Urbana Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

Motorcycle injury lawyers become dedicated supporters for riders when disaster strikes. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they manage legal complexities to ensure justice and compensation for injured riders.

Understanding Motorcycle Burn Injuries: Causes and Legal Recourse

Motorcycle burn injuries can occur in various ways, each presenting unique challenges and requiring immediate medical attention. This comprehensive article will explore different types of motorcycle burn injuries, how they occur, and what to do if you are involved in an accident resulting in such injuries. We'll also discuss how to handle aggressive drivers and the potential value of a motorcycle accident claim if you suffer permanent injuries.

Types of Motorcycle Burn Injuries

Motorcycle burn injuries come in several forms, including road rash, exhaust burns, windburn, and burns resulting from collisions. Each type of injury has specific causes and implications for the rider's health and safety.

Road Rash Injuries

Road rash, also known as road burn, occurs when a rider's skin scrapes against the pavement after being thrown from or dragged by the motorcycle during an accident. These injuries can range from minor scrapes to severe wounds requiring extensive medical treatment.

- Deep Scrapes: High-speed scrapes can cause deep wounds that may need stitches and are prone to infection.
- Bruising and Compression Injuries: Getting caught between the bike and the road can result in significant bruising and crushing injuries.
- Avulsion Injuries: Severe road rash can damage multiple layers of skin, exposing underlying muscles or fat tissue, often requiring surgery and skin grafting.

Exhaust Burns

Exhaust burns happen when a rider or passenger accidentally contacts the motorcycle's exhaust pipe. These burns are typically very painful and can lead to permanent scarring. Research from Athens University Medical School in Greece indicates that most exhaust burn injuries occur below the knee on the right leg and affect passengers more frequently than riders, with over 65% of these burns being second-degree.

Windburn

Windburn results from the force of the wind damaging the skin's outer layer. This type of burn can cause painful, dry, and itchy skin, making the skin more susceptible to sunburn. Wearing a helmet with a visor can help protect the face from windburn while riding.

Burns from Collisions

Motorcycle collisions can lead to burns due to mechanical or gas fires. In a crash, gasoline or other fluids may ignite, causing explosions and serious injuries. Factors contributing to motorcycle fires include combustion, fluid leaks, and faulty wiring.

Legal Considerations and Seeking Compensation

If you sustain motorcycle burn injuries due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Consulting with a motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.

Establishing Economic Damages

Economic damages are relatively straightforward to calculate and include medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. Permanent injuries may result in lifelong costs, such as long-term care or reduced earning capacity. An expert witness can help estimate these ongoing expenses.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and disability, are more challenging to quantify. Insurance companies may use a multiplier based on the severity of your injuries to estimate these damages. A serious and permanent injury, such as a head injury, may warrant higher non-economic damages compared to a less severe injury.

Dealing with Aggressive Drivers

Riding a motorcycle comes with unique risks, including encounters with aggressive drivers. Knowing how to handle these situations is crucial for your safety.

Don't Respond to Road Rage

Aggressive drivers may exhibit road rage through yelling, obscene gestures, tailgating, or speeding. It's essential not to respond aggressively. Instead, keep your distance and remain calm to avoid escalating the situation.

Move Over if Being Tailgated

If an aggressive driver is tailgating you, change lanes and let them pass. Do not speed up or engage with the tailgater, as this can be dangerous.

Report the Driver

If the aggressive driver poses a danger, pull over or exit the highway and report the driver to the authorities.

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.