A motorcycle accident can leave you with life-changing injuries in a matter of seconds. Unlike drivers and other people inside passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have very little protection during a collision. While wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a brain injury, riding still exposes you to a significant risk of harm.
If another person’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation for the damages you have suffered. An experienced motorcycle crash attorney from our firm can help you seek justice for all types of injuries from motorcycle accidents in Rochester.
Motorcycle accidents frequently produce more serious injuries than other types of motor vehicle collisions because riders lack the structural protection provided by a passenger vehicle. There is no steel frame, airbag, or enclosed cabin to absorb the force of an impact. That means numerous types of injuries can occur in a Rochester motorcycle accident, and many of them are severe.
In many crashes, the impact throws the rider from the motorcycle, and they strike the pavement, another vehicle, or a fixed object. This can lead to dual impacts on the body, both from contact with the initial vehicle and from contact with secondary objects when the rider lands separately from the bike.
Although helmets and other protective equipment reduce the risk of certain injuries, they cannot prevent every serious injury. This is especially true if a negligent motorist collides with a rider at full speed.
The types of injuries suffered in Rochester motorcycle collisions can vary depending on several different factors, such as the speed of the crash and the part of the body impacted. Below are some of the most common conditions.
A traumatic brain injury can occur if your head strikes the ground, another vehicle, or another object during a collision. Even if you wear a helmet, the force of the impact can damage the brain. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may experience memory loss, cognitive impairment, speech difficulties, headaches, balance problems, or permanent neurological disabilities.
The spine is especially vulnerable during a motorcycle crash, and an injury to this area can have life-altering consequences. In addition to the risk of paralysis, damage to your spinal cord could also cause chronic pain that requires long-term rehabilitation.
Broken bones are among the most common motorcycle accident injuries. Riders instinctively brace for impact, often causing leg, arm, wrist, hand, rib, pelvis, or collarbone fractures. In severe cases, you might need surgery for a broken bone and could still face a lifelong disability.
If a rider slides across the pavement, the skin can sustain significant abrasion injuries known as road rash. Severe road rash can damage multiple layers of skin and underlying tissue, increasing the risk of infection and scarring.
Motorcycle crashes sometimes expose riders to hot engine components, leaking fuel, and burning vehicles that can result in severe burns. These injuries may require extensive medical care and can lead to permanent scarring and pain.
If you have questions about the types of injuries from motorcycle accidents in Rochester, now is a good time to ask. The team at Maschka Personal Injury can answer your questions and guide you through the personal injury process. Reach out to us today to discuss your options.
