Glenwood Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In times of misfortune, motorcycle injury lawyers become steadfast defenders for riders. Their expertise in motorcycle accident cases allows them to navigate legal complexities and secure justice and compensation for the injured.

Motorcycle Accidents and Spinal Cord Injuries: Understanding Causes, Types, and Legal Aspects

Motorcycle Accident Statistics and Spinal Cord Injuries

In 2011, nearly 1,000 motorcyclists were injured in crashes in Iowa, and another 34 died, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe injuries motorcyclists can sustain, affecting about 11 percent of motorcycle accident victims, according to a study by St. James University Hospital published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery in 2002.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can result from various incidents, including sports-related accidents, falls, and acts of violence. However, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause, accounting for 40 percent of all new spinal injury cases, as noted by the Mayo Clinic. In motorcycle accidents, the vertebrae can become damaged upon collision—crushed, compressed, or dislodged—leading to spinal cord injury. Damaged ligaments or spinal discs can also impact the spinal cord.

Types of Motorcycle Accident-Related Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries fall into two primary categories:

1. Complete Injuries: This type of injury results in a total loss of sensation and movement below the injury site.
2. Incomplete Injuries: These injuries involve partial loss of sensation and function, with varying degrees of severity that can take weeks or months to fully ascertain.

The St. James University Hospital study highlighted the following patterns in spinal cord injuries among motorcyclists:
- 23 percent had isolated spine injuries.
- Over 42 percent had injuries affecting multiple vertebral levels (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar).
- The thoracic spine was the most commonly injured area, affected in 54.8 percent of cases.
- The lumbar spine was injured 30 percent of the time.
- 27 percent of riders sustained cervical spine injuries.
- Neurologic injury occurred in nearly 20 percent of the accidents.

Complications for Spinal Cord Injury Victims

Spinal cord injuries can lead to numerous complications, such as:
- Blood clots
- Pressure sores
- Breathing difficulties
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Increased risk of urinary infections, kidney infections, and bladder stones
- Blood pressure problems
- Susceptibility to lung problems and pneumonia
- Muscle atrophy
- Weight issues (both weight loss and obesity)
- Sexual and reproductive function issues
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nerve pain

The Dangers of Undiagnosed Vertebrae Fractures

Undiagnosed compression fractures can lead to serious long-term complications, such as kyphosis (curvature of the spine), chronic pain, reduced physical function, impaired lung function, decreased ability to perform daily activities, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Persistent symptoms can eventually cause disability, emphasizing the need for timely treatment.

Mental and Emotional Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries significantly affect mental and emotional well-being. A 2008 study in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry found that spinal injury victims have a doubled risk of developing emotional disorders. Researchers at Monash University identified that nearly half of these patients suffer from mental health problems, including:
- Depression (37 percent)
- Anxiety (30 percent)
- Clinical-level stress (25 percent)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (8.4 percent)

What If You Were Partially at Fault?

Iowa follows comparative negligence rules, meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident. If you are less than 51 percent at fault, you can still pursue compensation. For example, if you are 25 percent at fault and your settlement is $100,000, you will receive $75,000. Proving fault and reducing your liability percentage is essential, and an attorney can help collect evidence and present your case effectively.

Motorcycle Safety Equipment

To reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, using proper motorcycle safety equipment is vital. Beyond helmets, gloves, boots, and eye protection, consider advanced safety gear like motorcycle airbag jackets and smart helmets:

1. Motorcycle Airbag Jackets: These jackets inflate upon impact, providing crucial protection during a crash.
2. Motorcycle Smart Helmets: Equipped with Bluetooth, GPS, and other smart features, these helmets help reduce distractions and provide navigation and safety warnings directly to the rider.

Consulting a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

The toll from severe motorcycle injuries can encompass substantial medical expenses and long-term care costs for victims and their families. Lost wages may compound matters, especially if employment becomes unrealistic for an extended period. Getting help from a motorcycle accident attorney allows the pursuit of comprehensive compensation, from financial damages and emotional distress such as pain and suffering.

Victims of these accidents should seek consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney, as damages may be extensive and recovery of compensation is important.

At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our motorcycle accident attorneys can represent you in dealings with your insurance company, or when filing a personal injury claim. Set up your consultation now by calling 641-792-3595.