during a crash. But they can also result simply from the movement of your brain inside your skull (known as coup and contrecoup) from the forces of the crash. TBIs often result in swelling or even bleeding in the brain. TBI symptoms include but are not limited to cognitive impairments, memory issues, headaches, slowed/slurred speech, and behavior issues. Since the onset of TBI symptoms can be delayed, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Injuries to your neck – Neck injuries that cause soft tissue or skeletal issues can cause long-term pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress – While the physical injuries incurred in motorcycle accidents are prevalent and often quite severe, sometimes they aren’t even the worst ones. Many people who have experienced a serious motorcycle accident can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which can take years of therapy to conquer.
The Attorneys at Miller, Tischler & Vislosky, P.C. Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you should not have to be bear the burden alone. When you are already dealing with so much, the last thing that you need is to have to worry about dealing with insurance companies and tackling the legalities of your situation.
The Michigan personal injury attorneys at Miller, Tischler & Vislosky, P.C. can help you to fight for the compensation that you deserve. We understand the seriousness of your injury and the physical, emotional, and financial hardships that can result. We will gather the necessary evidence to build your case to obtain the most optimal outcome. We’ll fight for the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
