Woodbine Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

Motorcycle injury attorneys serve as resolute defenders for riders when disaster strikes. Their expertise in motorcycle accidents allows them to navigate legal challenges and secure the justice and compensation injured riders deserve.

The Severity of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are often severe due to the lack of protection for riders. In 2011, nearly 1,000 motorcyclists were injured in crashes in Iowa, with 34 fatalities, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are among the most serious outcomes, affecting approximately 11 percent of motorcycle accident victims, based on a study by St. James University Hospital published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery in 2002.

Causes and Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of SCIs, accounting for 40 percent of new cases, according to the Mayo Clinic. During a collision, the vertebrae can be crushed, compressed, or dislodged, resulting in spinal cord damage. In some instances, damaged ligaments or spinal discs can also impact the spinal cord.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

There are two primary types of SCIs:

1. Complete Injuries: A complete injury results in a total loss of sensation and movement below the injury site.
2. Incomplete Injuries: An incomplete injury leads to some loss of sensation and function, but not a total loss. There are varying degrees of incomplete SCIs, and it can take weeks or months to determine the full extent of the victim’s condition.

In the St. James University Hospital study, researchers found patterns in motorcycle crash-related SCIs:
- Isolated spine injuries occurred in over 23 percent of riders.
- Multiple vertebral levels (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar) were affected in over 42 percent of riders.
- The thoracic spine was the most commonly injured area, involved in 54.8 percent of cases.
- The lumbar spine was injured 30 percent of the time.
- Twenty-seven percent of riders injured their cervical spine.
- Neurologic injury occurred in nearly 20 percent of accidents.

Complications and Long-Term Effects

Physical Complications

After an SCI, numerous bodily functions can be affected, leading to various health complications, including:
- Blood clots
- Pressure sores
- Breathing difficulties
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Increased risk of urinary and kidney infections
- Blood pressure problems
- Susceptibility to lung problems and pneumonia
- Muscle atrophy
- Weight issues
- 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 issues, such as kyphosis (curvature of the spine), which can cause deformity and compress organs, leading to chronic pain, reduced physical function, impaired lung function, decreased ability to perform daily activities, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Mental and Emotional Impact

The mental and emotional toll of an SCI can be significant. According to a study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, there is a two-fold increase or more in the probability of emotional disorders among SCI victims. Researchers found that nearly half of SCI 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)

Recovering Compensation for Disfiguring Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can result in serious, disfiguring injuries. Despite following safety measures, cautious riders can still be involved in accidents, sometimes due to other drivers' negligence. In 2012, motorcycle accidents accounted for 2 percent of all road accidents in Iowa but resulted in 12 percent of serious injury-related accidents and 14 percent of fatalities, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

Insurance and Liability Claims

It is crucial to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage for your motorcycle. If disfigured in an accident caused by weather conditions or another driver’s error, you may be entitled to compensation through your insurance or by filing a third-party liability claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Legal Assistance

Hiring an attorney immediately after a serious accident is vital. Insurance companies aim to settle quickly, which may not be in the victim’s best interest. An experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of your case and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Types of Compensation

Victims of serious or disfiguring injuries may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills and long-term care
- Hiring caregivers
- Physical therapy
- Loss of earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress

Internal Injuries and Their Signs

Motorcyclists are at high risk of serious injury, including internal injuries that might not be immediately apparent. Knowing the signs of internal injuries is crucial for timely medical intervention.

Types of Internal Injuries

Common internal injuries from motorcycle accidents include:
- Tears in the aorta or vena cava
- Trauma to organs like the spleen or liver
- Bleeding around the lungs
- Intracranial hemorrhage

Recognizing Internal Injury Signs

Be aware of the following symptoms, which may indicate internal injuries:
- Loss of consciousness or headache
- Swelling or pain in the abdomen
- Discolored skin
- Light-headedness or fainting

Seeking Medical and Legal Help

Immediate medical attention is critical for internal injuries. After treatment, consult an attorney to explore options for recovering compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

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.