Motorcyclists face challenges and risks each time they ride their motorcycle. You follow the rules of the road. Unfortunately, other drivers do not always follow the rules. Riders must deal with negligent and distracted motorists, hazardous road conditions, and poor weather conditions. Even though a motorcyclist is careful, the rider cannot always control all factors that may lead to a crash. A Tennessee motorcycle accident attorney can help a rider file a claim and recover financial compensation for their injuries and damages when the rider is injured in a motorcycle accident. This help includes filing an injury claim, even for the most common types of motorcycle accident injuries.
Three Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries Riders Sustain in a Crash
1. Road Rash
Road rash is a common injury for motorcyclists who are involved in a crash. When a rider’s body skids over the pavement, exposed skin rubs against the road causing layers of skin to scrape away. If clothing is thin, a rider suffers road rash even though the rider’s skin is not exposed. While many cases of road rash heal completely, it is typically a wise decision to see a medical professional to have the area cleaned and examined. Some cases of road rash lead to infections, cause nerve damage, and leave severe scarring. It is a good idea to wear jackets, gloves, boots, and other protective clothing because this reduces the risk or severity of road rash.
2. Broken Bones and Fractures
Broken bones and fractures are common motorcycle injuries. The biker has no real protection from an impact with another vehicle. Bikers thrown from the motorcycle strike the pavement or other objects. Complex fractures occur from this type of impact. Most cases of broken bones are not life-threatening. However, fractures and broken bones sometimes develop into a disabling and permanent impairment. Shattered bones and complex fractures are sometimes difficult to repair. A rider may face a lifetime of disability because of broken bones and fractures after a motorcycle crash.
3. Head and Brain Injuries
Tennessee’s universal helmet law requires motorcyclists and riders to wear a helmet, with very few exceptions. Those who wear a helmet reduce the risk of or the severity of a head or brain injury. However, helmets do not prevent all injuries. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is sometimes fatal. Daily life becomes debilitating after a serious concussion. Even a minor concussion can result in a life-threatening condition (Second Impact Syndrome) if a second head injury follows the initial concussion before the brain fully heals. Simply, every head injury is one injury too many.
A rider involved in a motorcycle accident should be thoroughly examined by a doctor and watched closely for signs and symptoms of a head or brain injury. One way to reduce the severity of a potential head injury is to wear a motorcycle helmet with the highest quality ratings that is approved by the USDOT. Also, riders should make sure that the helmet fits properly. A smart rider wears a properly fitting helmet.
Tennessee Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You Recover Compensation for Damages
If a negligent driver caused your injuries in a motorcycle accident, you are entitled to recover compensation for your injuries under Tennessee’s personal injury laws. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Cummings Law today. Our Tennessee motorcycle accident attorneys will explain your legal rights. They will also file an insurance claim to get you the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle crash. Injured motorcyclists and riders should get the best help they can by choosing the right attorney.
Posted in: Motorcycle Accidents